Kansas City gears up with Premier League ahead of World Cup 2026

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - Kansas City’s reputation as the “Soccer Capital of America” takes center stage this weekend as the city hosts the Premier League Fan Festival Saturday and Sunday.

The free event kicked off at the Power & Light District early Saturday morning.

Thousands of fans gathered to watch the matches live, meet soccer stars and mascots, and take photos with the Premier League trophy. Including 12-year-old Michael Hartweger—he and his dad drove all the way from St. Louis to attend the festival.

“[We left] at about 5 a.m.,” Hartweger explained. “I’d say I’m pretty excited for the Fan Fest.”

Corban Houdyshell says the festival is more than just a celebration. The die-hard soccer fan believes it is also a preview of what is to come when Kansas City hosts the FIFA World Cup in 2026.

“It’s expanding to have bigger academy clubs come here and be able to train youth,” Houdyshell said.

Premier soccer legends, Steve Fletcher and Alan Shearer think Kansas City is more than ready for the World Cup.

“I’ve never witnessed anything like this,” Fletcher said in shock. “I like the way the fans can get together here.”

“You just feel something different here. It is the, ‘We love our sport. We love our soccer. We love being apart of something special,’” Shearer said. “The World Cup without doubt is going to be that.”

The Premier League Fan Festival Sunday, September 21:

Bournemouth vs. Newcastle United – 8 a.m. kick-off

Sunderland vs. Aston Villa – 8 a.m. kick-off

Arsenal vs. Manchester City – 10:30 a.m. kick-off

The event is free, but you must register online.