Johnson County joins the celebration as our metro’s FIFA World Cup 2026™ picture becomes clearer

Johnson County Government shares the mounting local and global excitement surrounding the FIFA World Cup 2026™ Final Draw, which gives us a clearer picture of what next year's massive event will look like here in Kansas City. Along with regional collaborators, we have been preparing for this once-in-a-lifetime experience for more than two years.

Johnson County United

Work has continued on Johnson County United, an initiative bringing together Johnson County and all of its cities to give visitors and residents the ultimate metro area experience during FIFA World Cup 26™. This collaborative effort will help everyone easily navigate through Johnson County and understand what the county and cities have to offer residents and visitors - before, during and after match days.

JohnsonCountyUnited.com will be a one-stop online source for information on entertainment, amenities, outdoor recreation, culture and history. Recent updates to the site include:

• A collaborative video created by Johnson County and its cities to quickly introduce our global visitors to the fun, flavors, community spirit and warmth that they'll find here.
• Johnson County United branded merchandise (shirts, hats, water bottles, mugs and more) is available in our online store.
• Overview on ConnectKC26's tournament bus services connecting Johnson County cities to the FIFA Fan Festival™, Kansas City Stadium (Arrowhead), and 15 regional destinations across the metro.
• Details on our just-announced Johnson County United Airport Drop and Ride public transportation service in partnership with Overland Park and Lenexa.

Other preparations and involvement

• Board of County Commissioners Chairman Mike Kelly continues to serve on the KC2026 Board of Directors and has been an active participant in its planning and announcements, including the recent press conference to announce the ConnectKC26 transportation plan (read the Chairman's statement of support.)
• Johnson County's medical director Dr. Bryan Beaver has been named a co-lead of the KC2026 Health and Medical Working Group.
• From across the organization, leaders and staff continue to meet and plan with KC2026 and regional partners in various areas including public safety, public health, transportation, event planning, communications and more.
• Johnson County Park and Recreation District is ensuring visitors and residents have plenty of opportunities to engage in FIFA World Cup™ fever here in Johnson County. Plans include viewing parties at Theater in the Park, a 16-team soccer tournament called the Kansas City Unity Cup, a Johnson County Museum exhibit celebrating the semi quincentennial entitled, "Everyday Democracy: Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness in Johnson County" and the Celebration Flags Project, a new public art opportunity where ten Kansas City-area artist teams will be commissioned to create nature-inspired flags to be launched during the 2026 FIFA World Cup 26™.
• Johnson County Library is joining libraries around the metro area on a collective Summer Reading theme to celebrate FIFA World Cup™.

For more information about how Johnson County Government and our city partners are working to deliver a safe, fun and welcoming experience for everyone throughout next year's FIFA World Cup 26™ event, please visit JohnsonCountyUnited.com.