Here's why top soccer players and fans say the FIFA World Cup will change Kansas City.

Kansas City

Kansas City will serve as a host city for six matches during the upcoming FIFA World Cup, including two knockout games. Local soccer fans and Sporting Kansas City legend Roger Espinoza have shared their excitement, highlighting the event's global significance and the unique atmosphere it brings. 

Organizers expect around 650,000 visitors, with preparations underway to welcome fans from around the world. Community leaders and fans emphasize the cultural exchange and festivities that will accompany the tournament, predicting a lasting positive impact on Kansas City.

Top soccer players, fans say FIFA World Cup will change Kansas City

Thank you, Jeff. 633 rear less than a year out from the FIFA World Cup happening in our backyard. Now Kansas City will host six matches, including two knockout games. So what can we really expect a year from now in the heart of America? We talked to diehard soccer fans who have gone to several World Cup tournaments and sporting Kansas City legend Roger Espinoza, who represented own do that in the World Cup stage. So you guys can better prepare for what's to come and join in on the action. It's been 20 years since Chris Donahue flashed this picture at his first World Cup match in Germany. Knew from the second I walked in the stadium that this was going to be something that I participated in for the rest of my life. A lifelong devotion holding true, making his way to Brazil in 2014 and joining American Outlaws and Casey, a group passionate about all things Team USA. I can't imagine that there's any other sporting event that that rivals us. People talk about the Super Bowl, but it's just it's nothing in comparison to that. And prepare to be amazed. Casey Casey native Kurt Austin, senior director of communications at Sporting Kansas City, has a World Cup album proudly honoring the red, white and blue in Germany, Brazil, South Africa and Qatar. So many fans look forward to this every four years and they save up for it for four years to be able to go to World Cup. And then when they're there for those two or three weeks during the tournament, they really make the most of the experience. You're nervous, you're you know what's at stake and you're just a fan. I can't imagine what the players go through. Well, let's ask Sporting Kansas City legend Roger Espinosa, who proudly wore an Honduras jersey during the 2010 and 2014 World Cups. You know, having the support of a whole entire nation, it's something that everyone knows and it makes everybody proud. So Casey, how do you prepare to welcome an estimated 650,000 fans like Casey 2026 predicts? Chris says secure a babysitter. I'm going to take my oldest son, so I'm going to be working with a babysitter for my youngest son. And if you have tickets, clear your calendar. I promise you will not regret getting out there early and taking in all the things, all the activities, talk to as many people as possible, welcome people to our city. If you don't have tickets, Kurt says Fan Fest at the World War One Memorial will be a fiesta you don't want to miss and get ready to enjoy the flavors fans will bring from all around the world. People here from Europe, from Asia, from Africa, from South America and bring all of their cultures with them. The songs, the dance, the food, something to really look forward to and to embrace. But once the tournament is over, these fans and players think Kansas City will win the hearts of all that came to visit. Any country that Kansas City hosts is going to be in a special moment. And the United States being a country with a lot of immigrants, I don't think any team will have a problem having fans. Okay, so I did ask everyone in this piece, including Roger, which fan base shows up the most. Their response was mixed. I will say this. Mexico did get mentioned more than once. Oh, really? Yes. By the way, the draw is December 5th. This is an event where we essentially know what teams are coming and how groupies will be taking place. That's what we've been waiting to hear. Yes. So December 5th is going to be a huge, huge date for us. And in a couple of weeks, Premier League warnings are coming to Kansas City. Oh, yeah, I talked to Roger. In that interview that I sat down with him about that Premier League warning, it looks like you guys are just going to have to tune in every morning and find out what he had to say about that. Are you so pumped up now? It's going to be so fun. Yeah, here we go. Thank you, Daniella.

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