(NEXSTAR) — Soccer isn’t just for one part of the globe or another, it is the world’s game. In just a few months, the spotlight will shine in Kansas City.
Often called a “soccer city,” the roots of the game in the City of Fountains run deep in the Hispanic community.
Back in the 1950’s and ’60’s, it was Los Latinos who brought the beautiful game to Kansas City, planting seeds of passion that is about to take over the world stage in their backyard.
It’s been such an important part of the fabric and the growth of the Hispanic community,” Dr. Diego Gutierrez, an associate professor at Rockhurst University, said. “Now that we get the World Cup up close and personal in 2026, I think it’s a dream come true.”
Along with directing the Sports Management program at the university, Gutierrez is a former Major League Soccer player and General Manager. He is also a key consultant for the MLS and spent the last World Cup working closely with the United States Men’s Soccer Federation.
Safe to say, he knows the roots of soccer in Kansas City, and the weight of what’s coming.
“It is for many Hispanics around the city who have put a tremendous amount of work – whether that is establishing the infrastructure… or coaching or simply parenting,” Gutierrez said.
Nick Garcia, a former Kansas City Wizards star defender, MLS Cup winner, and United States men’s national team player also understands the gravity of the moment. But more importantly, he’s focused on how this moment could reshape soccer in Kansas City for years to come.
“There is no other Midwestern town, city – soccer mecca – that’s going to host like Kansas City will,” Garcia said.
And to the fans who carried the torch so Kansas City could become the soccer capital of America, it’s emotional to say the least.
“For me, for the Latino – especially for the people who love soccer its going to the next level,” Hector Solorio said. “I feel happy brother – I feel happy – I’ve waited for this moment…”
Solorio is the creator of “La Barra,” a supporter group for Sporting Kansas City (formerly the Kansas City Wizards) that started in 2000. Back when the team struggled to get more than 10,000 fans in a 70,000 capacity stadium.
The very fabric and communities that made soccer what it is in the city are not just ready; they’re eager! They wish the World Cup would start tomorrow.
“Nothing can be better than that – it creates economic activity – it creates community I think it’s going to be a wonderful opportunity for Kansas City,” Gutierrez said.
Source: Fox 8 News Channel
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