Kansas City is one of the most authentically American host cities in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Arrowhead Stadium — officially renamed Kansas City Stadium for the tournament — hosts 6 matches, more group stage games than any other venue. Known globally as one of the loudest stadiums in NFL history, it will bring the same electric atmosphere to the world's biggest football tournament. But Kansas City's public transit is minimal compared to New York or Los Angeles, so transport planning is critical. This guide covers every logistical detail for match day.
Arrowhead Stadium opened in 1972 and has been home to the Kansas City Chiefs ever since. It previously hosted the 1994 FIFA World Cup, making 2026 its second World Cup. The stadium is located at One Arrowhead Drive, East Rutherford — sharing the Truman Sports Complex site with Kauffman Stadium (home of the Kansas City Royals, MLB).
Source: FIFA / StadiumDB, 2026
2026 World Cup Match Schedule at Kansas City Stadium
Kansas City Stadium hosts 6 World Cup matches — 5 group stage games and one Round of 32 knockout — between June 11 and July 13, 2026. The Connect KC 26 transit network runs for the entire 32-day window. Check FIFA.com for the latest confirmed kick-off times as the tournament approaches.
| Date | Match | Round | Kick-off CT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thu, June 18 | Group Stage Match | Group Stage | TBC |
| Sun, June 21 | Group Stage Match | Group Stage | TBC |
| Wed, June 25 | Group Stage Match (Argentina confirmed) | Group Stage | TBC |
| Sat, June 28 | Group Stage Match | Group Stage | TBC |
| Tue, July 1 | Group Stage Match | Group Stage | TBC |
| Sat, July 5 | Round of 32 (TBD) | Round of 32 | TBC |
Photo by Ant Rozetsky on Unsplash
How to Get to Arrowhead Stadium for World Cup 2026
Kansas City has limited permanent public transit compared to other host cities — there is no light rail line to Arrowhead Stadium. For the World Cup, KC2026 launched the Connect KC 26 dedicated transit network: 215 contracted buses running from June 11 to July 13. On the six match days, Stadium Direct routes operate exclusively for ticket holders from four park-and-ride locations. Buses run every 15–20 minutes.
- Stadium Direct buses (match days only, ticket holders): Oak Park Mall (Overland Park), Independence Center, North Kansas City (520 E 19th Ave), Highway 40 & Stadium Drive
- Regional Direct buses (all tournament days): 15 hubs across the metro including Downtown KC, Lawrence KS, Lee's Summit, Lenexa, and The Legends in KCK
- KCI Airport → Downtown KC: Direct Connect KC 26 bus, every 15 minutes throughout the tournament
- Kansas City Streetcar: Extended frequency for the FIFA Fan Festival at the National WWI Memorial & Museum — connects to Downtown KC hotels
- Amtrak Missouri River Runner: Extra daily service added between Kansas City and St. Louis (April–June) for increased pre-tournament travel
- Car / rideshare: NJ Turnpike approach from north, I-70 from east/west — allow 90+ minutes on match days; rideshare surge pricing expected
- Only ~4,000 on-site parking spots available for general ticket holders — the rest are FIFA hospitality allocations
Only 4,000 Parking Spots for General Ticket Holders
This is the single most important logistics fact for Kansas City. The vast majority of Arrowhead's 26,000+ on-site parking spaces have been allocated to FIFA hospitality packages. KC2026 has confirmed only approximately 4,000 spots remain for general ticket holders — and those will go quickly on resale platforms. Unless you have a parking pass already, plan your entire match day around the Connect KC 26 bus network. The Stadium Direct routes are free from the park-and-ride lots and designed specifically for this constraint.
Seating at Kansas City Stadium — Which Level Is Right for You?
Arrowhead was configured for World Cup soccer with temporary modifications to pitch orientation and corner seating. The stadium features three main tiers with a legendary atmosphere — particularly in the lower bowl where the noise level has repeatedly broken NFL world records. The new Club Level suites and premium sections offer the best sightlines for an elevated experience.
| Level | View Quality | Price Range (Group Stage) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lower Bowl (100s) | Excellent — close to pitch, loudest section in the stadium | $500–$1,200+ | Die-hard fans, atmosphere seekers, away supporters sections |
| Club Level (200s) | Best overall angle — midfield, covered, climate-controlled lounges | $350–$800 | Families, comfort-focused fans, those wanting lounge access |
| Upper Deck (300s) | Panoramic full-pitch view — steep rake, excellent for tactical viewing | $150–$400 | Budget-conscious fans, large groups, purist tacticians |
Best Hotels Near Arrowhead Stadium for World Cup 2026
Given the very limited on-site parking, staying near a Connect KC 26 bus stop is more practical than staying physically close to the stadium. The Country Club Plaza district (~5 miles) offers the best mix of walkable restaurants, bars, and bus access. Downtown Kansas City (~8 miles) has the widest hotel selection and connects directly to the expanded KC Streetcar and Connect KC 26 regional routes.
- The Fontaine (Country Club Plaza) — boutique luxury, 5 miles from stadium, direct Connect KC 26 access
- Loews Kansas City Hotel (Downtown) — full-service, 8 miles, connected to KC Streetcar line
- Sheraton Kansas City Hotel at Crown Center — 8 miles, large event property, KC2026 partner hotel
- Hyatt Regency Crown Center (Downtown) — connected to Crown Center indoor shopping, near Streetcar
- Overland Park area hotels (Sheraton, Marriott) — Johnson County Transit free buses to Oak Park Mall park-and-ride throughout tournament
Book Hotels Near Kansas City for World Cup 2026
Match-date hotel rates in Kansas City are already 3–4x normal levels. The Country Club Plaza and Downtown KC districts are the best bases — close to transport hubs and the FIFA Fan Festival.
Arrowhead's Tailgate Culture Is Legendary — But FIFA Has Rules
Arrowhead Stadium has one of the most famous tailgating traditions in North American sport. For World Cup 2026, FIFA has adapted — not eliminated — tailgating. Designated tailgate lots will be open to ticket holders with specific restrictions: no open flames (gas grills only), no generators, no large structural tents, and no alcohol sold from private vehicles. The FIFA Fan Festival at the National WWI Memorial & Museum in downtown Kansas City runs throughout the tournament as an additional pre-match social hub.
Kansas City World Cup 2026 — Match Day Checklist
Check every item before leaving your hotel.
Explore Kansas City World Cup Experiences
Make the most of your Kansas City visit with guided tours, stadium experiences, and pre-match activities in one of the USA's most underrated food and music cities.
Arrowhead Stadium World Cup 2026 — Frequently Asked Questions
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