Preparations for the FIFA World Cup in Kansas City were a key focus at the Governor’s Conference on Tourism, recently held at Lake of the Ozarks. Missouri Lt. Governor David Wasinger told Missourinet that the state could host base camps for international teams — a move that could generate millions in tourism revenue across the state.
“St. Louis and Kansas City are FIFA qualified for what’s called a base camp, where the teams are going to have to come off from all over the globe,” said Wasinger. “So, there will be a 30-day window where they come over and need to train for the soccer matches. That won’t be announced probably till January or February, but that’ll be a big announcement coming down the train tracks as well.”
Wasinger said there are three big events that will boost Missouri tourism in 2026.
“The World Cup will be here. The Route 66 anniversary and then we have America 250,” he said. “That be throughout small towns and big cities throughout Missouri.”
Wasinger estimates the events will generate hundreds of millions of dollars in tourism revenue across Missouri.
Kansas City is set to host six FIFA World Cup matches in 2026 — including four group-stage games, a Round of 32 match, and a quarterfinal — with the first game kicking off on June 16 and the last on July 11.
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