Kansas City, Missouri
Your Complete 2026 World Cup Guide
At a Glance
- Location
- Kansas City, Missouri, USA
- Population
- 510,000
- Time Zone
- CDT (UTC-5)
- Stadiums
- 1 venue
- Matches Hosted
- 6 matches
- Best Way to Get Around
- RideKC Bus (Route 47)
Last Updated: by KickoffAdventures Editorial Team
Overview
Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City will host 6 FIFA World Cup 2026 matches, including Argentina vs Algeria (June 16), Ecuador vs Curaçao (June 20), Netherlands vs Tunisia (June 25), Algeria vs Austria (June 27), a Round of 32 match (July 3), and a Quarterfinal on July 11. Messi's Argentina will kick off Kansas City's World Cup journey!
Kansas City is America's BBQ capital and heart of the Midwest. The city is defined by three things: world-class BBQ (Joe's, Q39, Gates), passionate sports fans (Chiefs Kingdom is LOUD), and surprising cultural gems (Nelson-Atkins Museum is free and world-class, Country Club Plaza is Spanish-inspired architectural beauty).
Arrowhead Stadium holds the Guinness World Record for loudest outdoor stadium (142.2 decibels). The atmosphere will be electric. The stadium is open-air with NO roof—bring sunscreen and rain gear.
Kansas City is car-dependent but easy to navigate. Stay Downtown for walkability and nightlife (Power & Light District), or near the Plaza for upscale atmosphere. Budget travelers can find deals near the stadium, but you'll miss the city culture.
⚽World Cup Stadium
Getting Around
Kansas City is a driving city. Wide streets, easy navigation, and affordable parking (except at the stadium).
To Get Around: Uber/Lyft is king. The KC Streetcar is FREE and connects River Market, Downtown, Crossroads, and Union Station—use it for sightseeing, but it doesn't go to the stadium.
To Arrowhead Stadium: RideKC Route 47 runs from Downtown ($2.00, 45-60 mins with a 15-min walk to gates) but service is infrequent. Most fans Uber/Lyft ($20-30 each way, surge pricing on match days). Post-match pickup takes 30-45 mins.
Rental Car: Worth it if you want to hit multiple BBQ joints (Joe's is in Kansas side, Q39 in Midtown, Gates has 6 locations). Parking at Arrowhead is expensive ($50+) and exiting takes 45-60 mins.
Where to Stay
Best Strategic Location: Downtown / Power & Light District. Central location with nightlife, Route 47 bus to stadium, and walkable to Union Station and Crossroads Arts District. Hotels: Loews Kansas City, Sheraton Crown Center, Hotel Phillips.
Best Atmosphere: Country Club Plaza. Spanish-inspired architecture, upscale shopping, and walking distance to Nelson-Atkins Museum. Hotels: Intercontinental, Raphael Hotel. More expensive but beautiful.
Best Budget: Near Arrowhead Stadium. Budget chains (Days Inn, Motel 6) walking distance to stadium. Zero culture but cheapest option.
Coolest Neighborhood: Crossroads Arts District. Street art, galleries, breweries. Limited hotels but great Airbnb options. Close to downtown.
Neighborhood Breakdown
Downtown / Power & Light District
Best For
Nightlife, walkability, proximity to attractions
Distance to Stadium
10 miles
Travel Time
45-60 min via RideKC bus
Pros
- •Central location with walking distance to Union Station, Sprint Center
- •Power & Light District has 50+ bars/restaurants in 9 blocks
- •Direct RideKC bus to Arrowhead Stadium (Route 47)
- •Hotels like Loews Kansas City, Sheraton, Hilton President
- •Crossroads Arts District walkable (galleries, First Fridays)
Cons
- •Can get loud on weekends (party district)
- •Parking expensive ($25-40/night)
- •Some areas feel empty during the day
- •Homeless population in certain blocks
Country Club Plaza
Best For
Upscale shopping, Spanish architecture, romantic atmosphere
Distance to Stadium
12 miles
Travel Time
20-30 min rideshare
Pros
- •Most beautiful district in KC (Spanish-inspired architecture)
- •Walking distance to Nelson-Atkins Museum (free admission)
- •Luxury hotels (Intercontinental, Raphael Hotel)
- •Safe, upscale, well-lit at night
- •Holiday lights in winter are iconic
Cons
- •More expensive hotels and dining
- •No direct transit to stadium (need rideshare)
- •Parking challenging on weekends
- •Can feel touristy
Crossroads Arts District
Best For
Young professionals, artists, indie culture
Distance to Stadium
11 miles
Travel Time
50-65 min via bus
Pros
- •Coolest neighborhood in KC (street art, galleries, breweries)
- •First Fridays art walk (monthly event)
- •Close to Downtown (10 min walk)
- •Affordable lofts and boutique hotels
- •Best coffee shops and brunch spots
Cons
- •Limited large hotel inventory
- •Industrial feel (converted warehouses)
- •No direct transit to stadium
- •Gentrifying area (some blocks feel rough)
Westport
Best For
Nightlife, dive bars, music venues
Distance to Stadium
13 miles
Travel Time
25-35 min rideshare
Pros
- •Historic entertainment district (bars, live music)
- •Kelly's Westport Inn (oldest building in KC, 1850)
- •More affordable than Plaza or Downtown
- •Local vibe (college crowd, young professionals)
- •Close to Plaza and Midtown
Cons
- •Very limited hotel options (mostly Airbnb)
- •Can get rowdy late night
- •No direct transit to stadium
- •Parking difficult on weekends
Near Arrowhead Stadium
Best For
Stadium access priority, budget travelers
Distance to Stadium
0.5 miles
Travel Time
10 min walk
Pros
- •Walking distance to Arrowhead Stadium
- •Budget hotel chains (Days Inn, Motel 6)
- •Free parking
- •No commute stress on match days
Cons
- •ZERO Kansas City culture (suburban strip malls)
- •20-30 min drive to Downtown attractions
- •Very car-dependent
- •Nothing to do except stadium
Top Things to Do
BBQ Pilgrimage (Non-Negotiable):
1. Joe's Kansas City Bar-B-Que - #1 in KC. Z-Man sandwich and burnt ends are legendary. Arrive by 11am (lines by noon, sells out by 2pm).
2. Q39 - Modern BBQ with craft cocktails. Burnt ends and pork belly appetizer.
3. Gates Bar-B-Q - Old school KC BBQ. Fast-paced (they yell "Hi, may I help you?!" when you enter—don't be scared, just yell your order back!). Ribs and burnt ends.
4. Arthur Bryant's - Presidential history (Obama ate here). Vinegar-based sauce. Nostalgia factor.
Culture & Attractions:
- Nelson-Atkins Museum - World-class art museum. FREE admission. Shuttlecocks sculpture on lawn is Instagram gold.
- Country Club Plaza - Spanish architecture, fountains, upscale shopping. Beautiful at night.
- Union Station - Historic train station with Grand Hall. Next to National WWI Museum.
- Crossroads Arts District - First Fridays (monthly art walk), street art, breweries.
- Boulevard Brewing - Tours $10-15 with beer samples. Book online weeks in advance.
Sports Culture:
- Negro Leagues Baseball Museum - Kansas City was the heart of Negro Leagues baseball. Powerful history.
- Chiefs Hall of Honor - At Arrowhead Stadium. Open on non-game days.
Midwest Nice Warning: If someone asks 'How are you?', they actually want to know. It's not just a greeting here. Expect genuine friendliness!
Must-See Attractions
Joe's Kansas City Bar-B-Que
Former gas station turned BBQ mecca. Consistently ranked #1 BBQ in Kansas City by locals and critics. The Z-Man sandwich (brisket, smoked provolone, onion ring) is legendary. Expect long lines but worth every minute. Pro Tip: Order the burnt ends platter—they sell out by 2pm.
Cost
$12-20 per meal
Time Needed
1 hour (including wait)
Best Time
Weekday lunch (11am) to beat crowds
How to Get There
Original location in KCK (Kansas side). Uber/Lyft or drive.
Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
World-class art museum with FREE admission (one of the few major museums in the US that's free). Features European masters, Impressionists, and a massive lawn with the iconic 'Shuttlecocks' sculptures. The Bloch Building is architectural masterpiece.
Cost
FREE
Time Needed
2-3 hours
Best Time
Saturday mornings or weekday afternoons
How to Get There
Walking distance from Country Club Plaza
Country Club Plaza
America's first planned outdoor shopping center (1922). 15 blocks of Spanish-inspired architecture (Seville-style buildings, fountains, tile work). Over 120 shops from Tiffany & Co. to local boutiques. Even if you don't shop, it's worth walking for the architecture and photo ops.
Cost
Free to explore (shopping extra)
Time Needed
2-3 hours
Best Time
Evening (beautifully lit at night)
How to Get There
Rideshare or walk from nearby hotels
Union Station
Historic train station (1914) restored to its former glory. Now houses Science City (interactive exhibits), restaurants, and event space. The Grand Hall is breathtaking. Right next to the National WWI Museum and Memorial (worth visiting).
Cost
Free to enter (Science City $15)
Time Needed
1-2 hours
Best Time
Afternoon before dinner
How to Get There
Downtown (streetcar stops here)
Boulevard Brewing Company
Largest craft brewery in the Midwest. Public tours ($10-15) include beer samples in the Tasting Room. The Tank 7 Farmhouse Ale is famous nationwide. Book online weeks in advance as spots fill up quickly.
Cost
$10-15 per person
Time Needed
1.5 hours
Best Time
Weekday afternoons
How to Get There
Crossroads District (Uber/Lyft)
Weather & When to Visit
High
88°F
(31°C)
Low
68°F
(20°C)
Rain
8-9 days/month
Humidity
65%
June/July Weather:
- Temperature: 86-90°F (30-32°C) highs, 66-72°F (19-22°C) lows
- Humidity: 65% (sticky mornings, drier afternoons)
- Rain: Thunderstorms common in late afternoon/evening. Dramatic but pass quickly.
- Stadium: Open-air, NO roof. Bring sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, rain poncho.
What to Pack:
- Sunscreen SPF 30+
- Hat and sunglasses
- Light rain jacket or poncho
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Light layers (evenings can cool to 65°F)
Pro Tip: Evening kickoffs (7-9pm) are more comfortable than afternoon. The sun sets around 8:30pm in June/July, so second half will be cooler.
Money-Saving Tips
- Nelson-Atkins Museum is world-class and FREE (save $20-30 vs other art museums)
- KC Streetcar is FREE for downtown sightseeing (River Market to Union Station)
- RideKC bus is $2.00 vs $40+ Uber surge, but plan for longer travel time (45-60 mins)
- Joe's BBQ Z-Man sandwich is under $15 and feeds one person (burnt ends platter $20 feeds 2)
- Gates Bar-B-Q is often faster and cheaper than Q39 or Jack Stack (similar quality)
- Stay near Arrowhead Stadium for cheapest hotels ($80-140) but you'll need to Uber downtown
- Happy hour specials in Power & Light District (50+ bars compete for deals)
- Arthur Bryant's has huge portions for $12-15 (feed 2 people with sides)
- Boulevard Brewing tours are $10-15 (not free anymore but still affordable with beer samples)
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick Facts
Population
2.2 million (metro)
Time Zone
CDT (UTC-5)
Currency
USD ($)
Language
English
Emergency
911
Major Airports
MCI - 20 mi