KC begins tryouts for its World Cup volunteers
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KC2026 organizers are beginning tryouts this week to select 6,000 volunteers who will help run the FIFA World Cup next summer.
Why it matters: The six-week tournament, expected to draw nearly 650,000 visitors to the Kansas City metro, will rely on volunteers to represent this city to a global audience.
By the numbers: More than 15,000 people applied to volunteer in KC before applications closed this fall, according to KC2026.
- About half live within 50 miles of the KC metro.
- FIFA received more than 1 million applications from prospective volunteers around the world.
Zoom in: Tryouts start today inside the new 14,000-square-foot volunteer center on Union Station's third floor, a space lined with World Cup memorabilia, trivia walls and interactive games.
- Applicants will have short interviews to match their skills and interests with open roles.
- The first 250 "starting lineup" volunteers trained last weekend and will help lead the process.
- Lori Thomas, KC2026's director of volunteer operations, told Axios that volunteers won't be paid but will receive meals, refreshments and an Adidas uniform package of up to 10 items.
What they're saying: "More than 15,000 people raised their hands and said, 'I want to be part of this because it's Kansas City,'" Thomas said at the volunteer center ribbon cutting ceremony.
- "They're teachers, students, young professionals, even people who've never seen a soccer match, and they all want to give something back," she said.
- KC2026 CEO Pam Kramer said the new space "gives our volunteers a home base to connect and prepare for the work ahead."
State of play: Volunteers will work at Kansas City International Airport, Arrowhead Stadium and the FIFA Fan Festival at the National WWI Museum and Memorial.
- Assignments range from translating for fans and teams from around the world to directing visitors, assisting travelers or welcoming guests at events.
- All volunteers must pass background checks before receiving assignments.
What's next: Sessions will run Tuesday through Saturday through Jan. 24.
Dig deeper: KC2026 at the White House