KANSAS CITT, Mo. -- We're less than two years away from the world's largest sporting event happening right here in Kansas City.
Across the Kansas City metro, work is being done to prepare for the World Cup and its international fans.
On Wednesday, metro leaders announced the location of the local fan fest. The fan fest will be at the National WWI Museum and Memorial.
The memorial will be one of many activations in and around the region during the global tournament.
“The National WWI Museum and Memorial, an enduring symbol of the importance of international peace and cooperation, is an ideal location to bring people from around the world together in Kansas City,” said Mayor Quinton Lucas.
“I look forward to the FIFA Fan Festival showcasing the vibrant cultures, talented artists and diverse cuisines that make Kansas City such a special place.”
FIFA requires each host city to provide a free fan entertainment space.
According to a news release from the Kansas City Sports Commission, many factors, including access to transportation, existing infrastructure, security and the potential impact on local businesses and neighborhoods, were considered before the National WWI Museum and Memorial was chosen.
In June - the city of Philadelphia announced details for its fan festival in Fairmount Park. The renderings have been making rounds on social media, and it won't be long before Kansas City's plans are doing the same.
On June 16, 2026, the first of six World Cup matches will be played at Arrowhead Stadium.
Kansas City's Fan Festival is among the first to be revealed, with Philadelphia announcing its at Lemmon Hill in Fairmount Park, Seattle holding its at Waterfront Park at Pier 62/63, and Vancouver holding events at Hastings Park, also known as PNE.
