Soccer at UMKC and Kansas City

World-Class Fun

This summer, all eyes will be on Kansas City, the Soccer Capital of America®, as FIFA World Cup™ comes to town. We’ll be hosting the UMKC Family Soccer Fest, our nationally ranked NCAA Division I men’s soccer team will be preparing for their next run, and our soccer partnerships with Sporting KC and KC Current will be in the spotlight.

UMKC Family Soccer Fest

UMKC is bringing our community together for a family-focused celebration of all things soccer. Come to Roo Plaza at 51st Street between Rockhill and Cherry streets on Saturday, June 27 from 5 p.m.-8:30 p.m. to meet the mascots and enjoy face painters, balloon artists, airbrush tattoos, a photo booth, yard games, a mini soccer ball craft station, DJ and so much more. Then, stay to watch the Algeria vs. Austria match at 9 p.m. on the new video screen at Durwood Soccer Stadium. Event highlights include:

3v3 Soccer Play

Open to ages 6 and up, for both kids and adults. Please wear closed-toe shoes.

Sporting KC Experience

Visit the fan table for Sporting KC giveaways and more.

KC Current Teal Mobile

Shop KC Current gear at this mobile pop-up shop.

Golazo KC Soccer Experience

  • Soccer darts
  • Sub-soccer
  • Soccer tennis
  • Teqball

Learn more about Golazo KC.

Algeria vs. Austria Watch Party

Starting at 9 p.m., watch the action on the 34 feet wide and 17 feet high Daktronics 520x1040 LED Outdoor Video Display (DVX) for an immersive fan experience, featuring live video, instant replays, fan promotions and more.

In the Heart of the Game

UMKC sits right in the center of The Soccer Capital of America, and it shows with our NCAA DI men's and women's soccer teams and partnerships with Kansas City's premier professional soccer teams.

Visit UMKC

UMKC is centrally located in the Kansas City metro region, easily accessible by car or public transportation.

UMKC events and attractions

kc roo in front of the streetcar stop

Streetcar Connections

Visitors to our Volker campus can easily access the best of downtown KC from the free-to-ride streetcar stop nearby.

Plan your ride

Kansas City Roos

Attend a game

Sporting Kansas City

Sporting KC

Kansas City Current

KC Current

Our Soccer Superstars

Read about our alumnus and their connections to the World Cup and its impact.

UMKC Alumna Esther George on Kansas City’s World Cup Moment

We spoke with Esther George (MBA ’00), treasurer of KC2026, on her thoughts about the significance and impact of the World Cup.
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Securing Kansas City While Securing Goals

“KCPD is the lead law enforcement agency for the entire tournament in this region,” Major Abigail Martinez (B.A. ’02).
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Impact of the World Cup

As the nation and region prepare to host the World Cup, the UMKC community plays a large role in planning and logistics.
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