KANSAS CITY, Mo. — What began as a hopeful aspiration – perhaps securing a single game or a single base camp – has blossomed into something far grander for Kansas City as it prepares to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The city has not only landed six matches, including a coveted quarterfinal at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium, but has also been selected as the home base for three of the world’s most prominent national teams: Argentina, England, and the Netherlands.
The scale of this achievement is striking. No other host city has secured base camps for multiple teams from FIFA’s top-ranked nations. Algeria is also widely expected to choose Lawrence’s Rock Chalk Park as its base camp, potentially bringing the total to four teams calling the Kansas City region home during the tournament.
This success story is a remarkable transformation from the early days of soccer in Kansas City. Kathy Nelson, president of the Kansas City Sports Commission and Visit KC, recalls conversations with Chiefs president Mark Donovan where a single game or base camp would have been considered a significant win. Now, Kansas City is confidently staking its claim as the “Soccer Capital of America.”
The evolution of soccer in Kansas City is a story spanning over a century, marked by the contributions of immigrants, dedicated individuals, and strategic investments. Early mentions of “soccer football” in local media date back to 1906, coinciding with a period when American football faced scrutiny for its violence. Some even suggested replacing it with soccer, though the idea didn’t fully take root at the time.
By the 1960s, the game was slowly gaining traction, largely thanks to the efforts of Latino and European immigrants. The Guadalupe Centers, established in 1919, provided a community hub for Mexican immigrants, many of whom had fled the Mexican Revolution. While initially encouraged to assimilate into mainstream American sports, soccer remained a passion for many, and the formation of teams like “Los Latinos” helped keep the game alive.
The arrival of Lamar Hunt in the 1960s proved pivotal. Captivated by the 1966 World Cup final, Hunt became a staunch advocate for soccer in the United States, founding the North American Soccer League (NASL) and tirelessly working to bring the World Cup to American soil. His efforts culminated in the 1994 World Cup, though Kansas City wasn’t selected as a host city at that time.
The Kansas City Comets of the Major Indoor Soccer League (MISL) from 1981-1991 also played a crucial role in fostering local interest. The Comets’ entertaining style and strong attendance figures demonstrated the potential for soccer to thrive in the city. Tony Tocco, longtime Rockhurst University soccer coach, noted that the Comets provided a pathway for young players to dream of a professional career.
The establishment of Sporting Kansas City in 2006, rebranded from the Kansas City Wizards, marked a turning point. The club’s investment in state-of-the-art facilities, including Children’s Mercy Park, and its commitment to youth development helped elevate the sport’s profile in the region. The recent opening of the KC Current’s CPKC Stadium, the first purpose-built stadium for a women’s soccer team, further solidifies Kansas City’s position as a soccer hub.
England confirmed on , that it will be based at Swope Soccer Village in Kansas City, Missouri. This followed an “extensive search” and recognized the complex’s proven track record of hosting professional teams. Argentina will call Sporting KC’s Performance Center home, while the Netherlands will utilize the KC Current Training Center in Riverside, Missouri.
The impact of these base camp selections extends beyond the sporting realm. With an anticipated 650,000-plus visitors, the economic benefits for the region are substantial. But perhaps more importantly, it’s a testament to the decades of dedication and investment that have transformed Kansas City from a “hick town” for soccer into a world-class destination for the beautiful game. As KC Current co-owner Chris Long stated, “Kansas City’s where it’s at.”
