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Are you ready? The stage is set for the first four World Cup matches to be played in Kansas City. Learn about the teams below and how to prepare for visitors. Kayla Savage will have more updates on the January Huddle.
→June 16 at 8:00 PM CT – Argentina vs Algeria
Reigning FIFA World Cup champions, Argentina ranks #2 in the world. They have participated in the World Cup 18 times. Star player Lionel Messi is a favorite among fans of all ages. Algeria ranks #35 and has participated in the FIFA World Cup four times. Algeria is considered “a team to watch” since their last World Cup performance in 2014, making it to the Round of 16.
→June 20 at 7:00 PM CT – Ecuador vs Curacao
Ecuador ranks #23 and has participated in the World Cup four times, and this is their second in a row. Their best result was Germany 2006 with a Round of 16 exit. Curacao ranks #82 and this World Cup is their country’s debut on the world stage -- the smallest country to ever qualify. Curacao is a Dutch Caribbean island, east of Aruba, and north of Venezuela.
→June 25 at 6:00 PM CT – Tunisia vs Netherlands
Tunisia ranks #40 and has participated in the World Cup seven times. This World Cup is their second qualification in a row and their best performance has been group stage. Netherlands ranks #7 in the world and has participated in the World Cup 12 times, with three runner-up performances and finishing in the quarter finals of the 2002 World Cup.
→June 27 at 9:00 PM CT – Algeria vs Austria
Austria ranks #24 and has participated in the World Cup eight times. Austria last played in the World Cup in 1998 and their best performance was group stage.
KC 2026 has provided some resources that we encourage you to utilize in your preparations:
- Community Playbook and KC Game Plan Playbook.
- Welcome Signage Survey - Please share with the appropriate leaders in your community to help KC2026 better understand your interest in the program. Please complete by January 2, 2026.
- FIFA Public Viewing Application Portal - View regulations, create your account, and submit your application for a FIFA Public Viewing License. *Note that the license fees have not yet been published.
If you have questions or ideas about how best to prepare or engage with fans and visitors, please feel free to reach out directly to Tracy Whelpley or Brianna Horton with KC2026. They are glad to meet with you!
- We Need Your Input - Have you attended a conference and heard a speaker that you think would be great for the 2026 Tourism Conference? The conference planning committee is gathering ideas of topics and speakers for next years conference. If you have ideas - send them to Kelli.
- Check it out! Kansas is a priority area for the current round of National Historic Preservation Trust Funds. Click here for more information. Deadline is February 2nd.
- Apply Now - Click here to apply and learn more about the Attraction Development Grant that is currently open. The grant closes on January 9th.
- Discover Your Sports Tourism Potential - For destinations seeking insights into their strengths and opportunities, and understanding their competitive positioning click here for a free profile.
- Update your records - Our new address: 915 SW Harrison, Ste 250, Topeka, KS 66612
- Did you miss a previous Travel Talk? No worries....click here.
- For more resources check out our Industry page.