(April 3, 2026) – The Kansas City Metropolitan Healthcare Council, Kansas Hospital Association and Missouri Hospital Association hosted a World Cup briefing in Kansas City on March 25. The briefing focused on anticipated health care demand, preparedness considerations and regional coordination related to the FIFA World Cup 26™ events in the Kansas City region.
Anticipated Demand and Capacity Considerations
- Demand Outlook:
- Continue to anticipate a six to eight percent increase in health care demand, driven primarily by urgent care utilization.
- Capacity Assessment:
- The current system capacity is expected to handle this increase effectively. Demand is likely to fluctuate rather than show a sustained six to eight percent increase over a continuous 33-day period.
- Seasonal Comparison:
- For context, during the peak of the most recent flu season, overall volume increases reached about seven percent, showing similar surges have been manageable.
Planning and Preparedness Recommendations
- Proactive Planning:
- Hospitals and health systems are encouraged to proactively plan for surges, including staffing, throughput and diversion strategies, while also preparing for a temporary influx of international visitors.
- Traveler Intelligence:
- KC2026 will share visitor and traveler profiles in the upcoming weeks for:
- Base camp visitors
- Match specific visitors
- Once released, these profiles will be shared with this group to facilitate localized planning.
Community Events and Coordination
- Regional Event Tracking:
- Community events are being organized across the region. Event organizers are requested to submit their plans to the Mid America Regional Council to maintain a complete regional event inventory.
- Care Location Notifications:
- Event organizers should inform health care facilities within a one-mile walking radius of:
- Event date and time
- Anticipated attendance
- Nearest hospital(s)
Transportation and On-Site Medical Support (KC Region)
- Transportation Grid Review:
- Organizations in the KC region should review the ConnectKC26 transportation grid at Getting Around KC FIFA World Cup 26™ Kansas City, with particular attention to:
- Airport Direct routes
- Stadium Direct (Park and Ride) locations
- Regional Service routes
- On-Site Medical Coverage:
- First Aid and EMS services will be available at Stadium Direct (Park & Ride) locations on match days.
- Additional ConnectKC26 sites will not have on-site health care, but coordination with health care planning groups is ongoing to ensure hospitals are aware and prepared.
Additional Resources
--Larry Van Der Wege