Kansas City, World Cup officials meet to discuss local security for 2026 after Copa America chaos

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) – In less than two years, Kansas City is set to host six FIFA World Cup matches. On Thursday, city officials met with local FIFA World Cup representatives to discuss security measures ahead of the tournament’s arrival in Kansas City.

Last weekend, international soccer fans overwhelmed security at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium for the Copa America Championship. Soccer fans, many without tickets, stormed past security and packed the stadium beyond capacity, delaying the start of the game for more than an hour. Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas said a similar situation will not happen at Arrowhead in two years’ time.

“What you will not see is people walking up to vents, being able to get through in some last instant. We’re too well laid out to do that, but we’ll make sure we are ready for all of it,” Lucas said. “There are almost endless challenges that we face. We are trying to make sure, first of all, that we cover all threats, that we talk to our federal agency partners, and that we have the resources available.”

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Kansas City wants to present itself well to the global audience. Safety will be paramount but don’t expect it to take away from the in-game experience.

“What you will not see in 2026 is a big fortress in Kansas City, but what you will see is law enforcement,” Lucas said. “You will see folks who are engaged and invested. You will see cameras, and ultimately, I think you will see a safe place.”

Successful hometown teams have helped elevate Kansas City’s standing on the national and international stage. Mayor Lucas says the World Cup could keep that momentum going.

“I think what I’d like us to see as a change is not just how do we get ready for 2026, how are we ready after? What’s the ‘Kansas City’ we wish to sell? Tome, 2026 isn’t actually an end, it’s a beginning,” said Lucas. “Now, we need to make sure we deliver, but I think we need to continue to compete for bigger and better things each day.”

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