World Cup excitement builds in Omaha ahead of Kansas City games

OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) - With World Cup games set to begin in Kansas City in less than two weeks, soccer excitement is growing in Omaha.

The World Cup games kick off June 11, and the first game in Kansas City is set for June 16. Officials in Kansas City said they expect to see many people from all over the world and an surge of soccer fans from the region.

“Particularly in Iowa, Nebraska, Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Kansas City is the sports town for those states,” said Pam Kramer, CEO of the KC2026 World Cup Host Committee.

KC2026.com has information about getting around Kansas City and attractions, including the free Fan Fest, during the games.

Union Omaha officials said the World Cup is driving more interest in soccer.

“What we’re anticipating is that love for that game is going to continue to grow. And as that continues to grow, so does the Union Omaha fan base,” said Nick Hall, team president of Union Omaha.

Union Omaha is planning watch parties throughout the run of the World Cup games.

“I think it’s just something really special that we’re seeing. And yeah, I think Omaha is speaking volumes that this can be and is a growing soccer community and a growing soccer market,” Hall said.

Union Omaha staff plan to announce dates and locations for their World Cup watch parties within the next few weeks.