FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (March 11, 2025) — Hip-hop artist and Kansas City native Tech N9ne debuted the city’s official FIFA World Cup 26™ Sonic ID on Tuesday. The Host City Sonic IDs will be used online and at in-person events throughout the build-up to the tournament, as well as in-stadium and at FIFA Fan Festivals. Kansas City’s Sonic ID and its accompanying visualizers are now available to view on Instagram, X and YouTu
The FIFA World Cup 26™ is the first time in tournament history that FIFA has introduced Host City-specific Sonic IDs, an initiative that celebrates the unique energy and cultural vibrancy of each of the 16 host cities across the three host countries: Canada, Mexico, and the United States. The project brings together some of the most talented and influential producers from across the Host Cities, each contributing their unique sound to create a sonic tapestry that reflects the spirit of their hometowns. While each incorporates FIFA’s iconic Sonic ID, “Kansas City Theme x FIFA World Cup 26™ by Tech N9ne” stands alone as the only track with lyrics — a testament to Tech N9ne’s unparalleled artistry and innovation.
“I was so honored to be the one who KC2026 called on to do the Kansas City remix,” said Aaron Yates, who performs as Tech N9ne. “The message I’d like for people to take away from this Sonic ID is that togetherness is power, and with that, we can work our way to victory.”
The Host City Sonic IDs will be used online and at in-person events throughout the build-up to the tournament, as well as in-stadium and at FIFA Fan Festivals. Together, the 16 unique Host City Sonic IDs for the FIFA World Cup 26™ create an anthology that showcases the diversity and creativity of the host regions, offering fans a unique auditory journey through the tournament. By giving each Host City a voice through sound, the FIFA World Cup 26™ is setting a new standard for how global events can honor and amplify local cultures.
Tech N9ne’s inspiration for the track came from his many years of making strong anthems for home teams in Kansas City. In the track, Tech N9ne aims to embody the Sonic ID project’s celebration of diversity, creativity and the unifying power of sport.
The rapper, songwriter, record producer and Strange Music, Inc. co-founder collaborated with the local World Cup organizing committee KC2026 to produce an ID that encapsulates the competitive spirit, electrifying atmosphere and vibrant essence of Kansas City for the world to experience. Tech N9ne worked with Strange Music producer HU$H on creating a track that captured a “big anthem house vibe” with brass instrumentals and exciting beats.
“Tech N9ne perfectly captures the vibe of the Kansas City region and the spirit of anticipation for the World Cup with this Sonic ID,” said KC2026 Director of Fan Festival and Events Mallory Cage. “We’re grateful to collaborate with such a strong advocate for Kansas City and our sports community on this remix.”
For more updates in the countdown to the FIFA World Cup 26™, visit the KC2026 website and social channels and sign up for the KC2026 e-newsletter.
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About KC2026
KC2026, based in the Soccer Capital of America™, was established to unify the bistate Kansas City metropolitan area through the safe, seamless and successful planning and execution of FIFA World Cup 26™ Host City duties. Situated in the center of the United States and spanning the Kansas-Missouri border, Kansas City will host six FIFA World Cup 26™ matches, including a quarterfinal, and features three potential team base camp venues. Led by CEO Pam Kramer and its board of directors, the nonprofit organization also aims to harness the power of this premier experience to facilitate lasting social, economic, cultural and philanthropic impact for the region. For more information, visit 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™
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, 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 from 11 June to 19 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 Group
Trozzolo@sportkc.org