FIFA cancels 75% of Kansas City hotel bookings for World Cup

Kansas City officially welcomed the world on Tuesday as thousands of fans gathered for the opening of the FIFA Fan Festival, kicking off local celebrations ahead of the first World Cup match here on June 16. The free festival, located at the National World War I Museum and Memorial, serves as the city's official fan hub and can accommodate up to 25,000 people daily with live music, food trucks, games, and merchandise.

For local residents and businesses, the event represents a long-awaited moment of community and international exposure. "I think that something like this is vital for the community. Camaraderie, bringing this city together. This is wonderful," said Kansas City resident Brandon Doherty. Local brands like Purina, Hallmark, and the Kansas City Royals have set up booths, while food truck owner Dan McCall said participating in the fan fest was a perfect fit for his lifelong soccer passion. Organizers emphasized readiness, with Michael Zerman of Purina stating they are prepared to welcome as many people as want to come.

The opening day also tested the city's preparations for a primary concern: extreme summer heat. With temperatures climbing into the 90s, the festival...