US: "Soccer capital of America" gears up for 2026 World Cup.

Kansas City, Missouri, known as "the soccer capital of America", is getting the ball rolling for city-wide celebrations during the 2026 World Cup, when it will serve as one of the host cities. The Midwestern city is the home of the Sporting Kansas City team, an original member of Major League Soccer, which has one of the most solid fan bases in the league. Moreover, soccer participation rates across all age groups in the city are among the highest in the United States. During the tournament, the city will host six matches, including four group-stage games, one Round of 32 match and one quarterfinal. Defending champion Argentina and one of the leading candidates for the trophy -- the Netherlands -- have set this city as their base camp. With the World Cup drawing near, soccer fans in the city have begun gathering outside the hotels where players are staying, hoping to catch a glimpse of their idols. Among them was local soccer fan Andres, who expressed excitement for the tournament both as a resident of a host city and as an immigrant from Colombia. The city will also hold a FIFA Fan Festival during the Cup. For the event, huge screens and entertainment facilities will be set up against Kansas City's iconic backdrop of the National World War I Museum and Memorial. The festival plans to welcome more than 20,000 people, offering fans 18 days of free match screenings and entertainment experiences. The 2026 FIFA World Cup opens on June 11. A total of 104 matches will be played in Canada, Mexico and the United States, with the final to be hold on July 19. Shotlist: Kansas City, Missouri State, USA - Recent: 1. Various of World Cup-themed decoration at airport; 2. World Cup gear store; 3. Hotel where Argentina national football team stays; 4. Fans outside; 5. Police security; 6. SOUNDBITE (English) Andres, Colombian American (full name not given) (ending with shot 7): "[Colombia may enter the] second round or the third round; hopefully, or quarterfinals. But I think there are many many good teams, like France, Argentina. Brazil is a good team, too; maybe Portugal."; 7. Various of Andres play football with kid; 8. Arrowhead Stadium; 9. Words reading "FIFA WORLD CUP 2026"; 10. Various of FIFA Fan Festival site; 11. Various of poster showing open dates, times for FIFA Fan Festival; 12. Banner reading "Heart of America, heart of the game"; 13. Kids taking photos with World Cup inflatable ball. [Restrictions: No access Chinese mainland]