KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) – Some of the best soccer players in the world are in Kansas City this week for the Copa America soccer tournament.

The tournament pits the best teams in North and South America against each other once every four years. On Tuesday, Children’s Mercy Park played host to a group-stage match between Peru and Canada. Next Monday, the US Men’s National team is set to host Uruguay at Arrowhead Stadium.

The game, and the tournament, are giving Kansas City attention on the global scale.

“It gives Kansas City a great chance to showcase ourselves as a destination, not only for soccer fans in the Midwest and around the country but also internationally, too,” said Kurt Austin, Sporting KC’s Senior Director of Communications. “I think it’s a great opportunity for the city. You see it not only in the events we’ve been able to host in the past but also now looking forward and the events we’re going to be able to host in the future all kind of gearing up towards 2026 with the World Cup.”

Former Sporting KC legend Roger Espinoza played in two World Cups for his home country of Honduras. He says Kansas City is ready for FIFA to come to town.

“Kansas City is ready,” said Espinoza. “They don’t know what’s coming, but I think Kansas City is ready. I think it’s a city that has hosted many events, a lot of championships here, so they know how to host the world.”

Kansas City sports fans say soccer has elevated the city’s standing. The fans told KCTV5 they are grateful the sport has had a positive impact on KC.

“With the World Cup coming, I don’t think everyone is prepared for what kind of money that’s going to bring into the area,” said Ken Dotson, a long-time MLS supporter.

“It’s huge. It’s really putting us on the map, especially with us getting the World Cup, and now the COPA, it’s phenomenal,” said fan Brandon Murphy.

With the eyes of the soccer world on Kansas City on Monday, Espinoza thinks KC is about to put on a show.

“They get to see what we’re all about,” Espinoza said of the international fans. “They get to see that there are true fans here that support the sport.”

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Despite the Royals sitting at third place in the American League Central going into Saturday’s tilt opposite division leader Cleveland, Kansas City can win the four-game series outright with a triumph in the set’s penultimate matchup. Left-hander Cole Ragans, whose earned run average sits at just a notch over three even, gets the start for the home team at Kauffman Stadium.

The Guardians (51-29) don’t just lead the division. The resurgent squad, led by first-year manager and former MLB catching veteran Stephen Vogt, has the third-best overall record in the AL. Getting the ball first for the visitors is Tanner Bibee, who is 6-2 with a 3.50 ERA in 16 games.

Kansas City has a respectable 46-38 record, nearly 10 games over .500 even though it does not occupy either of the top two places in its division’s standings. Part of that is owed to the Guardians’ great first-half start. Reigning division champion Minnesota is in second with a 45-37 record. The Royals, meanwhile, have won three games in a row, including the first two in the ongoing series against Cleveland. On Friday night, Kansas City put up double-digit runs and won 10-3. First pitch Saturday will be at 3:10 p.m. CT.

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Brittany Mahomes is showing love and appreciation for her husband, Patrick Mahomes, by celebrating his journey from the start of his career to now.

On Friday, June 28, Brittany, the 28-year-old Kansas City Current co-owner and wife of Patrick Mahomes, also 28, shared a photo from the Kansas City Chiefs. The post included pictures of players, such as Travis Kelce, highlighting their first and current years on the team.

Patrick’s photo showcased him in “Year 1” and “Year 7,” both featuring his curly hair and some facial hair, though his 2024 look has a slightly shorter hairstyle.

Brittany sweetly celebrated her husband in her Instagram Stories repost, writing, “Man he cute,” along with a teary-eyed emoji and a heart-eye emoji.

This affectionate post came as the couple, who have a 3-year-old daughter, Sterling Skye, and an 18-month-old son, Patrick “Bronze” Lavon III, are enjoying a family vacation in Europe. Their travels have included stops in Portugal, Milan, Italy, and more. Patrick is currently in the off-season from the Chiefs, with the regular season set to begin on September 5, when his team faces the Baltimore Ravens.

In the meantime, the family is making the most of their European adventure, with Brittany sharing an Instagram carousel on Thursday, June 27, showing their latest stop.