June 5 – Kansas City might not be the most obvious choice for a World Cup destination, but the “City of Fountains” is set to host six matches at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium – and the city couldn’t be more ready.
With an established Major League Soccer presence through Sporting KC, Kansas City has already proven its passion for the beautiful game runs deep.
“Six World Cup games here in Kansas City – they deserve it,” said Sporting KC attacking midfielder Erik Thommy, a German native who grew up supporting Bayern Munich in a small Bavarian village. “The atmosphere will be incredible. I personally cannot wait for the World Cup here because I want to experience a match as a fan.”
Thommy’s experience reflects the broader transformation of soccer culture in Kansas City. When he first arrived, he was amazed by the stadium atmosphere: “I didn’t expect the stadium to be so packed with fans who chant, support us, and push us every game – especially at home.”
The football scene has grown impressively throughout the region, surprising even international players like Hungarian born winger Dániel Sallói.
“When I first tuned in back in 2014, trying to figure out what Sporting Kansas City was all about, they were showing clips during the World Cup of the Power and Light District packed with people watching matches,” Sallói recalled. “I thought, ‘Wait, that’s Kansas City? I’m going to live there. That’s incredible.”
Salloi believes Kansas City has always been ahead of the curve: “This city has always been top-notch when it comes to sports. But for soccer specifically, it very much deserves recognition. When we traveled across the country, some cities were ahead of others, but I always thought Kansas City was one of the leading soccer cities in the U.S.”
The recent Super Bowl success of the Kansas City Chiefs only adds to the stadium’s mystique. “Arrowhead Stadium is going to provide an incredible experience for international visitors,” Salloi noted. “The Chiefs winning Super Bowls helps draw people who want to experience this special venue.”
No Kansas City experience would be complete without mentioning the city’s legendary barbecue scene. World Cup visitors will discover why KC barbecue is revered worldwide – a thick, molasses-rich sauce with a distinctive smoky flavour, complementing meat that’s been smoked low and slow over hickory wood. It’s the perfect combination: world-class football and even better barbecue.
Contact the writer of this story, Nick Webster, at moc.l1749220920labto1749220920ofdlr1749220920owedi1749220920sni@r1749220920etsbe1749220920w.kci1749220920n1749220920