The 2026 FIFA World Cup has brought attention to Kansas City as it has never experienced before.
This quintessentially Midwest city is known for barbecue, jazz and sports. Baseball and (American) football have a stronghold of both fans and trophies here, but KC is also considered the soccer capital of America. Enthusiasm for the game and a reputation for hospitality helped land KC the esteemed title of a FIFA World Cup 26 Host City.
The FIFA World Cup brings football matches to cities across Canada, Mexico and the United States from June 11 to July 19. Six of those games will be held in Kansas City. Here’s everything you need to know ahead of attending a match or simply joining in the international fanfare, including the local tournament schedule and ticket information, transit and hotel recommendations, fan festivals and Kansas City must-dos.
Where is the FIFA World Cup being held in Kansas City?
Though FIFA’s official schedule notes that matches will be held at Kansas City Stadium, you may know it as GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium, home of the Kansas City Chiefs (American) football team, as well as stops on major performing artists’ tours such as Beyoncé, Taylor Swift and Elton John.
The stadium sits directly next to Kauffman Stadium, where the Kansas City Royals professional baseball team plays. In fact, the two venues share a parking lot, making it easier to navigate the other stadium once you’ve visited your first. The Royals have nine home games scheduled during the time that World Cup games will be held in KC, which is June 16 to July 11. (We found tickets as low as $23 for an afternoon baseball game at Kauffman Stadium.)
For anyone arriving straight from the Kansas City International Airport, the stadium is approximately a 30-minute drive during off-peak times, and just under 15 minutes from downtown Kansas City. The stadium is not considered safely walkable by locals, due to its proximity to major roadways, but there are three hotels within a mile of Kansas City Stadium.
How can I get to Kansas City Stadium? And what about parking?
The Midwest is not known for its robust public transportation, but extra options have been created specifically for this world-renowned event. The need for a car will be felt for those wanting to explore outside of the city’s core downtown and entertainment districts. Paid parking at Kansas City Stadium will be a popular choice for match attendees.
By car
For the full experience as a Kansas City local, renting a car and paying for parking everywhere you go is the real deal. For drivers coming from downtown KC or the Country Club Plaza area, which has the main concentration of hotels, the stadium is approximately a 15-minute drive during off-peak times, but plan for considerably longer on match days when stadium traffic can back up onto the nearby highways.
Parking passes for match days at the Kansas City Stadium cost between $125 to $900, depending on the date and lot type. For those looking to get the biggest bang for their buck, consider carpooling (though be advised that oversized vehicles may require a special parking pass) and tailgating before the match for a full Kansas City sports experience. Parking passes must be purchased in advance, and are only available to match ticket holders.
By bus or shuttle
Though Kansas City does have a public bus system, ConnectKC26 has been created specifically for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. ConnectKC26 has three transit options for getting fans where they want to go.
First, ConnectKC26 Airport Direct is a free, round-trip shuttle between Kansas City International Airport (KCI) and the downtown Kansas City, MO Bus Mall, just two blocks from the FIFA Fan Festival. It will operate daily from June 11 to July 13, and riders must register for a ConnectKC26 Pass. This option is available to anyone, not just match ticket holders.
Fans wanting to hitch a ride to a match at Kansas City Stadium can park, ride share or walk to the FIFA Fan Festival or four designated park-and-ride locations to be connected with the ConnectKC26 Stadium Direct shuttle. The cost is $15 round-trip per rider, per match, which must be purchased via a ConnectKC26 Pass. Rides to the stadium are reserved for match ticketholders.
For shuttle connections across the city, ConnectKC26 has introduced Region Direct. Fans and visitors can reach 16 hot spots, destinations and neighborhoods with a $5 day pass, $25 week pass or a $50 tournament pass for unlimited rides. With the FIFA Fan Festival in downtown Kansas City as the main hub, riders can travel between destinations like the Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium, Worlds of Fun amusement park, the Legends outlet shopping center and nearby cities like Lawrence, KS (home of the Kansas Jayhawks) and Independence, MO (home of President Harry S. Truman).
By regional train
Amtrak, including the Missouri-only route, the Missouri River Runner, stops at Kansas City’s Union Station. Landing here will put you right in the middle of the FIFA Fan Fest action, as well as the city’s main cultural hub, with restaurants, hotels and music venues within walking distance or a free KC Streetcar ride away.
Can I still get tickets to the World Cup in Kansas City?
For official tickets, the final “last-minute sales” phase, which started on April 1, has limited availability for matches at Kansas City Stadium. We were able to find limited seats during the group play stage, ranging from $380 to $900 for the matches on June 25 and 27. Additional tickets may be available on the official resale marketplace.
Where should I stay in Kansas City if I’m going to the World Cup?
There are a few hotels near the Kansas City Stadium, but it will leave you removed from the FIFA Fan Fest action and the vast majority of restaurants, attractions, nightlife, shopping and entertainment. We recommend staying in downtown Kansas City in neighborhoods such as Crossroads (bars and restaurants), Power & Light (nightlife), Midtown (breathing room) or the Country Club Plaza (shopping), which offer all of the above along with access to official ConnectKC26 transportation—no rental car needed. And for something a little more homey, here are our local Airbnb recommendations.
If you’re flying in and staying in Johnson County, which includes cities like Overland Park, Olathe, Lenexa and more, we recommend taking advantage of the KCI Airport Drop and Ride. This free direct shuttle runs between KCI and Overland Park Convention Center. It requires registering for a ConnectKC26 Pass and while it may not get you to your exact lodging, it will get you close enough to greatly reduce your otherwise extreme rideshare cost to complete the journey.
When packing for your visit to Kansas City, factor in the summer temperatures, which can surpass a humid 96 degrees Fahrenheit (36 degrees Celsius) and brew thunderstorms, as well as long periods of walking and standing.
What else should I do while I’m in KC?
We love our beer and barbecue here in Kansas City but boast a varied list of restaurants, from taquerias to dives to James Beard Award nominees. The world’s first Museum of BBQ opened in 2025 for those who desire to go beyond the plate.
And if museums are your preferred way to explore a city or region’s culture, be sure to check out the Museum of Kansas City (free admission), American Jazz Museum and Negro Leagues Baseball Museum (both on the same block, in the Historic 18th and Vine District), the National WWI Museum and Memorial, and the free art museums such as Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art and the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art.
The locals will spend their time between matches playing pickleball, attending concerts and summer theatre performances, as well as shopping at antique stores and farmers’ markets.
What’s the World Cup match schedule in Kansas City?
All of the times below are in Central Time. While the first stage matchups have already been determined, the round of 32 and quarterfinal teams will be solidified as the tournament progresses.
Tuesday, June 16
🇦🇷 Argentina vs. 🇩🇿 Algeria at 8pm
Saturday, June 20
🇪🇨 Ecuador vs. 🇨🇼 Curaçao at 7pm
Monday, June 25
🇹🇳 Tunisia vs. 🇳🇱 Netherlands at 6pm
Wednesday, June 27
🇩🇿 Algeria vs. 🇦🇹 Austria at 9pm
Friday, July 3
1K vs. 3DEIJL at 8:30pm
Saturday, July 11
Winner match 95 vs Winner match 96 at 8pm
This is one of the tournament’s quarterfinal matches, the highest-ranked match that will take place at Kansas City Stadium.
How else can I partake in the World Cup fun without attending a match? And where are all of the fan zones?
The FIFA Fan Festival is held at the National WWI Museum and Memorial with 18 days of events, concerts and activations from June 11 to July 13. The National WWI Museum and Memorial is an icon and centerpiece of Kansas City, and conveniently sits on the KC Streetcar line as well as the ConnectKC26 transit hub. The FIFA Fan Festival is the official spot for fans to gather, celebrate and watch the matches, and offers both free and upgraded tickets for entry.
