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nbkc bank believes that "what's next, starts here®" and nothing rings true more than the way Kansas City is showing up in preparation to host the global matches. As part of our "Bank on Your Goals" campaign, below are some fast facts as we prepare as a host city.
Key Facts for Kansas City as Host City and the Global Matches Ahead
Kansas City Loves Soccer
To many Kansas Citians, we have created a thriving soccer culture and believe Kansas City is the soccer capital. We’re in a championship era with our passionate fanbase, major professional teams (Sporting KC & KC Current), world-class facilities, rich history (KC is an MLS founding city, global soccer host), and significant investment, we will help fans experience soccer’s biggest stage this summer.
We're Small, but Mighty
As the smallest host city1, Kansas City is ready for the global stage, as it was selected among 41 cities in the U.S., Canada and Mexico that submitted bids to be a tournament city. We're in our championship era and communities across the metro have grown accustomed over the past several years of celebrating and planning for major sporting events.
We Know How to Host
The global soccer matches to be hosted in Kansas City will be the biggest event to ever come to Kansas City—a town that has hosted national football divisional championships, professional baseball's pinnacle game, college basketball tournaments and other national events.
Largest Ever Tournament
The 2026 world soccer tournament is the largest ever with 48 teams and 104 matches, capturing massive global TV audiences.2
Worldwide Viewership
TV viewership is quite different for people watching world soccer compared to American football’s largest championship game.3
Longest International Event
The global soccer event is expected to bring visitors over a period of 39 days to Kansas City, making it the longest running global event to come to our city.
National Spotlight
It’s a chance for Kansas City to showcase America’s hospitality and innovation during the U.S.’s 250th anniversary year.
Economic Impact
Estimated $653 million direct economic boost for the region. The Big 12 Tournament generates approximately $23-33.5 million.4
Visitors
Expecting around 650,000 visitors over the tournament’s duration. Hosting the Cup is like having nearly seven Big 12 Tournaments at once over a longer period. And the 2023 NFL Draft brought in just 302,000 visitors.5
Teams
Hosting teams from at least 7 countries, including defending champions Argentina.
Fan Fest
A multi-day Fan Fest will be held at the WWI Memorial near Union Station.
Transportation
Adding 200 buses to handle visitor flow for matches, fan fests, and hotels.6
Matches in Kansas City at Arrowhead Stadium
Group Matches
June 16, 2026: Argentina vs. Algeria
June 20, 2026: Ecuador vs. Curaçao
June 25, 2026: Tunisia vs. Netherlands
June 27, 2026: Algeria vs. Austria
Knockout Matches
July 3, 2026: Round of 32 match
July 11, 2026: Quarterfinal match
Sources:
1 https://www.kcur.org/sports/2025-11-13/world-cup-kansas-city-games-how-to-watch
3 https://theathletic.com/6798308/2025/12/02/world-cup-2026-biggest-different/
4 https://www.krps.org/news/2025-03-13/big-12-championship-in-kansas-city-expected-to-bring-23-million-economic-impact/ and https://www.kctv5.com/2026/01/12/kansas-city-world-cup-matches-expected-generate-653-million-economic-impact/
5 https://www.bizjournals.com/kansascity/news/2026/01/23/2026-fifa-world-cup-visitor-visit-kc-projections.html and https://www.kshb.com/news/local-news/ncaa-tournament-weekend-other-events-bring-in-big-business-for-kansas-city