KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Kansas City Sports Commission went one-on-one Thursday with FIFA, the international organizing body for soccer.
Kansas City is one of 17 finalists vying to host matches for the 2026 World Cup.
"That'd be like hosting six to eight Super Bowls is one way to compare that," KC Sports Commission President and CEO Kathy Nelson said, "a half a billion dollars of economic activity, of economic impact at a minimum probably. We've heard that, 'My gosh, if you're awarded this, it could be a billion dollars of economic activity in that summer you host."
Two years have passed since the initial bid was presented, so the team updated FIFA on Kansas City's hotels, transportation and the new single-terminal Kansas City International Airport, which should be completed in early 2023.
"I think they were thrilled with what we presented to understand Kansas City more," Nelson said in an interview with 41 Action News. "Most of them have never been to our city, and so to see it through our eyes was exciting for the group, how pleasant everyone is and how friendly we are. That really came across today and I was pretty proud of how we shined significantly in the world's eyes."
FIFA appreciates Kansas City's central location and, of course, the organization is excited to try some barbecue when they make a trip to the area. The first site visit is tentatively planned for later this year.
Sports commission officials don't anticipate a final decision until late next year, but Nelson feels like Kansas City has a great shot.
"You have to build relationships," she said. "You have to tell your story. Then, you have to prove your story. Then, you have to get that trust. Then, to be able to be awarded an event takes a lot of time."
Kansas City has hosted World Cup qualifying games, Olympic qualifiers, CONCACAF Gold Cup matches, international exhibitions, MLS Cup championships and Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup championships.
The Power and Light District also drew large crowds and international raves for its atmosphere during the 2018 World Cup, but actually hosting a World Cup match would be the pinnacle for international soccer. Any games awarded to Kansas City would be played at Arrowhead Stadium.
