Kansas City will host four World Cup teams at resorts in June and July, but it is also preparing for the arrival of hundreds of thousands of fans.

Bars have largely welcomed the prospect of extended hours, following similar rules passed in neighbouring Missouri. “Most importantly, I think it’s a big deal because Missouri’s already got that passed, and for anybody close to the state line like we are, we just want a fair chance to compete,” Brian Schorgl, the owner of O’Neill’s Bar and Restaurant in Leawood, said.

Drinking alcohol in the US this summer may be more restrictive than some fans are used to. The legal age to buy alcohol is 21 and there are 80 dry counties, predominantly in southern states including Arkansas, Kentucky, Mississippi and Alabama.

On the banks of the Missouri River, Kansas City has a population of 2.5 million and will host six World Cup matches, including a round-of-32 match and a quarter-final. Alongside England, Algeria, world champions Argentina and the Netherlands will base themselves in the area.

During their stay in the city, England will train at the Swope Soccer Village. From there, the team will travel to their three group matches in Dallas, Boston and New Jersey. The United States is a co-host for the tournament alongside Mexico and Canada.

The city’s mayor Quinton Lucas has previously said of England’s arrival: “I’m thrilled to host England. I have been to England a few times, so I’ve gotten to know the passion of English fans, but I think I’ll learn a lot more in this engagement.”

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