Travis Kelce is set to return for his 13th NFL season (Image: Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images)

Kansas City Chiefs icon Travis Kelce is aiming to attend his first FIFA World Cup in 2026, when the U.S., Canada, and Mexico co-host the tournament, with Missouri scheduled to act as one of the host cities

Kansas City Chiefs icon Travis Kelce is not slowing down. At 35, the three-time Super Bowl champion is gearing up for his 13th NFL season in 2025, shrugging off retirement rumors and a disappointing Super Bowl performance. Beyond the gridiron, Kelce has his sights set on a new adventure: attending his first FIFA World Cup in 2026, when the U.S., Canada, and Mexico co-host the tournament. With Kansas City’s Arrowhead Stadium among the 16 venues, the stage is set for a monumental moment in Kelce’s illustrious career and personal life.

A Football Legend with Unfinished Business

Travis Kelce’s name is synonymous with NFL excellence. A tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs since 2013, Kelce has redefined the position with his athleticism, route-running, and clutch performances. His resume boasts three Super Bowl rings, eight Pro Bowl selections, and a charismatic presence that transcends football. Off the field, Kelce’s relationship with global pop sensation Taylor Swift has made him a household name, while his New Heights podcast, co-hosted with his brother Jason Kelce, offers fans a glimpse into his personality and passions.

Despite his accolades, the 2024 season left a bitter taste. The Chiefs fell 40-22 to the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans, a game where Kelce admitted he underperformed. Critics speculated that the loss, coupled with a statistically underwhelming season, might signal the end of his career. Some pointed to his age and the physical toll of 12 NFL seasons as reasons to retire. Others highlighted financial pressures, as Kelce has openly discussed the lucrative opportunities that come with staying in the game.

Yet Kelce remains defiant. “I’m coming back for sure,” he declared on The Pat McAfee Show in late February 2025, referencing a message relayed through his brother Jason. “I’m gonna try and get to the best shape I’ve been in this offseason, and get back to the mountain top. I’ve got a real bad taste in my mouth with how I played in that last game and how I got the guys ready for battle. I can’t go out like that!!!!” His determination to chase a fourth Super Bowl title underscores his competitive fire and unwillingness to let one setback define his legacy.

The 2026 World Cup: A Bucket List Dream

While football remains Kelce’s primary focus, his ambitions extend beyond the NFL. During a recent episode of the New Heights podcast, Travis and Jason participated in a “Bucket List Mock Draft,” selecting real-life events they’ve yet to experience. While Travis’ final list didn’t include it, he revealed a personal goal: attending the FIFA World Cup. “Another one for me would be the World Cup,” Kelce said. “I haven’t been to the World Cup yet.”

Jason, a retired Philadelphia Eagles center and likely future Hall of Famer, was quick to endorse the idea. “I’ve done that down in Brazil, that was awesome,” he replied, referencing his 2014 World Cup experience. “Big time would recommend it.” Travis’ excitement was palpable as he looked ahead to 2026. “I’ll be doing it next year. 2026 Kansas City, Missouri, baby, let’s f—— go!” he exclaimed.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, will feature 104 matches across 16 cities. Kansas City’s Arrowhead Stadium, home of the Chiefs, will play a prominent role, hosting four group-stage matches, a Round of 32 game, and a quarter-final. For Kelce, the opportunity to witness world-class soccer in his home stadium is a dream come true. The event also holds special significance for the Kelce brothers, as Philadelphia’s Lincoln Financial Field—Jason’s former home turf—will host five group-stage matches and a Round of 16 game.

A Tale of Two Brothers

The Kelce brothers’ shared connection to the 2026 World Cup adds another chapter to their remarkable story. Travis and Jason have long been each other’s biggest supporters, from their childhood in Cleveland Heights, Ohio, to their parallel NFL careers. While Travis continues to chase glory with the Chiefs, Jason retired in 2024 after 13 seasons with the Eagles. Now an ESPN analyst, Jason brings the same passion to broadcasting that he displayed on the field.

Their podcast, New Heights, has become a platform for their brotherly banter and candid discussions about life, sports, and pop culture. The “Bucket List Mock Draft” episode showcased their competitive spirit and mutual respect. Jason’s experience at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil gave him bragging rights, but Travis is eager to create his own memories in 2026. The fact that both Arrowhead Stadium and Lincoln Financial Field will host matches makes the tournament a unique moment for the Kelce family.

Kelce’s Soccer Connection

Travis Kelce’s interest in soccer isn’t entirely new. Fans have spotted him wearing a Club América jersey, a nod to the Mexican Liga MX powerhouse. His enthusiasm for the sport aligns with its growing popularity in the U.S., where Major League Soccer (MLS) and international tournaments like the World Cup continue to draw massive audiences. Kansas City, a soccer hotbed thanks to Sporting Kansas City, will be buzzing during the 2026 tournament, and Kelce is poised to be at the heart of the action.

For Jason, the 2026 World Cup will offer a different perspective. In 2014, he attended the tournament as an active NFL player, three years into his career. Now, as a retired athlete and media personality, he’ll likely approach the event with a fresh lens, possibly covering it for ESPN or sharing his insights on New Heights. The contrast between the brothers’ experiences highlights their evolving roles while underscoring their shared love for sports.

Balancing Fame, Love, and Ambition

Kelce’s pursuit of the World Cup comes at a time when his personal life is under intense scrutiny. His relationship with Taylor Swift, which began in 2023, has captivated fans and media alike. The couple, both at the pinnacle of their respective fields, has navigated their high-profile romance with grace. Recent reports suggest they’re on the same page about engagement, though Kelce remains focused on his career and personal goals.

Financially, Kelce faces the same pressures as many NFL players. While his $14 million annual salary and endorsement deals provide stability, the short lifespan of an NFL career means every season counts. Kelce has been open about the economic factors influencing his decision to keep playing, including the potential for post-career opportunities in broadcasting or entertainment. His podcast, sponsorships, and growing media presence position him well for life after football, but for now, he’s all-in on the game.

Looking Ahead

As Travis Kelce prepares for his 13th NFL season, he carries the weight of expectations—his own and those of Chiefs fans. The 2024 Super Bowl loss stung, but it’s also fueled his determination to return stronger. Off the field, the 2026 World Cup looms as a bucket-list milestone, a chance to celebrate soccer in his hometown and create memories alongside his brother. Whether he’s catching passes from Patrick Mahomes or cheering for a goal at Arrowhead, Kelce’s passion for competition and connection shines through.

The road to 2026 will be paved with challenges and triumphs. For Kelce, it’s about more than just football or soccer—it’s about embracing every moment, from the roar of the crowd to the quiet pride of checking off a lifelong dream. As he told Pat McAfee, he’s not ready to walk away. Not from the NFL, not from his ambitions, and certainly not from the chance to witness history at the World Cup.