Kansas City, MO – Missouri Gov. Mike Parson signed into law a bill to reduce the final price of World Cup tickets when the global soccer tournament comes to Kansas City in 2026.
The measure exempts tickets for the FIFA World Cup matches played in KC at Arrowhead Stadium from local and state sales tax. The Missouri Legislature passed the bill this year as part of a bipartisan effort from government officials, civi leaders, private organizations, and sports teams to bring the games to Kansas City.
The elimination of sales tax from ticket sales was also a key factor and requirement by FIFA in awarding host city status.
The work paid off when Kansas City was chosen last week as one of 16 sites around the world — and the only city in the Midwestern United States — to be a host site.
Missouri was among a handful of states that preemptively passed a bill to exempt the tickets from sales taxes, in response to FIFA requirements for tax breaks from host cities.
Parson called the bill a great example of bipartisan groups working together to achieve an important victory for Kansas City and the entire state.
State Sen. John Rizzo who represents parts of the Kansas City Metro, said estimates are the games could generate over $600 million in economic activity for the state, which would easily offset any lost sales tax revenue on tickets.