Kansas City & the 2026 World Cup

Q: How many World Cup matches is Kansas City hosting?

Six, all at Arrowhead Stadium: four group-stage games, a Round of 32 match, and a quarter-final on July 11, 2026.

Everything a visitor needs for the FIFA World Cup 26 in Kansas City — the matches at Arrowhead, how to actually get to the stadium, the Fan Festival, and where to stay and eat.

The essentials: Kansas City hosts six World Cup matches at Arrowhead Stadium (called "Kansas City Stadium" for the tournament) — four group games, a Round of 32, and a quarter-final on Saturday, July 11, 2026. There's no train to the stadium: use the official ConnectKC26 shuttle buses or rideshare, and arrive early. The free FIFA Fan Festival is at the National WWI Museum.

The matches in Kansas City

Kansas City is one of the U.S. host cities, with all six of its matches at Arrowhead Stadium:

Four group-stage matches — featuring teams including defending champions Argentina, plus the Netherlands, Ecuador, Algeria, Curaçao, Tunisia, and Austria. (The city's opener was Argentina vs. Algeria on June 16.)
One Round of 32 knockout match.
One quarter-final — the marquee game, on Saturday, July 11, 2026.

Kick-off times and the knockout-round teams are set by FIFA as the tournament progresses — check the official schedule for the latest.

Getting to Arrowhead Stadium

This is the single most important thing to plan. Arrowhead is at the Truman Sports Complex, several miles east of downtown, and there is no rail or streetcar to the stadium. Your options:

ConnectKC26 shuttle buses (recommended) — the official match-day network of motorcoaches running every 15–20 minutes from regional hubs around the city, with round-trip "Stadium Direct" service. It requires a ConnectKC26 pass plus your match ticket, and skips the worst of the traffic and parking.
Rideshare — the designated drop-off and pick-up point is Stadium Lot O. Expect surge pricing and waits after matches.
Driving/parking — only about 4,000 general parking spots are available (much of the lot is reserved for hospitality), so don't count on driving up day-of.

Arrive early. Officials have urged fans to get to the stadium well ahead of kick-off because of security and transport volume.

The FIFA Fan Festival

The free, multi-week FIFA Fan Festival is held at the National WWI Museum and Memorial — a dramatic setting on the hill above downtown, with big-screen match viewing, music, and food. It's the best place to soak up the atmosphere if you don't have a match ticket (or between games).

Where to stay & eat

Hotels sell out fastest around match dates and prices spike, so book as early as you can. Downtown / Power & Light and the Crossroads put you on the free streetcar and near the nightlife; see our full breakdown.

And don't leave without the city's signature meal — see our Kansas City BBQ guide.

Tips for World Cup visitors

Sort your stadium transport (ConnectKC26 pass) before match day — don't wing it.
Build in buffer time; crowds and security lines are heavy.
Use the free KC Streetcar to move around downtown between the Fan Festival, hotels, and nightlife.
Stay hydrated — Kansas City summers are hot and humid.
No ticket? The Fan Festival at the WWI Museum is free and a great experience.

Match-week tours & experiences

City tours, BBQ tours, and experiences fill up during the tournament — check live availability.

Frequently asked questions

How many World Cup matches is Kansas City hosting?

Six, all at Arrowhead Stadium ("Kansas City Stadium" for the tournament): four group-stage games, a Round of 32 match, and a quarter-final on July 11, 2026.

How do you get to Arrowhead Stadium for the World Cup?

There's no rail to the stadium. Use the official ConnectKC26 shuttle buses (recommended) or rideshare to Stadium Lot O. General parking is very limited (about 4,000 spots), so don't rely on driving. Arrive early.

Where is the FIFA Fan Festival in Kansas City?

At the National WWI Museum and Memorial, just south of downtown. It's free and runs throughout the tournament.

When is Kansas City's World Cup quarter-final?

Saturday, July 11, 2026 — the biggest match on Kansas City's schedule.