April 15 – In a scene that perfectly captured the growing football fever sweeping across America’s heartland, KC2026 unveiled the winning Official FIFA World Cup 26 Kansas City Host City Poster before a packed house at Children’s Mercy Park on Saturday night.
Kansas City-based designer Jadie Arnett’s creation, aptly titled ‘Woven Together’, will now become the iconic image representing Kansas City during football’s greatest tournament. Her design brilliantly captures the essence of a region where state lines blur in the name of sporting passion.
“What better canvas than the soccer scarves that fans wear to support their teams,” explained Arnett, a Columbia, Missouri native whose design speaks volumes about the region’s unified approach. “Missouri and Kansas are woven together in Kansas City just like the knitting of a scarf. As a region, we are one team.”
In a first for FIFA, each of the 16 host cities will have unique posters reflecting their distinctive characteristics while showcasing football’s universal appeal.
Arnett’s winning design depicts a football scarf illustrating the tournament’s story across three scenes representing both states. Drawing inspiration from ancient Greek ceramic pottery, she created a visual narrative that connects classical athletic traditions with the modern competition of the World Cup.
“Jadie’s poster is dynamic. There are so many layers to it and so much storytelling involved,” praised Chandler Johnson, art director at The Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce and president of the local American Institute of Graphic Arts chapter, who mentored Arnett during the selection process.
The contest, launched last October, generated tremendous interest with more than 100 entries submitted. A task force comprising arts and cultural representatives from Kansas and Missouri selected five finalists, each receiving $1,000 to develop their concepts. As the overall winner, Arnett takes home an additional $10,000 grand prize.
“Arnett’s design is a testament to the creativity and talent of our local arts community,” said KC2026 Board of Directors Vice President Neal Sharma. “Her artwork captures the spirit of unity and excitement that will permeate our city during the tournament.”
FIFA will make the official host city posters available for purchase starting April 19.
Contact the writer of this story, Nick Webster, at moc.l1744798369labto1744798369ofdlr1744798369owedi1744798369sni@o1744798369fni1744798369