Kansas City releases first 2026 World Cup briefing of the year
Kansas City World Cup organizers have delivered their first planning update of 2026 as preparations continue for this summer’s FIFA World Cup matches.
Officials with KC2026 announced that more than 16,000 people have already signed up to volunteer. While the current plan calls for approximately 6,000 volunteer positions, those figures are expected to evolve in the coming months. Planning efforts now include more than 500 civic organizations across the region.
Much of the volunteer activity will center around the Fan Fest at the National WWI Museum and Memorial, which is expected to draw thousands of visitors during the tournament.
KC2026 CEO Pam Kramer said recent progress in areas such as economic development, community programming, transportation, and fan engagement has positioned the city well as it moves closer to 2026.
The National WWI Museum and Memorial is working closely with KC2026 to finalize Fan Fest logistics before summer. On the security front, organizers confirmed they have collaborated with 50 law enforcement agencies over the past two years and have secured federal funding to support safety efforts.
Coordination continues among local, state, and federal law enforcement partners, with funding expected to be distributed through FEMA. Kansas City police plan to release additional details on their preparations soon, while neighboring Overland Park remains in the early stages of planning.
FIFA-related timelines are also taking shape. Teams must submit base camp requests by Friday, with FIFA expected to announce selections in April. Kansas City anticipates hosting multiple Pot 1 teams, including Argentina and the Netherlands, both of which are scheduled to play matches in the city.
Meanwhile, Kansas City Chiefs officials confirmed that renovations are underway at Arrowhead Stadium. Preparations include removing seats to accommodate a regulation soccer pitch and eliminating commercial signage, with a completion timeline currently in development.
