Governor Laura Kelly announced the formation of KC2026 and its Board of Directors, made up of business executives, civic leaders, and elected officials.
The nonprofit organization will oversee the strategy and delivery of host city duties for 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.
“Bringing the FIFA World Cup 26™ to the Kansas City Metro Region was a bi-state effort that will boost the Kansas economy and show the world all that our state has to offer,” Kelly said. “I’m delighted that a great team is being assembled to coordinate planning efforts over the next three years, and I look forward to continuing to make the necessary investments to get Kansas City ready for this great opportunity.”
According to one recent study, the 2026 World Cup and the events in the weeks leading up to it will lead to a boost in tourism and an economic benefit for the region to the tune of $620 million.
“This is a proud moment for Kansas City,” Mayor Quinton Lucas said. “The FIFA World Cup 26™ will bring jobs to our residents, generate hundreds of millions of dollars for our region, and will illustrate on a global stage what we’ve known for some time: Kansas City is the soccer capital of America. I can’t wait to welcome the world to Kansas City.”
The organization will work closely with FIFA officials to ensure compliance with the event guidelines and standards. The KC2026 Board of Directors will lead fundraising efforts, as well as engage with various stakeholders, including government entities, community organizations, sponsors, and volunteers to ensure that all preparations are in place for the event.
“Kansas City is an ideal market to host the world’s largest sports event in 2026, and we needed an organization that could deliver on our host city responsibilities and continue to showcase KC as premier sports, business, and talent destination,” said Karen Daniel, President of KC2026 Executive Committee and Board of Directors. “This is Kansas City’s moment and KC2026, alongside many partners across the region, is moving intentionally and with great focus to bring to fruition an event that will shape our community’s future for generations to come.”
