Kansas City World Cup legacy mixed

The 2026 World Cup concluded last summer, leaving Kansas City with a mix of permanent upgrades and fading temporary projects. While global spectators have departed, the city is now assessing the long-term value of its investments.

In the Crossroads Arts District, the walls of Brewery Emperial display a mural titled "Soccer Portals" by Miami artist HOXXOH. The piece features blue and orange waves representing Argentina and the Netherlands. Ami Harrington, co-founder of SpraySeeMo, noted that the design was the final mural completed for the event.

Jason Harrington, his husband and business partner, explained that the imagery depicts soccer balls and an infinity symbol within a tunnel. The couple worked with the city and private investors to paint 100 murals across the metro area. In the West Bottoms, developer SomeraRoad commissioned seven of these pieces as part of a redevelopment effort exceeding $500 million.

Grant Hromas of SomeraRoad KC stated that the goal was to use the tournament's global attention to draw people to the neighborhood. He said the team sought blank walls where art could tell the local story or celebrate the event. Jason Harrington said they prioritized creative freedom so the work could stand on its own after the games ended.

City public works director Jason Waldron said infrastructure improvements were largely finished ahead of the tournament. These included repaved roadways and traffic signals along Southwest Boulevard from 25th Street to Broadway. The city also upgraded Stadium Drive with new sidewalks and a raised shared-use path. A new pathway now connects the River Market and Berkley Riverfront Park across the Grand Boulevard bridge.

Waldron noted that the World Cup provided a deadline that accelerated these projects. He said city leaders aimed to avoid placing the burden of event preparations on local services. He added that the experience created a stronger network of relationships between agencies that will benefit future cross-departmental projects.

In Johnson County, Parks and Recreation purchased a 20-by-30 foot screen for nearly $300,000. The display at Shawnee Mission Park hosted over 12,000 attendees for 24 games. The district is now exploring ways to make the screen mobile for other events. Johnson County Libraries added free charging lockers and translation devices that have seen continued use since the tournament.

Elissa Andre, the county library's marketing manager, reported that staff completed approximately 750 translations by October 16. These interactions were primarily in Spanish, Korean, and Japanese. She cited a recent instance where staff used the device to help a Spanish-speaking visitor register for a library card. The library plans to keep these services for years to come.

The Open Doors! program, a partnership between the Economic Development Corporation and KC BizCare, offered 80% rent subsidies and $10,000 grants to businesses in vacant storefronts. Participants like 515 Music Hub used the funds to create live venues. However, founders Emily Behrmann and Lindsey Jarrett reported that foot traffic did not increase as expected in the Westside.

The six-month agreement for 515 Music Hub ended on October 31. Other participants are seeking to stay. Antionette Redmond of Bubbles and Goo is negotiating a lease extension. Erica Muñoz of Madrina Vegana Taqueria is looking for a permanent location after finding that World Cup visitors made up only 10% to 15% of her customers. Nia Webster, the city liaison for the program, said officials are currently evaluating impact metrics to determine if another round will occur.