KC Goes All in on "We Are 26" FIFA World Cup 26 Host City Brand, Announces Nonprofit Organization to Lead Effort
May 18, 2023 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
Sporting Kansas City News Release
Kansas City announced the formation of KC2026 and its Board of Directors, made up of business executives, civic leaders and elected officials.
A nonprofit organization overseeing strategy and delivering host city duties for FIFA World Cup 2026™, KC2026 will plan, construct and implement all aspects of Kansas City's largest sports and fan engagement event in the region's history.
Ahead of Kansas City's KC2026 press conference announcement, and for the first time ever, FIFA unveiled unique localized tournament branding for each Host City for the FIFA World Cup 2026™. Known as a sports-centric city, and in true KC style, the market went all in on the brand unveil with real-time activations at iconic landmarks and assets including Union Station Kansas City, Mill Creek Park, the KC Streetcar, the National WWI Museum and Memorial, digital displays across the metro, as well as brand colors proudly displayed across the city's skyline.
"This is a proud moment for Kansas City. The FIFA World Cup 2026™ 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," said Mayor Quinton Lucas.
KC2026 announced today that it has already secured funding from Missouri and commitments of private support from key Kansas City organizations.
"We couldn't be more excited to host the FIFA World Cup 2026™. We know KC2026 is sure to make this a world-class event in a world-class city for sports fans here at home and around the world," said Missouri Governor Mike Parson. "From Super Bowl Champions to hosting the NFL Draft to being the first city to construct a National Women's Soccer League stadium, Kansas City is THE place to be. Now with the World Cup, this means even more infrastructure investment, business development, talent recruitment, and economic growth for Kansas City, and we look forward to KC2026 adding to the tremendous success we are seeing."
"Bringing the FIFA World Cup 2026™ 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," said Kansas Governor Laura Kelly. 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."
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."
"It's an honor to have one of Jackson County's most recognizable amenities showcased under the bright lights of the biggest international sports stage," said Jackson County Executive Frank White, Jr. "At our stadium, countless fans have witnessed unbelievable plays by talented athletes and concert performances by iconic entertainers, including Taylor Swift and soon to include BeyonceÃÂ. We are excited to add to that list of star-studded excitement when we welcome tens of thousands of people for the World Cup. Without the support of Jackson County taxpayers, this amazing facility would not exist."
The KC2026 organization is led by a Board of Directors and key leaders including Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas, and honorary board co-chairs Clark Hunt, Chairman and CEO, Kansas City Chiefs and Cliff Illig, Principal Owner, Sporting Kansas City.
KC2026 Board of Directors include:
Executive Committee:
Karen Daniel, KC2026 Board President, Chief Financial Officer, Black & Veatch (retired)
Neal Sharma, KC2026 Board Vice President, President, dentsu shop & Co-Founder and Former CEO, DEG
Jake Reid, KC2026 Board Vice President, President and CEO, Sporting Kansas City
Kathy Nelson, KC2026 Board Secretary, President and CEO, Kansas City Sports Commission and Visit KC
Esther George, KC2026 Board Treasurer, President and CEO, Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City (2011-2023
Board Members:
Mayra Aguirre, President, Hall Family Foundation
David Johnston, County Administrator, Unified Government of Wyandotte County/Kansas City, Kansas
Mike Kelly, Chairman, Johnson County Board of County Commissioners
Matt Kenny, Executive Vice President - Operations and Events, Kansas City Chiefs
Angie Long, Co-Owner, Kansas City Current
Brian Platt, City Manager, Kansas City
Joe Reardon, President and CEO, Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce
Senator John Rizzo, State of Missouri
Jim Rowland, Executive Director, Jackson County Sports Complex Authority
Morgan Said, Chief of Staff - Office of the Mayor, Kansas City
Senator Dinah Sykes, State of Kansas
Frank White Jr., Jackson County Executive, Jackson County, Missouri
Kansas City is known for its central location, robust infrastructure, fan engagement, lifestyle amenities and connectivity, making it a key market within the FIFA World Cup 2026™ destinations. Details on the number of matches Kansas City will host, along with expected attendance, will be announced later in 2023.
"This morning's FIFA World Cup 2026™ host city brand launch and the announcement of KC2026 is an important milestone that brings us one step closer to making this dream a reality," said Clark Hunt, Chairman and CEO of the Kansas City Chiefs. "This is a tremendous opportunity for our community. Fans from every corner of the world will be introduced to our city and our region, and they will see what makes Kansas City such a great place to live, work and play."
An inclusive sports city with an unparalleled passion for soccer, Kansas City has earned recognition as the Soccer Capital of America. The Kansas City region has invested more than $600 million in soccer facilities in the last 15 years, including the KC Current stadium opening in 2024 - the world's largest investment in professional women's soccer. In addition, the KC2026 bid received endorsements from nine youth soccer state associations throughout the Midwest.
"Bringing the FIFA World Cup 2026™ to Kansas City is the result of the collaboration between our professional sports teams, local and state public officials and civic leaders," said Cliff Illig, Principal Owner of Sporting Kansas City. "Fan experience and hospitality are the essence of Kansas City standing out as a premier destination for major events. Our soccer infrastructure is unmatched in North America, and we look forward to seeing our community welcome fans from around the world to the Soccer Capital of America."
Kansas City, proudly known as the Heart of America, is the nation's most centrally located major metropolitan area with 55 million people within a day's drive and both coasts within a three-hour flight.
The FIFA World Cup™ is the largest and most prestigious single-sport event in the world and is followed by billions of fans all over the world. FIFA World Cup 2026™ will be jointly hosted by 16 cities spread amongst America, Canada & Mexico and is the first-ever tournament with 48 teams competing for the title of World Champion.
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