world cup

Almost 400 Kansas City residents took advantage of a program offering cheaper short-term rental permitting during the World Cup, hoping to catch a windfall from the influx of tourists. Some aren't seeing the bookings they anticipated.

Grocers across the Kansas City region stocked up on an array of World Cup gear to capitalize on excitement around the event.

World Cup visitors and locals can still get free tickets for the Fan Festival, which will host performances and a giant watch party to see the tournament matches.

Area health departments are putting the finishing touches on plans to keep residents and travelers healthy during the FIFA World Cup. Officials are hopeful increased wastewater surveillance and unified messaging will help prevent outbreaks.

Amtrak officials say some trips this summer are expected to sell out, so riders should book their seats early.

Kansas City has made several preparations for the FIFA World Cup, including a transit plan with more bus routes, shuttle services and extended streetcar access for easier movement within the city. But travelers may first have to get across the state.

Just weeks before thousands of fans from around the world celebrate the 2026 FIFA World Cup on the lawn of the National WWI Museum and Memorial, local organizers and security partners gathered there to practice responding to emergencies.

A free event Friday at Westport Plaza in Maryland Heights will give soccer fans the chance to get an up-close look at the World Cup trophy, ahead of the international tournament's kickoff next month. The trophy tour visits Kansas City over the weekend.

Even though there are six World Cup games in Kansas City, you can't simply buy tickets. That would be too easy. And if you weren't randomly selected in FIFA's most recent lottery, you'll have to wait several more months — unless you try your luck in the resale marketplace.

The money will help Kansas City pay for police overtime, buy more cruisers and put ambassadors on public transit ahead of this summer's World Cup. Kansas City will host six matches, and the metro will be the base camp for four teams.