Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas has described the 2026 World Cup as the largest event his city has ever hosted, with England, Argentina, and the Netherlands set to base themselves there. Speaking ahead of the tournament, Lucas said the global focus offers a chance to showcase Kansas City's openness and friendliness, countering negative perceptions of the United States under the Trump administration.
Lucas acknowledged concerns about the direction of the US, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) actions and the president's rhetoric. He noted that while he shares some worries, there is a mutual interest in ensuring the World Cup is peaceful. 'We will get through this moment as we have in the past,' he said, adding that many people distinguish between the administration and local communities.
The mayor revealed he had spoken to Homeland Security czar Tom Homan about ICE operations, expressing hope for a renewed focus on hardened criminals rather than dragnets. He suggested the administration's recent change in Homeland Security leadership indicates a shift towards public safety over political shenanigans during the games.
Kansas City, which Lucas calls 'the soccer capital of America,' will host six matches and three national teams. England selected the Swope Soccer Village, located in a majority-Black area that was once a segregation dividing line. Lucas highlighted this as a positive development, alongside the city's state-of-the-art facilities.
Despite boycott discussions from some allies, Lucas believes the long-term relationship between the US and European countries will endure. 'I think they can distinguish what's going on at the administration level from what's happening on the ground in, say, Kansas City,' he said.
