A Topeka man is preparing to welcome the world to the beautiful game. Jarred Vega, a special-needs adult and lifelong soccer fan, has achieved a remarkable feat, being selected as a Host City Ambassador for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Kansas City.

Chosen from over a million applicants nationwide, Vega will serve as a welcoming face for the global influx of fans, helping visitors navigate events and enhance the iconic tournament experience. For Vega, the journey began with a simple online application. "I saw the ad online where they were looking for volunteers with special needs, and they said, 'Click here and apply,' and so I did, and then the journey began," he said.

While he didn't hesitate to apply for a role so close to home, the wait for an answer was nerve-wracking. "I was really nervous about waiting, waiting for an answer — yes or no," Vega admitted. "So when I got it, I was really excited and relieved."

The role has become a family affair. Vega's mother, Mimi Leonard, was initially surprised to learn she would need to complete the full training process alongside her son to support him. What she thought would be simple transportation duty turned into a shared commitment. "I have to go through all the same training that he does, and I’ll be uniformed out and credentialed as well," Leonard said. "It’s a commitment on my part, too, and I get to be part of it. It’s a once‑in‑a‑lifetime thing."

For Leonard, this opportunity transcends sport. She hopes her son's selection sends a powerful message of inclusion to communities everywhere. "Whether you have a disability that is visible or invisible, don’t let it stop you from doing what you’re going to do," she said. "I hope this also encourages other events and other communities to start opening their doors and including people they might not normally consider, because everyone has something good to offer — they just need a chance."