The Secret Behind Kansas City’s World Cup 2026 Bid: What Did the Mahomes Couple Really Do?

When FIFA announced Kansas City as one of the 16 host cities for the 2026 World Cup, the city’s selection sparked curiosity: how did a Midwestern hub secure a spot in the world’s most prestigious soccer tournament? While many factors contributed, the influence of Patrick and Brittany Mahomes looms large. As sports icons and community leaders, the Mahomes couple played a pivotal yet often understated role in elevating Kansas City’s global profile. From building soccer infrastructure to leveraging their star power, their contributions were instrumental in making Kansas City a World Cup host. This article uncovers the secret behind their impact and what they really did to help Kansas City shine.

Brittany Mahomes: Architect of a Soccer Renaissance

At the heart of Kansas City’s soccer surge is Brittany Mahomes, a former professional soccer player turned trailblazing entrepreneur. As a co-owner of the Kansas City Current, a National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) team, Brittany spearheaded the development of CPKC Stadium, the world’s first stadium designed exclusively for a professional women’s sports team. Opened in March 2024, this 11,500-seat venue along the Missouri River has redefined Kansas City’s soccer landscape.

CPKC Stadium’s role in the World Cup bid cannot be overstated. FIFA requires host cities to provide top-tier training facilities for international teams, and CPKC Stadium fits the bill with its modern amenities and central location. According to a 2022 ESPN report, Kansas City’s ability to offer multiple venues, including CPKC Stadium and Children’s Mercy Park (home of Sporting Kansas City), gave it a competitive edge. Brittany’s vision for the stadium not only elevated women’s soccer but also ensured Kansas City met FIFA’s stringent infrastructure criteria.

Beyond physical infrastructure, Brittany has cultivated a vibrant soccer culture. Her leadership with the Kansas City Current has galvanized local fans, drawing thousands to matches and showcasing the city’s passion for the sport. Kansas City Chiefs star Travis Kelce, in a post shared by @NFL_DovKleiman on X, praised Brittany’s role, noting that CPKC Stadium helped Kansas City satisfy FIFA’s venue requirements. Her efforts have turned Kansas City into a soccer hub, aligning perfectly with FIFA’s vision for World Cup hosts.

Patrick Mahomes: The Face of Kansas City’s Ambition

While Brittany laid the groundwork, Patrick Mahomes brought global star power to the World Cup bid. As the Kansas City Chiefs’ quarterback and a two-time Super Bowl MVP, Patrick’s fame transcends American football. His role as an honorary co-chair of Kansas City’s World Cup bid committee lent unparalleled visibility to the campaign. When Patrick spoke, the world listened, and FIFA took notice.

Patrick’s connection to soccer runs deeper than his celebrity status. A co-owner of both Sporting Kansas City and the Kansas City Current, he has actively supported the sport’s growth in the region. His presence at Current matches and vocal advocacy for soccer have rallied the community, creating a sense of unity that FIFA values in host cities. In a 2022 Yahoo Sports interview, Patrick expressed his pride in Kansas City’s sports culture, stating, “We’re a city that loves sports, and we’re ready to host the world.” His words resonated, reinforcing Kansas City’s reputation as a sports powerhouse.

Together, Patrick and Brittany’s influence amplified Kansas City’s bid. Their combined social media reach and public appearances drew international attention, positioning the city as a dynamic and capable host. FIFA’s selection process, which evaluates everything from infrastructure to community enthusiasm, likely recognized the Mahomes as symbols of Kansas City’s ambition and readiness.

Kansas City’s Winning Formula

 

The Mahomes’ contributions were critical, but Kansas City’s selection was a team effort bolstered by the city’s inherent strengths. GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium, home of the Chiefs, will host World Cup matches, including a quarterfinal, thanks to its 76,000-seat capacity and recent upgrades. The stadium’s storied history as an NFL landmark added gravitas to the bid.

Kansas City’s geographic advantage also played a role. Located in the heart of the U.S., the city is within a four-hour flight of all other host cities, making it a convenient hub for teams and fans. The city’s robust hospitality infrastructure, including hotels, restaurants, and transportation, further strengthened its case. However, it was the availability of training venues like CPKC Stadium and Children’s Mercy Park that tipped the scales. As a Yahoo Sports analysis highlighted, Kansas City’s ability to provide multiple FIFA-compliant facilities set it apart from other contenders.

The city’s passionate soccer fanbase was another key factor. Sporting Kansas City’s supporters regularly fill Children’s Mercy Park, demonstrating the community support FIFA seeks. The Mahomes’ involvement, from attending matches to promoting soccer on social media, helped amplify this enthusiasm, ensuring FIFA saw Kansas City as a city ready to embrace the World Cup.

A Legacy Beyond 2026

As Kansas City prepares to host the 2026 World Cup, the Mahomes’ contributions will leave a lasting legacy. CPKC Stadium will serve as a training ground for international teams, while Arrowhead will welcome millions of fans. The global spotlight will showcase Kansas City’s charm, and the Mahomes will undoubtedly be at the forefront, cheering from the sidelines.

Patrick and Brittany Mahomes didn’t single-handedly bring the World Cup to Kansas City, but their vision, investment, and star power were game-changers. By building infrastructure, fostering soccer culture, and championing their city, they helped Kansas City score a historic win. As Travis Kelce put it, “Brittany and Pat made this happen.” When the world descends on Kansas City in 2026, the Mahomes’ fingerprints will be all over this triumph.