At a Glance
- Location
- Kansas City, Missouri
- Country
- USA
- Metro Population
- 2.2 million
- Total Matches
- 6 matches
- Match Period
- -
- Primary Stadium
- Arrowhead Stadium
- Recommended Stay
- 3-4 days
- Daily Budget
- $70-140 USD per person
- Best Time to Visit
- Last Updated
Best Time
Ideal Stay
3-4 days
Daily Budget
$70-140 USD per person
Walkability
4/10 - Car-centric, Downtown walkable but limited
Transit
3/10 - Limited bus service, no subway/light rail
Safety
7/10 - Safe overall, avoid certain neighborhoods at night
About Kansas City
Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City will host 6 FIFA World Cup 2026 matches from June 15 to July 9, 2026, including a QUARTERFINAL match on July 9. The 76,416-seat stadium is home to the Kansas City Chiefs and holds the Guinness World Record for loudest crowd roar (142.2 decibels). Arrowhead hosted 3 matches during the 1994 World Cup. Kansas City is the BBQ capital of America with over 100 BBQ restaurants.
City Character
Kansas City is the heart of America: friendly Midwest hospitality, world-class BBQ, rich jazz heritage (18th & Vine birthed Charlie Parker and Count Basie), and passionate sports culture (Chiefs Kingdom). KC straddles Missouri and Kansas (stadium is on Missouri side). Downtown is anchored by Power & Light entertainment district. Country Club Plaza is a 1920s Spanish-inspired shopping district with fountains. KC is more affordable and laid-back than coastal cities, with genuine Midwest charm. Not walkable like NYC or SF, but easy to navigate by car.
Stadium Location
Arrowhead Stadium is 10 miles east of Downtown KC in the Truman Sports Complex (shares parking with Kauffman Stadium, home of Royals baseball). From Downtown: 20-25 min drive (no traffic), 35-45 min on match days. Limited public transit (RideKC bus + shuttles). Most fans drive + park ($40-60) or Uber/Lyft ($20-40, $40-60 with surge). Stadium has AMPLE parking (27,000 spaces) compared to urban stadiums. Arrive 90-120 min early.
Critical Info
STRICT clear bag policy (12x6x12 max) - there is NO bag check facility. If bag rejected, throw it away or miss match. Open-air stadium with NO shade -...
Where to Stay
Kansas City has 400+ hotels (30,000 rooms) - smaller inventory than coastal cities. Expect 25-40% surge during World Cup but still MOST AFFORDABLE major US host city. Downtown/Power & Light ($120-250) is central with nightlife. Country Club Plaza ($180-350) is upscale shopping district. Crossroads Arts District ($100-220) has galleries and restaurants. Westport ($90-180) is young professionals neighborhood. Near Arrowhead ($80-140) is cheapest but nothing to do except stadium (10 miles from Downtown). Book 4-5 months ahead. Budget tip: Stay near Arrowhead on match days only, Downtown for exploring.
Arrowhead Stadium
Kansas City, Missouri
FIFA: Kansas City Stadium
76,416
Capacity
6
Matches
10mi
From Downtown
1972
Opened
Transport
Uber/Lyft ($20-40) or RideKC bus + stadium shuttle (45 min)
Open-air stadium - no roof coverage
Economic Impact
$200-280 million USD to KC metro economy from tourism, hospitality, and event spending
Get Involved
1,500 volunteers volunteers needed!
KC2026 Host Committee & FIFA World Cup 2026
America's BBQ capital meets Quarterfinal soccer at legendary Arrowhead Stadium
Top Highlights
Unique Experiences
- ★BBQ pilgrimage: Joe's (burnt ends), Q39 (ribs), LC's (mutton), Jack Stack (crown
- ★Chiefs Kingdom atmosphere at Arrowhead (Guinness World Record 142.2 decibels)
- ★Nelson-Atkins Museum FREE admission with Shuttlecocks sculpture lawn
- ★18th & Vine Jazz Museum - Charlie Parker, Count Basie birthplace
- ★Boulevard Brewing Company tours ($10, includes samples)
Perfect For
BBQ enthusiasts (KC is BBQ capital of USA)
Budget travelers (cheapest major US host city)
NFL fans (Chiefs Kingdom culture)
Jazz lovers (18th & Vine District)
This City Might Not Be For You If...
Match Schedule
6 matches • Group Stage, Round of 32, Quarterfinal
🇦🇷 Argentina vs 🇩🇿 Algeria
Tuesday, June 16, 2026
9:00 PM ET
🇪🇨 Ecuador vs 🇨🇼 Curaçao
Saturday, June 20, 2026
8:00 PM ET
🇹🇳 Tunisia vs 🇳🇱 Netherlands
Thursday, June 25, 2026
7:00 PM ET
🇩🇿 Algeria vs 🇦🇹 Austria
Saturday, June 27, 2026
10:00 PM ET
TBD vs TBD
Friday, July 3, 2026
9:30 PM ET
TBD vs TBD
Saturday, July 11, 2026
9:00 PM ET
Stadium Quick Tips
Weather During World Cup
Hot and humid Midwest summer • 68-88°F (sticky mornings, hot afternoons)
Average High
88°F
(31°C)
Average Low
68°F
(20°C)
Rainy Days
8-9 days/month
per month
Humidity
65% (sticky, especially mornings)
Humid mornings (70
What to Expect
Kansas City in June/July is hot and humid but more comfortable than Houston or Miami. Expect 86-90°F (30-32°C) with 65% humidity (sticky mornings, drier afternoons). Rain is brief afternoon thunderstorms (30-45 min), not all-day downpours. Drink LOTS of water at Arrowhead (open-air stadium with NO shade). Summers can bring extreme heat waves (95-100°F possible). June is wetter (9 days rain/month), July is drier (7 days). Central US summer pattern.
Daylight Hours
14-15 hours daylight • 6:00-6:20 AM - 8:50-9:10 PM
Humidity Pattern
Humid mornings (70-80%), drier afternoons (50-60%)
Packing Essentials
- Lightweight breathable clothes (cotton, linen, moisture-wicking)
- Sunglasses and sunscreen SPF 50+ (open-air stadium, intense sun)
- Wide-brim hat for sun protection
- Reusable water bottle (refill stations at stadium)
- Light rain jacket (brief afternoon storms possible)
- Clear bag for stadium (12x6x12 max)
- Power bank (10,000+ mAh)
- Comfortable walking shoes
Plan Your Visit
Everything you need for an unforgettable World Cup experience
Getting Around
Transport options
RideKC Bus Route 47 to Arrowhead Stadium
$1.50 each way ($3 round-trip) - saves $47-77 vs Uber with surge
Uber / Lyft
$25-40 normal from downtown, $40-60 surge. $30-50 from Plaza.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Kansas City host a Quarterfinal match?
YES! Arrowhead Stadium will host a Quarterfinal match on July 9, 2026. This is a MASSIVE match - last 8 teams in the World Cup battling for a Semi-Final spot. KC is one of only a few US cities hosting...
Read more →What makes Kansas City BBQ special?
Kansas City style BBQ is defined by slow-smoked meats (12-16 hours over hickory wood) with thick, sweet, tomato-molasses sauce. KC BBQ includes burnt ends (crispy brisket cubes), ribs, pulled pork, AN...
Read more →How do I get to Arrowhead Stadium?
Arrowhead is 10 miles east of Downtown (20-25 min drive normally, 35-45 min on match days). OPTIONS: (1) Drive + park ($40-60, arrive 90+ min early, ample parking - 27,000 spaces), (2) Uber/Lyft ($20-...
Read more →What's the weather like in Kansas City in June/July?
Hot and humid - expect 86-90°F (30-32°C) with 65% humidity. Mornings sticky (70-80% humidity), afternoons drier (50-60%). Brief afternoon thunderstorms possible (30-45 min rain, not all-day). June wet...
Read more →Can I bring a backpack to Arrowhead Stadium?
NO. Arrowhead has a STRICT clear bag policy (max 12x6x12 inches). Small clutches (4.5x6.5 inches) are allowed. WARNING: There is NO bag check facility at the stadium. If your bag is rejected at securi...
Read more →Is Kansas City walkable?
NO. Kansas City is car-centric and spread out. Downtown Power & Light District is walkable (restaurants, bars, hotels), but getting between neighborhoods requires car/rideshare. Country Club Plaza is ...
Read more →What is Chiefs Kingdom?
Chiefs Kingdom is the passionate fanbase of the Kansas City Chiefs NFL team. Arrowhead Stadium holds the Guinness World Record for loudest crowd roar (142.2 decibels, 2014). Chiefs fans are known for ...
Read more →What are the best things to do in Kansas City besides BBQ?
Top attractions: (1) Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art - FREE admission, world-class collection, Shuttlecocks sculpture. (2) 18th & Vine Jazz District - birthplace of KC jazz, American Jazz Museum, Negro Le...
Read more →Is Kansas City affordable?
YES! Kansas City is the MOST AFFORDABLE major US host city. Hotels $120-250/night Downtown (vs $200-500 in SF, $220-440 in Vancouver). Meals $12-20 (BBQ plates $15-25). Uber/Lyft $8-15 between neighbo...
Read more →