Kansas City is one of just 16 North American cities to host the highly anticipated 2026 FIFA World Cup this summer. Around 650,000 people are expected to visit Kansas City to watch six soccer matches at Arrowhead Stadium over 26 days. Kansas City is proud to host this massive event and welcome fans from across the globe to see all our beautiful city has to offer. Whether you’re a die-hard soccer fan or just looking for a fun experience, here’s more information and ways you can join in the fun with your family this summer!
What is the World Cup?
The FIFA World Cup is the premier international soccer tournament for national teams and the largest single-sport competition in the world. Countries compete every four years to be crowned the world champion. Argentina won the World Cup in 2022.
Over 200 countries compete over the course of three years to earn a spot in the final tournament. This year, 48 teams will compete for the title (as opposed to only 32 in years past).
The World Cup is one of the largest sporting events in the world, attracting billions of viewers. The 2022 World Cup engaged around 5 billion fans across all platforms, and the final match between Argentina and France drew 1.5 billion views, making it the most-watched final ever.
When is the tournament?
The tournament kicks off on June 11 and concludes on July 19.
Why are the games being held in Kansas City?
Different countries host the finals each time. In 2026, the United States, Canada and Mexico are the host nations. Host countries automatically qualify for the tournament. On June 16, 2022, Kansas City was selected as one of the host cities.
Kansas City was chosen for many reasons. The city is easily accessible in the heart of the Midwest and has a deep-rooted passion for soccer with both Sporting KC and KC Current. KC fans are passionate and full of community spirit, culture and pride.
When are the games in Kansas City?
All of the games listed below will be held at Arrowhead Stadium.
June 16: Argentina vs. Algeria
June 20: Ecuador vs. Curaçao
June 25: Tunisia vs. Netherlands
June 27: Algeria vs. Austria
July 3: Round of 32 (teams to be determined)
July 11: Quarterfinal (teams to be determined)
When is the championship game?
The championship game will be held on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
How is Kansas City preparing for the World Cup?
To prepare for the big event, a nonprofit organization called KC2026 was created to oversee strategy and host city duties. They created the KC Game Plan Playbook to help small businesses prepare and take advantage of this rare opportunity. To view the KC Game Plan Playbook, visit KansasCityFWC26.com.
KC2026 also designed ConnectKC26, a tournament bus service designed to move fans and residents across the region with comfort and ease. These motor coach buses will take fans from the FIFA Fan Festival to the matches at Arrowhead Stadium, between the airport and downtown, and to explore other parts of Kansas City, including Worlds of Fun, the Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium, Tanger Kansas City at Legends and Oak Park Mall. Other transportation options include the KC Streetcar, RideKC buses, bike and scooter shares, rideshares and taxis.
What if I don’t have tickets?
If you don’t score tickets to a match, plan to attend the FIFA Fan Festival, located at the National WWI Museum and Memorial. This is a multi-day viewing and celebration zone. Tens of thousands of fans are expected to gather to watch matches while enjoying global foods and beverages, live entertainment and other unforgettable experiences, including the KC Heart Gateway.
The KC Heart Gateway will be a must-see for the whole family. It’s a 65-foot-tall, heart-shaped entrance to the National WWI Museum and Memorial’s south lawn. For more information and to see a rendering of the gateway, visit KansasCityFWC26.com.
Another way to join in the fun is to follow the KC2026 World Cup countdown clock. The clock has made its way through Kansas City at Union Station and Kansas City International Airport. Take a family selfie with the clock to commemorate the big event coming to Kansas City!
Where can I find more information about the World Cup?
Visit KansasCityFWC26.com for more information, including where to stay, transportation, business opportunities, match information and an official countdown to the World Cup down to the seconds. This website is also the perfect resource to direct visitors to.