FIFA Fan Festival for the 2026 World Cup kicks off in Kansas City
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KQTV) - With the World Cup kicking off Thursday and games soon coming to Kansas City next week, the FIFA Fan Festival began on Thursday right in front of the World War I Museum in KC for fans to get excited and geared up for the games.
You could basically describe the Fan Fest as an adult amusement park, photo opportunities, the FIFA team store, food and drink vendors, and plenty of space to watch the soccer matches. Fans piled in to see Mexico take on South Africa in the first game. Everyone in attendance was grateful that Kansas City could host an event like this.
"This is actually pretty awesome. I was in high school the last time we had a World Cup, and I've never experienced anything like this, but this is pretty cool," said Kansas City resident and Mexico fan David Aguilar.
"t's amazing. I actually went to the 2010 World Cup when I lived in South Africa then originally. So it's amazing, said Kansas City Resident and South Africa fan Richard Carterbrow. "I know how amazing the World Cup is, and I'm really, really excited to experience it six years later."
Even with the mix of spotty rain showers and little shade from the sun's rays Thursday afternoon, the fans showed out in support for their teams. Lots of green for Mexico supporters in attendance.
"Once in a lifetime thing. I mean, I'm only 15, but like I've never seen anything like this," said Mexico fan Julian Hernandez.
"It's really cool seeing everybody out here, everybody supporting Mexico. It's really cool seeing everybody out here, even though the weather might be a little down. We're still up," said Mexico fan Annabelle Jacobo.
"You know Kansas City's lit. Even in the rain, nothing's stopping us from having fun and supporting teams," said Mexico fan Amiya Hernandez.
Plus some of the fans, along with going to Fanfest, are actually planning on attending some World Cup games at Kansas City Stadium and beyond.
"Actually, I'm going to one of the games here for Ecuador because my wife is Ecuadorian," said Aguilar. "t's pretty cool. It's my first soccer match ever that we're going to!"
We're going to Austria vs. Algeria. Then we're actually going to South Africa's game in Atlanta. We're flying in for that one," said Carterbrow.
The Fan Fest will continue all throughout the World Cup. Events and concerts right here all throughout the weekend. Then that first game in Kansas City next Tuesday, Algeria and Argentina at 8 p.m.
