In a major coup for Kansas City, the Netherlands' national soccer team has selected the facilities of the Kansas City Current as its official base camp for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. This announcement marks a significant milestone in the city's preparations to host one of the world's biggest sporting events.
What this really means is that Kansas City has caught the eye of yet another global soccer powerhouse, further solidifying its status as a premier destination for the 2026 World Cup. The Netherlands, currently ranked 7th in the FIFA world rankings, will be joining fellow heavyweights Argentina and England in choosing the Kansas City metro area as their training home during the tournament.
A Boon for the City and the KC Current
This announcement is a major win not just for Kansas City, but also for the city's own professional women's soccer team, the Kansas City Current. The Current's state-of-the-art training facilities at Riverside, Missouri will play host to the Dutch squad as they prepare to challenge for the World Cup trophy.
"Having a global superpower like the Netherlands train at our facilities is a huge honor and testament to the quality of the KC Current's infrastructure," said Angie Long, the team's co-owner. "This is not only a massive boost for our club, but also for the entire Kansas City region as it cements our status as a premier soccer destination."
Broader Implications for Kansas City
The Netherlands' decision to base themselves in Kansas City is just the latest in a string of high-profile teams choosing the city as their World Cup home. As KCUR reported, Argentina, England, and Algeria have also selected the Kansas City metro area for their training camps.
The bigger picture here is that Kansas City's profile on the global soccer stage is rising rapidly. Hosting multiple elite national teams will bring extended stays, worldwide media attention, and a significant economic windfall to the region - well beyond just the match days. Local businesses would be wise to start planning now to make the most of the estimated 650,000 visitors expected for the 2026 World Cup.
With the Netherlands now on board, Kansas City's status as a rising soccer hub has been cemented. The city's preparations for this historic event are clearly paying dividends, and there's no telling what other surprises may be in store as the 2026 World Cup draws nearer.