Safety and Security
KC2026 Taps Former U.S. Secret Service Agent Kyle Postell to Lead Safety and Security
KC2026 has appointed Kyle Postell as Director of Safety & Security for the FIFA World Cup 2026™. With a background in both cyber- and physical security from his work in the U.S. Secret Service, Postell brings more than 13 years of experience protecting critical infrastructure and collaborating with local, state and federal agencies. Postell has also directed safety operations for U.S. and foreign dignitaries in major American and international events, making him a valuable addition to the regional planning efforts for FIFA World Cup 2026™.
Local Leadership Shines as KC Owns FIFA World Cup 2026™ Planning
FIFA recently invited local representatives Dr. Erica Carney (medical director, KCMO), Ryan Koehler (Chief Oversight Firefighter Paramedic, KCMO), and Captain Abigail Martinez (Kansas City Police Department) to speak on health, medical, safety and security planning at the Safety and Security Conference for FIFA Club World Cup 2025™ and FIFA World Cup 2026™ in Atlanta, Georgia, fortifying Kansas City’s role as a national leader in citywide planning. Attendees also included Kimiko Gilmore (Deputy City Manager, KCMO), Deputy Chief James Kelley (KCFD) and representatives from Arrowhead Stadium.
During the conference, Dr. Carney shared her experience and expertise on preparations for large events and how the planning process has evolved and improved over her years in emergency medicine. Captain Martinez, the events & special projects coordinator for the Kansas City Police Department (KCPD), presented insights her team learned from the FIFA observation trip to the EUROS 2024 tournament in Germany. The EUROS 2024 observation tour invited select representatives from 2026 host cities to travel with the FIFA World Cup26™ director of safety and security to observe a large-scale soccer tournament and city activations such as Fan Festival™. As part of the tour, Captain Martinez and the other invitees visited three cities and stadiums in Germany to observe fan behavior and safety planning at live matches.
Regional planning for a wide number of institutions — including law enforcement agencies, fire and EMS, hospitals, emergency management and communications, and state and federal partners — has continued apace, and stakeholders meet regularly with the Mid-America Regional Council (MARC) to share plans and resources. Feedback from other host cities and from FIFA safety and security experts points to Kansas City as a primary leader in proactive planning, with representatives praising the unique collaboration and relationships that already exist in the region, assets that make the planning process smooth and a true team effort.
