Kansas City, Missouri – During the 2026 FIFA World Cup, one of the most famous teams in international soccer will call Kansas City home. Local leaders say this shows how the area is becoming more widely recognized around the world.
Mayor Quinton Lucas celebrated the moment by announcing that the Netherlands men’s national team had chosen the city as its official base camp. This puts the three-time World Cup finalist at the core of the tournament’s impact in the Midwest.
“Naar links! Naar rechts! Kansas City is excited to host the Oranje, one of the most passionate teams and fan bases in global soccer,” said Mayor Lucas.
“With a match at the legendary GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium and selection of Kansas City as home base during the FIFA 2026 World Cup, Kansas City looks forward to welcoming Dutch fans, their epic march to the match, and unforgettable memories this summer in the Heart of America. Kansas City, the Soccer Capital of America, is the Base Camp Capital of the World.”
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The Dutch team is anticipated to use the Kansas City Current Training Facility as both their headquarters and their daily training field during the tournament. The team will get ready there between games, including before its last group stage game on Thursday, June 25, when the Netherlands plays Tunisia in Kansas City.
That game will take place at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium, one of the tournament’s chosen locations to host several games, from the start of group play to the quarterfinals on July 11.
City leaders think the choice is more than just a logistical one. It shows that Kansas City has spent years building up its sports infrastructure and working with the community to make it a friendly place for international events.
Lucas said that the emotion around the Oranje fans—who are known throughout the world for their color, chanting, and organized marches to stadiums—was a cultural moment that the community is excited to see in person.
Local organizers think that the flood of supporters who come to town will have an effect that goes beyond match days, creating a worldwide vibe in streets, businesses, and public places.
The 2026 tournament will take place in 16 locations across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Kansas City will be part of a continental celebration of the sport.
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Having the Netherlands as a base camp in the region has both symbolic and practical effects. Thousands of fans are expected to come through, bringing business, attention from around the world, and chances for cultural interchange that will last long after the game ends.
