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How is Kansas City getting ready for the World Cup next summer? Here are 7 ways

Stories by Kansas City Star journalists, with AI summarization

Kansas City is getting ready for the 2026 World Cup with major changes across the city. Arrowhead Stadium is already under construction, with seats removed and upgrades in progress. Meanwhile, transit plans to improve connection to KCI airport are still uncertain, making airport access a challenge.

Tech N9ne has launched a new World Cup theme song, showcasing Kansas City's local pride. Copa America matches at Children's Mercy Park and Arrowhead are helping the city fine-tune crowd management before the big tournament.

Peru fans hold up signs before a a Group A Copa America match between Canada and Peru at Children’s Mercy Park Tuesday, June 25, 2024, in Kansas City, Kansas. By Emily Curiel

NO. 1: HOW COPA AMERICA MATCHES IN KC WILL PREVIEW WORLD CUP 2026 & INCOMING SOCCER CROWDS

Canada and Peru played the first of two Copa America matches this summer in Kansas City. | Published June 26, 2024 | Read Full Story by Daniel Sperry

Pam Kramer is the new KC2026 CEO ahead of the 2026 World Cup, which will be played in North America.

NO. 2: WITH 693 DAYS (& COUNTING) TO 2026 WORLD CUP, NEW KC2026 CEO SAYS ‘EVERY DAY MATTERS’

In a Star exclusive, the new KC2026 leader spoke about her vision, transportation and Fan Fest for 2026 FIFA World Cup games in Kansas City. | Published July 17, 2024 | Read Full Story by Vahe Gregorian

RideKC’s downtown bus to and from Kansas City International Airport runs once an hour.

NO. 3: KC LEADERS PROMISED AIRPORT TRANSIT FOR WORLD CUP. WHAT’S POSSIBLE, AND WHAT’S A PIPE DREAM?

Planners once dreamed of a monorail or hovercraft to KCI, but the only public transit today consists of a single bus each way once an hour. | Published September 16, 2024 | Read Full Story by Mike Hendricks

Kansas City’s own Tech N9ne performed at the 12th Street lighting ceremony this year keeping alive his tradition of giving back to the community during the holidays. By Dominick Williams

NO. 4: TECH N9NE DROPS KANSAS CITY’S ANTHEM FOR 2026 FIFA WORLD CUP. LISTEN NOW

“The message I’d like for people to take away from this Sonic ID is that togetherness is power, and with that, we can work our way to victory.” | Published March 11, 2025 | Read Full Story by J.M. Banks

FIFA, soccer’s world governing body, unveiled localized branding for the 2026 World Cup and its hosts cities on Thursday. This is one of the brands for Kansas City.

NO. 5: WORLD CUP 2026 ORGANIZERS PROVIDE UPDATE ON WORK BEING DONE AT ARROWHEAD STADIUM

The Chiefs’ home stadium is under construction as the field is prepared for the 2026 World Cup. | Published March 25, 2025 | Read Full Story by Pete Grathoff

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.