Kansas City embracing spot in international soccer limelight

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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