KANSAS CITY, Mo. —
The work continues to bring another World Cup to Kansas City.
This time, the goal is to host matches during the 2031 Women’s World Cup.
And Kansas City’s chances are looking promising.
FIFA gave Kansas City top scores for fan interaction, accommodations and Arrowhead Stadium as part of its evaluation of the 2031 World Cup bid.
“I feel very confident today that they will have no difficulty in choosing Kansas City for some part of 2031,” said Kathy Nelson, president and CEO of the Kansas City Sports Commission.
Nelson said the city’s experience preparing for the men’s World Cup has helped put Kansas City in a strong position to host another major international event.
“We do not take this lightly,” Nelson said. “It takes a lot of work to be at that table, to be at a national stage, at a global stage, to know that we’re recognized as a city that can host mega events.”
Nelson said one of the biggest lessons has been learning how to work together across state lines.
That includes coordinating transportation, funding and the organizations responsible for bringing major events to the city.
And the Women’s World Cup might not be the only major sporting event coming to Kansas City in 2031.
The city could also host matches during the Men’s Rugby World Cup about six months later.
Nelson believes Kansas City could handle both events.
“It doesn’t scare me to think that, my gosh, two massive global events could be in our city in the course of six months,” Nelson said.
Arrowhead Stadium is being considered as a potential venue for Women’s World Cup matches. It’s unclear whether a new Chiefs stadium could also be an option.
Sporting Kansas City’s facilities and CPKC Stadium, which was designed specifically for women’s professional soccer, could also play roles in hosting matches or serving as team base camps.
The next step comes Nov. 23, when the FIFA Congress is scheduled to consider whether to accept the 2031 World Cup bid.