2026 World Cup installations go up around Kansas City

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The 2026 World Cup is slowly approaching for Kansas City.

On Thursday morning, localized branding for each host city in the 2026 World Cup went on display across the city.

Kansas City will have brand activations at a number of local landmarks.

• Union Station -- branded banners
• Mill Creek Park -- branding painting on lawn
• The National WWI Museum and Memorial, North Lawn -- branding painting on lawn
• KC Streetcar -- new branded wrap
• KC Cityscape -- lighting in branded colors
• Branded digital displays across the metro

“This is a proud moment for Kansas City," KC Mayor Quinton Lucas said in a statement.

"World Cup will bring jobs to our residents, generate hundreds of millions of dollars for our region, and will illustrate on a global stage what we’ve known for some time: Kansas City is the soccer capital of America. I can’t wait to welcome the world to Kansas City.”

Lucas, Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly, Missouri Gov. Mike Parson, Kansas City Chiefs CEO Clark Hunt and Sporting KC principal owner Cliff Illing, along with other local leaders, also made a "major announcement" Thursday morning for the World Cup.

Parson pledged $50 million from the state to help Kansas City leaders put on the World Cup at Arrowhead in 2026.

Lawmakers approved the money in the state budget this month, and the governor is expected to sign it soon.

State budget documents show the money will go to the Jackson County Sports Complex Authority and will largely go toward renovations at Arrowhead Stadium, where matches will be played.

The state of Kansas will also contribute $10 million toward World Cup preparations. Kelly said the money will mostly go to updates at Children's Mercy Park, where teams will practice.