(Oct. 10, 2025) – As preparations are well underway for the upcoming World Cup global soccer tournament in Kansas City, we want to share some updates. Keep in mind, the first match at GEHA Stadium at Arrowhead is on June 16, 2026, and the last is on July 11, 2026, with four other matches in between. Kansas City and Lawrence are potential team base camp locations (to be chosen by the teams), with teams arriving around June 1 and likely staying through June or as long as they are still in the tournament. KC2026 is the overall planning organization for the FIFA World Cup. They expect 650,000 visitors to Kansas City and the surrounding areas of Kansas and Missouri during the six weeks of the tournament. Below is some of the planning information, including the KC2026 announcement of the Official Medical Care Provider. Visit the FIFA World Cup 26™ Kansas City website for additional tournament information.
- On Oct. 1, KC2026 announced The University of Kansas Health System is the Official Medical Care Provider for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Kansas City. They will lead specific health care initiatives in partnership with the existing health and medical planning group.
- Dr. Bryan Beaver from TUKHS will co-lead the Host City Health and Medical Committee, alongside Dr. Erica Carney.
- The Host City Health and Medical Committee is developing working assumptions to assist with planning.
- FIFA fans, including international visitors, will be able to use a FIFA app that provides guidance and information on where and how to access local health care services.
- Staffing, hospital capacity, EMS transport capabilities, supplies, cultural and revenue cycle differences and overall security are some of the many factors considered during the planning process.
More to come. Reach out to Larry Van Der Wege at lvanderwege@kha-net.org if you have any questions.
--Larry Van Der Wege