Davids Welcomes White House Task Force on FIFA World Cup 2026, Emphasizes Bipartisan Collaboration to Prepare Host Cities
Today, Representative Sharice Davids (D-KS-03), founder and co-chair of the bipartisan Congressional FIFA 2026 World Cup Caucus, released the following statement regarding the Trump Administration’s newly established White House Task Force for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Last year, Davids and her colleagues urged the previous administration to establish this type of task force to streamline federal efforts.
"Hosting the World Cup is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Kansas City, bringing jobs, tourism, and lasting economic benefits,” said Davids. “I welcome the creation of a White House Task Force and look forward to working with the administration to ensure host cities are fully prepared. My colleagues and I have long pushed for federal coordination, including urging the previous administration to establish a similar task force. This tournament will bring global attention to our region, and we must invest in the infrastructure and resources needed to maximize its impact. I’m committed to working across the aisle to make sure Kansas City, and all host cities, are ready for 2026 and beyond."
Davids has been a leader in ensuring the United States is well-prepared for the FIFA World Cup 2026. She has worked with colleagues on both sides of the aisle to maximize the tournament’s economic potential and strengthen security measures for host cities. She also led efforts in Congress requesting $625 million in FY2025 appropriations funding to ensure the security of FIFA World Cup 2026.
The World Cup will be the largest in history, with 48 teams playing across 16 North American host cities, including Kansas City. For the Kanas City regional alone, the games are expected to generate more than $650 million. To ensure the region is prepared for the influx of travelers, Davids has hosted multiple Community Conversations with Kansas City-area leaders. Previous conversations focused on transportation, public health and safety, small business, hospitality, and impacts on everyday Kansans.