Safety, security front and center as Kansas City prepares for World Cup 2026
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - Millions of visitors are expected to come to Kansas City in just over 450 days.
Organizers describe World Cup 2026 as the equivalent of hosting three Super Bowls every day for a month. It is expected to bring 8 million visitors to the Kansas City region.
G.B. Jones is the Chief Safety and Security Officer for FIFA World Cup 2026.
He’s in charge of keeping everyone safe and met with KCTV5’s Sharon Chen Monday.
Jones said FIFA has completed extensive work with the 16 World Cup host cities, including Kansas City.
Each city helped develop strategies and objectives that will be needed to make the massive sporting event a success.
Jones said each host city will follow an overall template, instead of an individual plan. The template will address terror threats, fights between fans, and overall safety.
Representatives from each host city have witnessed the World Cup plan in action. FIFA hosted representatives from Kansas City in Qatar during World Cup 2022. The representatives learned about different fan bases, behaviors, and even how the overall operation operated.
Jones said FIFA will work directly with public and private partners in each host city. They will develop plans for matches, but also off-site events surrounding the competitions.
Jones has an extensive background in safety and security. He’s worked for the FBI and was also the International Security Director for the NFL.
We already know six World Cup matches will be played at Arrowhead Stadium. According to information provided to commissioners the dates of those matches in 2026 are:
- June 16
- June 20
- June 25
- June 27
- July 3
- July 11
In addition to World Cup games, there will be other events for fans scheduled around the massive tournament. Fanfest will be held at Kansas City’s Liberty Memorial, according to the Douglas County Emergency Management Deputy Director.
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