KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Roughly two dozen FIFA representatives will visit Kansas City on Thursday as the city continues its bid to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Kansas Sen. Jerry Moran and Missouri Sen. Roy Blunt spoke on the Senate floor to welcome the selection committee Wednesday.
“Senator Moran and I, and our colleagues from Kansas and Missouri, endorse this effort and are glad that the selection team is looking today at what they're going to get if they decide to come to Kansas City,” Blunt said.
Kansas City is one of 17 cities in North America competing to host the event.
The senators also discussed what Kansas City has to offer, including facilities such as Arrowhead Stadium, Children’s Mercy Park and Kansas City International Airport’s upcoming single-terminal.
“Kansas City is well-equipped to support soccer fans from around the globe,” Moran said. “I am confident the entire Kansas City region is ready to make the 2026 FIFA World Cup a resounding success and is excited to add this prestigious tournament to its sporting history.”
Kansas Sen. Roger Marshall also spoke in support of the "We want the World Cup" campaign. He said that Sporting KC and the Kansas City community has been committed to bringing the largest single sport event in the world to the city.
Missouri Sen. Josh Hawley also applauded Kansas City, Missouri, Mayor Quinton Lucas for his work on the effort in an interview with KSHB 41 News. Lucas visited the Senate gallery while the speeches were delivered.
Kansas City expects to learn the result of its bid by June 2022.
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