Kansas City has been selected as a host city for the 2026 World Cup. The World Cup has three host countries: America, Canada and Mexico. Kansas City will host the group stages in the middle of June, the round of 32 at the beginning of July and the quarterfinal match on July 11, 2026.

Many locals anticipate the impact of choosing Kansas City to create a buzz in both the soccer world and the economy.

“The atmosphere is gonna be amazing, and it’ll be great to see how much international soccer will grow, hopefully reaching more fans than ever before,” said Junior Eli Stone

Free State soccer player Junior Parker Bentley sees this as an opportunity for international culture within the sport to be displayed in America and influence and grow the sport within the country.

“It will not only be a great expansion and influence for youth and professional soccer programs in the US but it will also be a wonderful chance for Americans to experience world-class talented soccer players,” Bentley said.

Many will swarm to Kansas City in hopes of watching their favorite soccer players from around the world and will be able to taste international soccer culture while it is creating an economic boom for local and corporate businesses alike.