In 2026, Kansas City will welcome the world. As one of 16 host cities for the FIFA World Cup, the metro will host six matches and draw more than 650,000 visitors. For Kansas City, it is an opportunity to demonstrate the resilience, innovation and community values that define our city.

FIFA projects the World Cup will add billions of dollars to the U.S. economy and support hundreds of thousands of jobs across multiple industries. Each host city will feel the ripple effect differently, but Kansas City’s story will be one of economic, cultural and civic transformation.

Locally, the tournament is expected to significantly boost economic activity, challenging the region to expand its workforce, strengthen supply chains and prepare small businesses for global exposure. UMKC alumni and students are already at the forefront of this effort, from entrepreneurs launching fan engagement ventures to supply chain experts navigating the complexities of international logistics.

Security is another pillar of preparation. With hundreds of thousands of visitors expected, the Kansas City Police Department is leading a coalition of more than 50 agencies to ensure safety across venues, hotels and public spaces. From cybercrime to crowd management, the planning has been years in the making. Alumni in the KCPD are drawing on global experience to keep both residents and visitors safe, proving that security, like soccer, is a team sport.