Columbia considers watch parties for 2026 FIFA World Cup
Euphenie Andre
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
More than 40 countries are set to compete in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, a global event just months away.
The U.S. will host the majority of matches, with eleven cities selected, including Kansas City, which is expected to draw massive crowds.
The Columbia Convention and Visitors Bureau is considering the possibility of hosting World Cup watch parties.
“We have been in contact with our partners at VisitKC, the Missouri Division of Tourism and World Cup Kansas City for many months. Once we know more about the teams and schedule, we can begin more detailed planning for events and fan initiatives,” Convention and Visitors Bureau spokeswoman Megan McConachie said in an email.
McConachie also said the city would consider a shuttle service from Columbia to Kansas City during the World Cup if there seems to be a large demand. She expects to have more information after the New Year.
Any organization or individual hoping to host any public or private viewing event with more than 1,000 people must have a FIFA Viewing License through the networks that hold broadcast rights — FOX and Telemundo.
Applications for these viewing licenses will be processed through the FIFA Public Viewing Platform, which is scheduled to open soon. Event names and advertising cannot include the words “FIFA,” “World Cup,” or “FIFA Cup.” Organizers can use general terms like “soccer” or “tournament” and team names, but official logos are not allowed.
There is restriction on sponsorships, concessions and admission fees. Organizers should review FIFA’S Public Viewing license Regulations for full details.
There is a possibility that fans unable to secure accommodations in Kansas City due to sold-out hotels or high prices could turn to Columbia, bringing an influx of visitors to the city. McConachie said the impact will depend on which teams are drawn Friday morning, as each matchup will influence the number of international and domestic fans expected to travel.
Missouri Reign — a local soccer club in Columbia — said this kind of global attention could have an affect on interest in the sport at home.
“I think there will be some people who are not previously soccer fans who end up going to some games and really falling in love with the game like we all did when we were young. And I think it’ll be a really good opportunity for growth at all levels for soccer,” Quinn Walker, Director of Operations for Missouri Reign, said.
Dakota Acock, head coach and founder of the Missouri Reign, tells ABC 17 the club typically has around 100 athletes, with 40 to 50 players active across its two teams. Acock believes the global spotlight of the 2026 FIFA World Cup will benefit the sport.
“We’re excited to see a little bit of a bump across all avenues of youth soccer and, you know mature soccer across the Unites States, especially here in Mid-Missouri,” he said. Acock also hopes the World Cup will generate momentum that brings more fans to support the Reign as their season kicks off at the end of May.
The 2026 World Cup draw is set for 11 a.m. Friday.