FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (March 5, 2025) — KC2026, the FIFA World Cup 26™ Kansas City Host Committee, signed a lease for 200 buses to be used during the FIFA World Cup 26™. The lease, signed Friday, February 28, made Kansas City the first of the 16 Host Cities to announce it had procured buses for the tournament. The KC2026 bus system will complement existing bus routes on both sides of the state line, transporting people — including an estimated 650,000 visitors* — to matches, FIFA Fan Festival™, Kansas City International Airport, hotel centers and more. The region’s multimodal transportation plan is paramount to realizing the estimated $653 million in economic impact from the event, connecting people to the region’s attractions, retail, and dining, while enabling residents to continue their day-to-day activities.
“Kansas City’s regional collaboration has established a strong foundation for the FIFA World Cup 26™ Kansas City,” said Amy Hopfinger, Chief Business and Strategy Officer, FIFA World Cup 2026. “We applaud KC2026’s forward thinking and ability to work together on transportation across state lines in their ongoing effort to welcome the world in 2026.”
KC2026’s Board of Directors approved the lease February 18, which was made possible through regional support including funding from the states of Kansas and Missouri and the city of Kansas City, Missouri. The comprehensive and initial lease agreement includes the vehicles, fuel, maintenance and drivers. This all-inclusive approach will streamline operations for a safe and seamless experience. The buses will also be wrapped in FIFA World Cup 26™ Host City branding, including KC2026 Host City Supporter logos. KC2026 may lease more buses as the planning process continues.
“This is a major milestone,” said Pam Kramer, KC2026 CEO. “Securing these buses is a major logistical advantage as we plan a smooth and efficient transportation experience for residents and visitors during the World Cup. Leading up to the tournament, we will continue engaging regularly with stakeholders, area planning organizations, transit providers, law enforcement and other area communities.”
With the early move to procure buses, KC2026 is ahead of schedule and preparing to deliver transportation concepts to soccer’s governing body at the end of March.
Expanded bus service is part of KC2026’s fully integrated transportation plan that will include a convenient park-and-ride system, the Kansas City Streetcar and expanded ways to bike and walk. The Host Committee’s newly released regional transit video offers a brief look at how people will get around the region during the FIFA World Cup 26™.
For more information about KC2026 and the FIFA World Cup 26, please click here. General media inquiries can be submitted directly to FIFA at media@fifa.org.
*Visit KC estimates 650,000 unique visits based on total visitor days during the duration of the event in the KC area. A visitor day is defined as one visitor spending one day (day/overnight) in the destination; the figure will be adjusted further with base camps and other future announcements.
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About KC2026
A nonprofit organization overseeing strategy and delivering Host City duties for the FIFA World Cup 26, KC2026 will plan, construct and implement all aspects of Kansas City’s largest sports and fan engagement event in the region’s history. Learn more at www.KansasCityFWC26.com.
About Greater Kansas City
Home to 2.5 million people, Kansas City is a vibrant metro in the heart of the U.S., known as the “KC Heartland.” An all-new single terminal at Kansas City International Airport welcomes guests by air, while 85% of the U.S. is less than a two-day drive away. The region’s red-hot sports culture is embraced every season, headlined by the Kansas City Chiefs, Kansas City Royals, Major League Soccer’s Sporting Kansas City, and the National Women’s Soccer League’s Kansas City Current.
Kansas City, home to renowned arts and culture, offers live entertainment in the downtown Power & Light District, as well as 40 jazz clubs throughout the area. Find food from James Beard award-winning chefs and sample true KC tradition at more than 100 barbecue restaurants across the metro. Dive into some of the country’s most significant historical moments at KC’s treasured institutions, from the National WWI Museum and Memorial and the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum to the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum and the American Jazz Museum. Learn more at www.KC.org.
About FIFA World Cup 26™
The FIFA World Cup 26™ will be the biggest sporting event ever, with three Host Countries, 16 Host Cities, 48 teams and 104 matches uniting an entire continent to showcase a momentous new tournament format. With more countries, cities, teams and games, the FIFA World Cup 26 will be the most inclusive tournament ever, engaging millions of fans across 16 unique stadiums and billions worldwide. The tournament will take place in June and July 2026. For the latest FIFA World Cup 26 information please visit the FIFA World Cup 26 website. For media representatives wishing to stay up to date on all things 2026, please register via the FIFA Media Hub.
CONTACT:
Haley Harrison-Lee
KC2026 | Trozzolo Communications
media@kansascityfwc26.com