Kansas City World Cup 2026 Host City Guide | Xenia Events
World Cup 2026 Host City

Kansas City & Arrowhead Stadium

A classic American stadium atmosphere — Kansas City hosts multiple group matches plus a Round of 32 and a Quarterfinal at Arrowhead.

🇺🇸 United States Matches June–July 2026 Host Stadium: Arrowhead Stadium (Kansas City, MO)

Snapshot

Kansas City at a Glance

Host Stadium
Arrowhead Stadium
Match Types
Group Stage • Round of 32 • Quarterfinal
Airport
Kansas City International (MCI)
Stadium Area
Truman Sports Complex (east of Downtown)
Best Areas to Stay
Downtown / Power & Light, Country Club Plaza, Crossroads
Ideal Stay Length
3–6 nights per match cluster
Stadium Guide

Arrowhead Stadium Matchday Experience

Arrowhead Stadium is known for a big, high-energy game-day environment. It’s located at the Truman Sports Complex, so match-day planning is mostly about transportation, arrival timing, and having a clean post-match pickup strategy.

What to Expect
  • Large venue and a true “stadium” match-day feel.
  • Stadium is not walkable from most hotel corridors — transport matters.
  • Security and entry lines increase for RO32 and Quarterfinal matches.
  • Summer weather can be hot/humid — plan hydration and lightweight layers.
Matchday Tips
  • Arrive 90–120 minutes early for group matches; 2+ hours for RO32/Quarterfinal.
  • Confirm the official parking/rideshare routing for your match day.
  • Pack light and follow bag policy guidelines.
  • Pre-arrange a post-match meetup point for groups.
Where to Stay

Best Areas for World Cup Visitors

Downtown / Power & Light District
Central + Nightlife

Best all-around base for first-time visitors: hotels, dining, bars, and easy access to the Crossroads and River Market. Match-day transport to Arrowhead is straightforward with a planned pickup.

Crossroads Arts District
Trendy + Walkable

A favorite for restaurants, breweries, galleries, and a more local vibe. Great for groups that want a cool neighborhood base near Downtown.

Country Club Plaza
Upscale + Scenic

A polished corridor with strong hotels and shopping, plus a relaxed feel. Ideal if you want a quieter base while staying close to city highlights.

Overland Park (KS)
Value + Space

A practical option for families or groups that want more space and often strong value. Commute into Downtown and to Arrowhead is longer.

Hotels

Where We Typically Place Guests

We match hotels to your match schedule, preferred neighborhoods, and budget. Below are examples of the kinds of properties we typically use. Final selection depends on dates, demand, and match assignment.

Luxury & 5-Star

  • Top Downtown placements (limited + high demand)
  • Premium Plaza corridor options
  • Suite-style inventory for groups (when available)
  • Curated upgrades by match cluster

4-Star Favorites

  • Downtown full-service brands
  • Crossroads-adjacent hotel corridors
  • Reliable group-friendly properties
  • Strong access for match-day routing

Upper-Midrange Options

  • Select-service Downtown options
  • Value corridors near major highways
  • Family-friendly inventory in Overland Park
  • Curated stays by match dates

Your package will specify confirmed hotel options and neighborhoods before you commit.

Transportation

Getting Around Kansas City & to Arrowhead Stadium

Kansas City is easy to navigate, but Arrowhead match days require a plan. Because the stadium is outside the Downtown core, the best experiences usually involve pre-arranged transport and an early-arrival strategy.

Airport
  • MCI — Kansas City International Airport (primary gateway).
  • Private transfers are ideal for groups and predictable timing.
Getting to Arrowhead
  • Private SUV or Sprinter (best for groups and timing control).
  • Rideshare can bottleneck post-match — pickup strategy matters.
  • Confirm official parking/routing rules for your match day.
  • Leave extra buffer time for security screening and entry lines.
Match Calendar

Kansas City World Cup 2026 Match Schedule

Matches hosted at Arrowhead Stadium. Team placeholders (e.g., “W95”) reflect bracket positions and will resolve after group results. Kickoff times may be adjusted by organizers.

Match 19Group - J
Argentina vs Algeria
Tuesday, June 16, 2026 · Arrowhead Stadium (Kansas City, MO)
Match 34Group - E
Ecuador vs Curaçao
Saturday, June 20, 2026 · Arrowhead Stadium (Kansas City, MO)
Match 58Group - F
Tunisia vs Netherlands
Thursday, June 25, 2026 · Arrowhead Stadium (Kansas City, MO)
Match 69Group - J
Algeria vs Austria
Saturday, June 27, 2026 · Arrowhead Stadium (Kansas City, MO)
Match 87RO32
1K vs 3D/E/I/J/L
Friday, July 3, 2026 · Arrowhead Stadium (Kansas City, MO)
Match 100Quarterfinal
W95 vs W96
Saturday, July 11, 2026 · Arrowhead Stadium (Kansas City, MO)

Want a simple plan? We can build packages around any match above — hotels, transport, and ticket options tailored to your group.

Between Matches

Things to Do in Kansas City

Top Sights
  • National WWI Museum and Memorial (iconic KC landmark).
  • Country Club Plaza (shopping + architecture + strolling).
  • Union Station + nearby museums.
  • Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art (must-do if you have time).
  • River Market and Downtown exploring.
Food & Nightlife
  • KC BBQ stops (plan ahead during match weeks).
  • Crossroads breweries and cocktail bars.
  • Power & Light District for nightlife and big screens.
  • Pre-match dinners curated around your hotel location.
For Families & Extra Days
  • Kansas City Zoo (depending on your schedule).
  • Science City at Union Station.
  • Day-trip options by request (depending on match spacing).

If you’d like, we can fold dining reservations and sightseeing into your World Cup itinerary so everything is confirmed before you arrive.

Traveler Tips

Safety & Practical Advice

General Safety

  • Stay aware in crowded zones and keep valuables secure.
  • Use rideshare late at night if moving between neighborhoods.
  • Heat/humidity: hydrate and plan AC breaks on long days.

Matchday

  • Arrive early: routing and entry lines increase in knockout rounds.
  • Confirm official stadium entry rules and bag policy.
  • Pick a post-match meetup/pickup plan for groups.

Movement

  • Plan your days by area (Downtown/Crossroads/Plaza) to reduce drive time.
  • Use official queues and avoid unmarked vehicles.
  • Your Xenia advisor can recommend corridors based on match dates and priorities.
Packages

Kansas City World Cup Packages with Xenia

We design fully managed Kansas City itineraries that connect match tickets, hotel placement, and coordinated transportation into one streamlined trip. Every package is customized around your dates, match priorities, and service level.

  • Group-stage packages built around 1–2 Kansas City matches.
  • RO32 and Quarterfinal routing by request (subject to ticket availability).
  • Multi-city routes combining Kansas City with other U.S. host cities.
  • Premium hotel corridors with match-day transportation included.
  • Private SUVs or Sprinters for your group with match-day coordination.
FAQ

Kansas City World Cup FAQ

Which airport is best for Kansas City match trips?
MCI (Kansas City International) is the primary airport and the best option for most travelers.
Should I stay Downtown or near the stadium?
Downtown is usually the best all-around base for dining and nightlife. Stadium-area stays are “logistics first” and can be useful for very early arrivals.
How early should we leave for matches?
For group matches, 90–120 minutes early is a safe buffer. For RO32/Quarterfinal, plan to be at the stadium complex 2+ hours before kickoff.
Are match tickets included in Xenia packages?
Yes. Our packages are built around verified match access and seating categories, with hotels and transportation layered on top.

Ready to Plan Kansas City World Cup 2026?

We’ll send tailored options with tickets, hotel placement, and match-day transportation — built around your preferred Kansas City match dates at Arrowhead Stadium.

Office: +1 (512) 900-4347  |  Call / Text: +1 (737) 393-1800

Email: info@xeniaevents.com  |  Web: xeniaevents.com

Independence Statement: Xenia Events LLC is an independent travel and hospitality provider and is not affiliated with FIFA, Arrowhead Stadium, or any official World Cup organizing body. All trademarks are the property of their respective owners.