On Senate floor, Jerry Moran cites Ted Lasso as reason to bring World Cup to KC

Kansas City Star | Pete Grathoff

FIFA officials are in Kansas City on Thursday to get a first-hand look at why Kansas City should be one of the host cities for the 2026 men’s World Cup.

The tournament is being held in three countries: the United States, Mexico and Canada. Eleven U.S. cities will play host to games for the World Cup, which is held every four years in a different part of the world.

Billboards, sides of buildings, the KC Streetcar and people on social media have been touting Kansas City as a potential host city.

In Washington, D.C., Sen. Jerry Moran of Kansas made the case for Kansas City by citing its sports history, soccer facilities and ... being the hometown of Ted Lasso.

Seriously.

Actor Jason Sudeikis, the Shawnee Mission West graduate, plays the title character in the Apple+ show, “Ted Lasso.” The Emmy-award winning show has become a huge hit, as evidenced by Moran’s mention on the floor of the U.S. Senate.

Here is part of what Moran said Wednesday: “Kansas City boasts a rich history of both professional and amateur sports, Kansas City is the home of the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame, the Negro League Baseball Museum, as well as the 2020 Super Bowl champions, the Kansas City Chiefs and the 2015 World Series champions the Kansas City Royals, two-time Major League Soccer Cup champions. Sporting KC, and is the hometown of our world-renowned football coach, Ted Lasso.”

Moran also mentioned how U.S. soccer’s National Development Center is a top-notch training facility, and Kansas City has or will be host to big-time events like the Big 12 Tournament and NCAA Tournament games, as well as the 2023 NFL Draft. He also talked about the renovations to Kansas City International Airport and more.

This is his full speech.