Bryan Stalder
Contributor
Photos by Bryan Stalder

The Kansas City Current open their 2026 season on Saturday,March 14, at 3:00 p.m., hosting the Utah Royals at CPKC Stadium — the world’s first purpose-built stadium for a women’s professional sports team, which opened along the Missouri River in 2024.

As excitement builds for the 2026 World Cup matches that will put Kansas City on the global stage, local soccer fans don’t have to wait for international competition to experience high-level play. The Current have quickly become one of the city’s most electric teams, drawing passionate crowds from across the metro — including many families in Northeast, where soccer is a staple in parks, schoolyards and neighborhood leagues.

Founded in 2020 as an expansion club in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), the Current rapidly built both a competitive roster and a devoted fan base. The opening of CPKC Stadium in 2024 marked a turning point, giving Kansas City a national spotlight and setting a new standard for women’s professional sports facilities.

What followed was an explosion of fandom. Teal jerseys and scarves have become a common sight not just downtown, but throughout neighborhoods across Historic Northeast, where youth soccer participation runs deep. For many young players — especially girls who now see a clear professional pathway — the Current represent something tangible and close to home.

Last season ended in heartbreak, with a tough playoff defeat in the first round that dashed championship hopes. But by nearly every measure, 2025 was a success. The team made a deep postseason run in 2024 and solidified itself as one of the league’s premier clubs. Last season’s loss stung, but it also raised expectations.

The 2026 season carries added weight. With Kansas City serving as a host city for the World Cup, international media and teams will soon descend on the metro. Some national squads are expected to base their training operations in the region, further cementing Kansas City’s identity as a soccer capital.

That global attention creates a unique opportunity for the Current to shine. A strong start in March could set the tone for a year when the world’s eyes are on Kansas City — and when local fans can proudly point to their hometown club as part of the city’s soccer story.

The March 14 home opener is expected to draw another energetic crowd to CPKC Stadium. Tickets are available through the team’s official website, with single-game seats starting at $35. There are still a few tickets left, but fans are encouraged to act quickly, as games often sell out.

If you can’t make it to the stadium, you can still catch the action from home. KC Current games will air on the ION television network as well as KSHB/the Spot 38, in Kansas City locally. Fans can also listen to the Current on 90.9 FM the Bridge, or download the KC Current app, where the action is broadcast in English, Spanish and Portuguese! Fans can check the official schedule at kansascitycurrent.com for up-to-date broadcast information and kickoff times.

Whether you’re counting down to the World Cup or simply looking for a family-friendly afternoon out, March 14 offers Northeast residents a chance to rally behind a team that has quickly become a source of civic pride.

Kansas City’s soccer moment is here — and it’s wearing teal.