Davids Celebrates Start of FIFA World Cup, Highlights Kansas City's Global Stage

June 8, 2026 Press Release WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Representative Sharice Davids marked the start of the FIFA World Cup with remarks on the U.S. House floor , celebrating Kansas City's role as one of the tournament's host cities. Beginning this week, Kansas City will host six matches and serve as the home base for four national teams during the FIFA World Cup. Davids is the founder and co-chair of the Congressional FIFA World Cup 2026 Caucus. The World Cup is expected to deliver significant economic benefits to Kansas City and communities across the country. With thousands of visitors expected to travel to the region, Kansas City could see approximately $650 million in economic activity. Nationwide, the tournament is projected to generate 185,000 full-time jobs, $30.5 billion in gross output, and $17.2 billion in GDP. For years, Davids has helped lead federal efforts to ensure host cities, including Kansas City, have the resources needed to successfully prepare for the tournament. Through her leadership, Congress secured more than $625 million for safety and security efforts and $100 million for transit operations to support host cities across the country. Davids has also convened multiple community conversations across the Kansas City region, bringing together federal, state, and local partners to coordinate preparations on public safety, transportation, healthcare, small business support, and other key priorities ahead of the tournament. Read Davids’ full speech below: Mr. Speaker, later this week, the FIFA World Cup will kick off here in the United States, and I couldn't be more excited for Kansas City to welcome the world. As the founder of the Congressional FIFA World Cup 2026 Caucus, I've had the opportunity to see firsthand just how much work has gone into preparing for this moment. And today, I want to thank everyone who helped make it possible. From local leaders and small businesses to first responders, transit workers, volunteers, and organizers, countless people have spent years preparing for these next five weeks. The matches will bring excitement, visitors, and economic opportunity to the Kansas City Metro Area. And the impact won't end when the final whistle blows. The investments we've made in infrastructure, transportation, safety, and community development will benefit Kansas City and our surrounding communities for generations to come. This is a chance to showcase what makes our community so special: our hospitality, our culture, our BBQ, our love of sports, and our ability to come together to accomplish big things. The world is coming. Kansas City is ready. It's going to be an incredible celebration. I yield back. Issues : Making Government Work for Kansans