Cleaver, Alford, Mann, Bell Introduce Resolution Honoring Kansas City for Hosting World Cup

(Kansas City, MO) - Today, U.S. Representatives Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO), Mark Alford (R-MO), Wesley Bell (D-MO), and Tracey Mann (R-KS) introduced a resolution honoring the tremendous effort undertaken by the people of Kansas City, Missouri, Kansas, and surrounding communities in preparing to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

"Kansas City is the soccer capital of America, and whether it is the barbecue or the Midwest manners, we're excited to welcome the world as we share all that our great city has to offer," said Congressman Cleaver. "After years of preparation and regional cooperation to get to this point, I look forward to the joy and economic benefits the World Cup will bring to the people of Kansas City, our small business community, and the workers who have made it all possible."

"Kansas City and the surrounding communities have stepped up in a truly incredible way to prepare for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. From our first responders and local leaders to small businesses and volunteers, this is truly a team effort. We're not just ready to host the world-we're ready to show it what the heartland can do, and I'm proud to lead this effort in Congress on behalf of Missouri's Fourth District and surrounding areas," said Congressman Alford.

"Kansas City is the soccer capital of the United States, and this World Cup has already proven why," said Congressman Mann. "I am grateful for the leadership that went into planning this moment and setting Kansas City up for success so that our community can show fans from around the globe what Midwestern hospitality is all about."

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is expected to be the largest tournament in history, featuring 48 teams and 104 matches across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, and drawing an estimated global audience of more than 6 billion viewers. Kansas City, one of 11 host cities in the United States, has quickly established itself as the "Soccer Capital of America" due to its world-class facilities, central location, and strong culture of hospitality.

Congressman Cleaver helped secured nearly $80 million in federal funding to support public safety efforts focused on World Cup events in Kansas City.

The resolution:

• Honors the dedication and hard work of Kansas City-area communities in preparing to host the World Cup;
• Recognizes the scale and complexity required to organize a global event of this magnitude;
• Affirms that international events of this caliber can be successfully hosted outside of major coastal cities; and
• Commends the small businesses, teams, schools, volunteers, and public officials working to welcome the world
  

Emanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri's Fifth Congressional District, which includes Kansas City, Independence, Lee's Summit, Raytown, Grandview, Sugar Creek, Greenwood, Blue Springs, North Kansas City, Gladstone, and Claycomo. He is a member of the exclusive House Financial Services Committee and Ranking Member of the House Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance.