Kansas City prepares for 2026 FIFA World Cup as transportation challenges linger
In two years, Kansas City will play a major part in the world's biggest sports tournament
In two years, Kansas City will play a major part in the world's biggest sports tournament
In two years, Kansas City will play a major part in the world's biggest sports tournament
Kansas City will host a quarter-final match in the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Arrowhead Stadium in almost exactly two years.
Before the city can get to the largest international spotlight in its history, serious questions regarding public transportation remain.
KMBC 9 talked with the newly appointed Senior Advisor for Transportation for the KC 2026 organizing committee, and former Kansas Transportation Secretary, Julie Lorenz.
"One of the biggest challenges that remain for Kansas City in the 2026 World Cup planning is how to transport a lot of people from attractions like the plaza to Arrowhead Stadium, where these games will be played," Lorenz said.
A big part of that challenge is getting international fans used to a midwestern city and getting Kansas City's residents prepared for the world's biggest sports tournament.
"Sometimes folks think that this is just like having a bunch of football games. Not at all. There are some significant differences," Lorenz added.
Lorenz has recently taken on the role of senior advisor for transportation for the KC 2026 Committee.
"We expect about 60 percent of our visitors to be international. So they're going to be looking for information not only in English but in other languages,” Lorenz said.
Kansas City's public transit systems and walkability are not its strong points.
"We need to strengthen our transit systems, our regional transit systems for sure,” Lorenz said.
A longer streetcar line, set to be completed next year, will help address this issue. However, the region will likely need to add hundreds of buses.
"But also thinking about the people who currently use our transit systems. We want to make sure that they can still get to doctor's appointments and work and other sorts of things,” Lorenz said.
The hope is that the transit solutions implemented for the World Cup can serve the region for years to come.
"That can be our legacy, better mass transit," Lorenz said.
Kansas City is set to host six matches in 2026, beginning on June 16 and running through July 11.
Teams may also use the Kansas City area as a potential base camp during the tournament.