Everything Fans Need to Know About the FIFA World Cup in Kansas City
Thousands, if not millions, of people will be heading to Kansas City this summer for the FIFA World Cup, and if you plan on going, there’s a lot you should know before making the trip.
I’ll be honest: I know almost nothing about soccer. It’s one of those sports I’ve never fully understood. But for millions of fans around the world, soccer is life, and one of the sport’s biggest stages is coming to Kansas City this summer.
Kansas City Match Schedule
All matches will be played at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium, which will temporarily be renamed “Kansas City Stadium” during the tournament.
Matches in Kansas City
- June 16, 2026 — Argentina vs. Algeria
- June 20, 2026 — Ecuador vs. Curaçao
- June 25, 2026 — Tunisia vs. Netherlands
- June 27, 2026 — Algeria vs. Austria
- July 3, 2026 — Round of 32 Match
- July 11, 2026 — Quarterfinal Match
In total, Kansas City will host four group-stage matches, one Round of 32 match, and one quarterfinal. In other words, there will be a lot of football played at Arrowhead this summer — and not the American kind.
FIFA Fan Festival
Beyond the matches themselves, the FIFA Fan Festival will take place at the National WWI Museum and Memorial. The month-long celebration will feature live music, entertainment, and massive watch parties for fans from around the world. General admission is free, but registration is required.
The Fan Festival Will Feature:
- Massive watch parties
- Live concerts
- Food vendors
- Interactive soccer events
- Cultural experiences
- Entertainment stages
Concerts & Entertainment
Artists announced so far include:
- Tech N9ne
- The Chainsmokers
- Flo Rida
- Gabby Barrett
- The All-American Rejects
Hotels & Travel
I’m going to be honest — if you haven’t booked a hotel or Airbnb yet, you may already be behind. I’ve seen people on social media talking about staying in Columbia, St. Louis, and other surrounding areas to be somewhat close to Kansas City during the matches.
Because of the expected crowds, the city has created ConnectKC26, a transportation system specifically designed for the World Cup. The system is meant to help visitors travel between the airport, downtown Kansas City, Fan Fest locations, and Arrowhead Stadium during the tournament.
If you plan on going, just be prepared for a lot of traffic around the stadium and museum areas. But if you’re brave enough to deal with the crowds and the nonstop activity throughout the city, it could be one of those once-in-a-lifetime experiences you’ll remember forever.
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Gallery Credit: Matthew Wilkening
