Argentina's base in KC expected to bring "tens of thousands"
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Sporting KC Training Centre, at 1913 Pinnacle Way in KCK. Photo: Travis Meier/Axios
Kansas City's hospitality, facilities and location were major factors in Argentina choosing Kansas City for its World Cup base camp this summer, Sporting KC president and chief executive Jake Reid says.
Why it matters: The reigning World Cup champions' announcement last week will bring increased global attention, a massive delegation of fans and maybe some "Messi mania" to the heart of America.
By the numbers: Expect "tens of thousands of Argentina fans" coming to experience Kansas City's culture, Reid said Friday.
- Argentina's embassy estimated 35,000 to 40,000 fans traveled from their home country to the 2022 World Cup.
- A 2024 survey of 2,000 American soccer fans found Argentina was the third most popular national team behind the U.S. and Mexico.
- KC2026 expects $653 million in economic impact during the World Cup — an estimate made before Argentina's announcement.
What they're saying: "Argentina is one of the most iconic teams in the world of football, representing excellence, passions and a deep connection between the team and supporters," KC2026 chief executive Pam Kramer tells Axios. "In Kansas City, we understand what it means to rise to that level."
- "You're gonna have a lot of Argentinians trying to compare Argentine barbecue versus Kansas City barbecue," Reid said.
Zoom in: Reid said KC wooed the team from the moment they landed, with police escorts and top-notch accommodations that included "the best facility in the bid, probably in North America."
- An inside look at the FIFA-named "Sporting KC Training Centre" posted on X shows off a U.S. national team locker room, a "world class weight room," a cold plunge room, a game room and even a place for naps.
- Over two dozen countries toured the facilities in the last 18 months, Reid said.
Context: Kansas City is the smallest of 16 host cities this summer, but organizers have said its location in the center of North America makes for an ideal base camp.
Between the lines: Lionel Messi, who led Inter Miami to its first MLS championship in December, has not confirmed whether he will play in the World Cup.
The bottom line: "It's going to be fun, but it's going to be chaotic," Reid said.