Kansas City gears up for 2026 World Cup with Street Soccer Event
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - Kansas City is set to take center stage in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, hosting 6 games, including a high-stakes quarterfinal match at Arrowhead Stadium. But even before the world’s biggest soccer tournament arrives, the city is already embracing the global game in a unique way.
Over the weekend, the Crossroads District played host to Copa de Calle, a soccer tennis tournament that transformed the parking lot of Made Mobb into a couple of makeshift pitches.
The event, which blended soccer with elements of pickleball, was designed to celebrate the sport while raising funds for the Ryogoku Soccer Academy, which s middle and high school-aged boys.
“We want to show that this city is full of soccer talents, and so we’re excited for the World Cup,” said Valeria Espadasibarra, Copa de Calle organizer. “It’s a fundraiser for Ryogoku Soccer Academy, but also highlighting that we got the World Cup coming to Kansas City.”
With a DJ setting the rhythm of play and even local professionals from Sporting Kansas City ing in, the tournament was making a strong case for the city’s growing soccer culture.
Among the pros lending their skills and advice was Zorhan Bassong, a Canadian international who has been called up to his national team a couple of times and could even be a player during the 2026 World Cup.
“Football is like a language,” said Bassong. “It’s just a beautiful game.”
For young players like Isaias Carmona, a Ryogoku Soccer Academy athlete, the street soccer event was more than just a game—it was a chance to dream about what’s to come.
“My dad is from Argentina, and I hope Argentina plays somewhere close to Kansas City or in Kansas City,” Carmona said.
Organizers hope that Copa de Calle inspires businesses across the city to embrace the sport by hosting pop-up courts.
“We’re hoping that between the City Market and Union Station, local restaurants and businesses will reach out and say, ‘Hey, I have a parking lot. Come set up a court, and we’ll take care of the rest,’” said Espadasibarra.
William Agada of Sporting KC spoke about how grassroots events like this can help shape Kansas City’s growing soccer community.
“Street football will promote more awareness, you know, to the community, to the game more,” Agada said.
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