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As Kansas City continues to host the Copa America tournament, the city is getting a firsthand look at the potential economic and cultural impact of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Kansas City played host to Monday night’s game between the United States and Uruguay.
Visit KC, the city’s tourism organization, has stated that they will conduct a thorough analysis after tonight’s game.
The Copa America tournament has brought two games to the Kansas City metro, compared to the six games expected for the World Cup.
“It’s an expense, the exchange rates aren’t very good at the moment — horrible. Horrible,” said Javier Rodriguez, a soccer fan from Melbourne, Australia.
Rodriguez and his partner Leanne have invested more than $10,000 to attend the Copa America tournament.
Their investment includes 16-hour flights, tickets, food, and three weeks of hotel stays.
Pauli Vargas, a soccer fan from Chicago, spent $1,000 exploring Kansas City over the weekend while cheering for Team USA.
“KC BBQ always scores well,” Vargas said.
Thelma and Kevin Runions, soccer fans from Nebraska, are also planning to return to Kansas City for the World Cup in 2026.
“It’s priceless. Yes. Pretty much. Yes.,” Thelma said.
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