A year ago this week, 16 North American sites were announced as hosts for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the U.S., Mexico and Canada and Kansas City made the cut. Less than three years remain before the first games are played and the Kansas City effort has an executive director.

Katherine Holland, who headed the city’s bid for landing the event, moves into the new role that oversees the Kansas City 2026 preparation.

There are plenty of items on Holland’s to-do list. How will transportation work for the thousands of visitors expected for games and if Kansas City is selected as a base camp? How and where will the city present fan festivals?

On today’s SportsBeat KC, The Star’s sports podcast, Holland discusses these topics and more. The games and the fans will be here before you know it.

“Now we have to bring this to life,” Holland said.

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