In Kansas City, “The Soccer Capital of America,” attendees of the 2026 FIFA World Cup are in for international influences mixed with unique Midwestern appeal.

The city’s many other nicknames include charming monikers such as “The City of Fountains” and “The Heart of America.” Though one of America’s often-overlooked metropolises — unless you’re a Chiefs fan — Kansas City shouldn’t go underrated. The Midwestern hub is one of the country’s must-visit destinations for BBQ, jazz, and sports enthusiasm.

The FIFA World Cup will host six matches at Arrowhead Stadium (aka Kansas City Stadium). The matches and dates are: Argentina vs. Algeria (June 16), Ecuador vs. Curaçao (June 20), Tunisia vs. the Netherlands (June 25), Algeria vs. Australia (June 27), a Round of 32 — Match 87 (July 3), and a quarterfinal game (July 11).

Things To Do In Kansas City During The World Cup

Explore the 18th & Vine Historic Jazz District, a historically Black enclave where arts, culture, and history have thrived. While there, visit the Black Archives of Mid-America, and the American Jazz and Negro Leagues Baseball Museums. Elsewhere, visit the Museum of BBQ in Crown Center and explore the rest of the district’s museums, boutiques, and restaurants.

The city’s reign as a barbecue capital means you must visit staples like Gates Bar-B-Q, Aunt Mildred’s #10 BBQ Food Truck, and The King & Queen of BBQ. For jazz-filled nights, check out the Green Lady Lounge and Black Dolphin.

Kansas City’s FIFA Fan Festival will take place over 18 select days throughout the tournament period. At the entrance, attendees can snap photos near the stunning 65-foot-tall heart-shaped structure there to welcome them to the south lawn of the National WWI Museum and Memorial. Free to attend, the family-friendly event will include international dining options, live entertainment, watch parties, and more.

Where To Stay In Kansas City For World Cup Matches

Open-air shopping and entertainment plaza at the Kansas City Power & Light District with restaurants, seating areas, and a red steel canopy overhead. — TriggerPhoto / Getty Images

Arrowhead Stadium is in the Crown Center area. If you want to be close to the matches, choose your accommodations there, or in nearby Union Hill or the Crossroads Arts District. The latter, Westport, 18th & Vine, and the Power & Light (P&L) District are all ideal neighborhoods to stay in or visit if you want to be around Kansas City’s nightlife scene.

ConnectKC26 is a bus service that will work in conjunction with the local public transportation infrastructure (including the free Kansas City Streetcar) to help locals and tourists get to and from all the action. ConnectKC26 includes several useful lines that extend to hotspots on both sides of the Missouri-Kansas border. The lines include the Airport, Region, Stadium, and Region & Stadium Directs. To take advantage of the city’s motorcoach service to Arrowhead Stadium on match days, World Cup ticket holders should sign up for ConnectKC26 updates.

Best Neighborhoods For Visiting Fans

To be right in the middle of things, and close to the matches, visitors have several options. Those fans are likely staying in Crown Center, the Crossroads Arts District, River Market, Midtown, or Westport.

Regarding safety, those who stay in touristy areas and practice general street smarts should be fine.

Free Things To Do In Kansas City Between Matches

Kansas City streetcar traveling past a colorful Boulevard Brewing Company mural in the Crossroads Arts District at night. — peeterv / Getty Images

Even if you’re on a tight budget, there’s so much to do, see, and experience in Kansas City. Definitely ride the Kansas City Streetcar, which runs throughout the city and is accessible to people with strollers, service animals, or in wheelchairs. There are many free things to do after getting out at stops along the streetcar’s route. Among them are visiting the 30-floor-high observation deck at City Hall (closed and under renovation at the time of this report), taking pictures at Art Alley, or exploring The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art and the Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art.

Travelers and locals alike can enjoy embarking on a self-guided tour of some of the city’s more than 200 fountains. Moreover, some of the best green spaces in the city include Loose Park and Kauffman Legacy Park.

Bringing The Kids? How To Make It Family-Friendly

Crown Center also offers a wide variety of family-friendly entertainment. Places particularly fitting for young families are the LEGOLAND Discovery Center and Kaleidoscope. The latter is “a free art-making space” where kiddos can explore their creativity and imagination.

For more mixed and multigenerational groups, in addition to the Museum of BBQ, consider visiting the Money Museum, the National WWI Museum and Memorial, or Union Station (a local landmark). Keep in mind that Crown Center is flanked by various parks (Sheila Kemper Dietrich Park, Penn Valley Park, Longfellow Park, Hospital Hill Park), so you should be able to find playgrounds, shade areas, benches, and picnic tables.

Worlds of Fun is a family-friendly theme park with something for everyone, including roller coasters, a water park (Oceans of Fun), and special events. Additionally, sports fans 4 and older will love an energetic and fun-filled trip to The College Basketball Experience. If you’ve got animal lovers in your group, don’t forget the Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium.

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