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From the moment Lamar Hunt fell in love with soccer overseas, he had a vision of experiencing its unmatched enthusiasm with his community back home. Now that Kansas City is hosting six matches of the FIFA World Cup, it’s safe to say that community has embraced it.
Lamar Hunt was a key figure in the growth of soccer in the United States, and Clark Hunt proudly carries on that legacy today. As the world comes to Kansas City to celebrate what’s sure to be an exciting tournament, here’s a look back at a journey 64 years in the making that has changed soccer fandom forever.
Soccer earns a new fan
During a visit to Ireland in 1962, Lamar Hunt attended a Shamrock Rovers match. This was his first time attending a professional soccer game, and it immediately inspired him. His love for the game grew when he watched the 1966 FIFA World Cup Final on television.
North American Soccer League
Lamar Hunt, determined to build soccer’s popularity in the United States by using American football venues, helped establish the North American Soccer League (NASL). He also cofounded the NASL’s Dallas Tornado.
FIFA World Cup West Germany
Alongside his father, Clark Hunt attended his first FIFA World Cup at age 9. Lamar and Clark would forever share a bond over their lifelong love of the sport.
FIFA World Cup Mexico
Lamar and Clark Hunt traveled to Mexico to attend another FIFA World Cup.
FIFA World Cup Italy
Lamar Hunt brought his family to Italy for the FIFA World Cup.
FIFA World Cup United States
The United States hosted its first-ever FIFA World Cup, an event Clark Hunt described as a “dream come true.” Domestic popularity surpassed every expectation, validating Lamar Hunt’s long-held thesis about his country’s appetite for soccer.
Kansas City Wiz
Lamar Hunt founded the Kansas City Wiz, a team which would later be introduced as a charter member of Major League Soccer. They would later be called the Kansas City Wizards. They are known as Sporting Kansas City today.
Major League Soccer
Lamar Hunt became a founding investor in Major League Soccer (MLS). The Hunt family operated franchises in multiple cities at once, including Columbus and Kansas City. The first MLS match in Kansas City history was played at Arrowhead Stadium, a venue that also hosted the Wizards in a match against the U.S. Olympic Team.
(Credit: AP Photo/Craig Fujii, File)
Columbus Crew Stadium
Thanks to Lamar Hunt, the first modern soccer-specific stadium in the U.S. broke ground. It opened the following year in front of nearly 25,000 fans.
(Credit: AP Photo/Chris Putman)
Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup
The U.S. Open Cup, which is the country’s oldest ongoing soccer competition, renamed itself the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup to honor Lamar’s contributions to growing the game in the United States.
(Credit: AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
Soccer at Arrowhead Stadium
Soccer returned to Arrowhead Stadium during the 1999 Women’s U.S. Cup. The U.S. Women’s National Team prevailed over Finland with a score of 6-0 on October 7, 1999.
Kansas City Wizards win MLS Cup
(Credit: AP Photo/Stephen J. Boitano)
Columbus Crew win Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup
FC Dallas
Lamar Hunt purchased FC Dallas, formerly known as the Dallas Burn.
Kansas City Wizards win Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup
Lamar Hunt leaves a legacy
On December 13, 2006, Lamar Hunt passed away. His life and multisport legacy was celebrated by many, including the National Soccer Hall of Fame.
Kansas City named 2026 FIFA World Cup host city
After a four-year process that began with Kansas City as a candidate host city in the United Bid of Canada, Mexico, and the United States, Kansas City was named a FIFA World Cup 2026 host city.
FIFA announces matches
Kansas City was awarded the opportunity to host six matches in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including matches featuring Argentina and the Netherlands, as well as a prestigious quarterfinal match.
Construction begins
Renovations were made to the playing field and lower bowl seating sections to meet FIFA pitch regulations.
Kansas City hosts FIFA World Cup matches
