Kansas City unveils ‘KC House’ as venue for elites dipping into the 2026 cup of cash

Kansas City’s plans for the 2026 FIFA World Cup are taking shape, and for all the talk of inclusivity, this latest iteration is proving to be more of a vehicle for money and influence than a celebration of the world’s game.

The city’s host committee, KC2026, has unveiled ‘KC House’ an invite-only hospitality hub designed by local firm Populous. Set to open on the Country Club Plaza, the three-story space will cater exclusively to business leaders, politicians, celebrities, and global power brokers.

Inside, there’ll be lounges, conference rooms, a café, a rooftop bar, and exclusive viewing areas for World Cup matches, along with dedicated transport for VIPs to and from Arrowhead Stadium, which, at current estimates, is an hour away using public transportation.

KC2026 CEO Pam Kramer described KC House as a place to “connect with heads of state and C-suite executives,” calling it the region’s biggest-ever business gathering. She insists the project will be “revenue neutral”, funded by sponsors and donors, but the optics are hard to ignore. A multimillion-dollar space built for the elite, while most fans will watch from crowded fan zones or their couches.

FIFA’s World Cup has always been a commercial juggernaut, but recent tournaments have amplified the divide between fan experience and corporate opportunity. What was once a celebration of football’s universality increasingly resembles a global trade fair where brands, governments, and billionaires network under the banner of “the beautiful game.”

Kansas City’s KC House might showcase local creativity and charm, but it also raises a familiar question: Who is the World Cup really for?

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