How to become a World Cup volunteer
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And the crowd at the loudest stadium in the world goes wild. Photo: Kyle Rivas/FIFA via Getty Images
Local World Cup organizers are hoping 12,000 Kansas Citians apply to be a volunteer for the 2026 event by the end of this summer.
Why it matters: The World Cup is a six-week event estimated to bring in 650,000 visitors from around the world — more than a quarter of the entire metro's population — and they'll need all the help KC can give.
The big picture: Organizers hope to end up with 6,000 volunteers total, but they expect half of the applicants to drop out of the process or not make it through interviews, which will be lengthy, according to information presented at the World Cup kickoff event in Overland Park on Sunday.
The latest: Applications aren't open yet, but anyone interested can register with FIFA now to get in the system for future updates.
- Applications will be open August through September.
- Interviews and group recruitment sessions will be conducted October-December.
- Roles will be offered and confirmed throughout winter.
- Training begins in April.
What to expect: Volunteers will be required to work nine shifts, each one lasting six to eight hours.
- Food and water will be provided during shifts.
Between the lines: Applicants will only receive one offer for one specific role, which they can either accept or decline.
- The role will remain the same throughout the event and cannot be changed.
- Some roles will put volunteers right next to the action at stadiums and among players. Others will be stationed around town as a kind of "welcome mat" for the city.
Volunteer perks include an official FIFA certificate and uniform — up to 10 clothing items, from hats and shirts to shorts and shoes.
- Exclusive rewards will be given at later shifts to incentivize people to keep showing up.
Worthy of your time: In some cases, organizers will provide skills programs, such as language classes for people who already speak other languages.
💬 Travis' thought bubble: I went into this presentation with a reporter's mind, but I left thinking I might actually apply. This is a rare opportunity, and it makes me want in on the action.