Jodi Fortino

Kids around the Kansas City area are gearing up for a summer break like no other thanks to the FIFA World Cup soccer tournament coming to town next month.

Some World Cup matches are taking place in Kansas City.

Ecuador faces off against Curaçao Saturday evening, June 20, 2026, at Arrowhead Stadium. But fans from states around the country — and Ecuador itself — have been celebrating their team, blanketing Kansas City in yellow, blue and red.

Ecuador was the heavy favorite but Curaçao's goalie, Eloy Room, artfully blocked Ecuador's shots on goal. Fans of Ecuador's team left what was to be an exuberant watch party in tears.

Animatronics are usually found in theme parks, but students in the North Kansas City School District brought them into the classroom this summer to celebrate the World Cup.

More than 2,000 people died and tens of thousands were left homeless after back-to-back earthquakes struck Venezuela last month. Venezuelan communities in Kansas City and St. Louis immediately jumped into action to support those affected with donations and supplies.

A group of Kansas City parents has launched a campaign ahead of the Aug. 4 vote on a constitutional amendment to phase out Missouri's income tax out of concerns that it will cut state funding for schools.

Renovations are underway at some Kansas City schools following last year's historic bond passage. School leaders are ready to welcome students back to new flooring, colorful paint and brighter lights in their classrooms.

The Kansas City Chiefs' newly released renderings for the $3 billion stadium include a fully enclosed domed roof, 20,000 parking spots for tailgating and a space designed “to maximize crowd noise."

Kansas City Chiefs fans now have a first look at what the team’s new stadium in Kansas City, Kan., will look like when it opens in 2031.