Overview
Kansas City, the Heart of America, will be a spectacular host city for FIFA World Cup 2026, featuring 6 matches at the iconic GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium, including a quarterfinal match. Kansas City will host 5 group stage matches and 1 quarterfinal match, showcasing the city's rich jazz heritage, world-famous barbecue culture, and passionate sports community. This prestigious tournament will highlight Kansas City's unique blend of Midwestern hospitality, vibrant arts scene, and culinary excellence. From the historic Country Club Plaza to the bustling Power & Light District, from the world-class Nelson-Atkins Museum to the vibrant Crossroads Arts District, Kansas City offers an unparalleled World Cup experience that combines the passion of global football with the charm of the American Midwest. With its perfect summer weather, world-class dining scene featuring legendary BBQ and fine dining, and passionate sports community, Kansas City promises unforgettable memories for soccer fans from around the world.
Getting Around
Airport
Kansas City International (MCI) - 20 miles from downtown
Distance to city center: 15-30 minutes
Public Transport
KC Streetcar, buses, enhanced service planned for World Cup
Metro/bus passes available
Ride-Hail
Uber, Lyft available
Convenient for stadium access
Safety & Common Scams
Safety Tips
Very safe with enhanced World Cup security measures. Standard urban awareness recommended.
- • Keep valuables secure and out of sight
- • Use official transport and licensed taxis
- • Stay aware of your surroundings, especially at night
- • Keep copies of important documents
Quick Facts
Essential Info
- Population: 2.2 million (metro area)
- Airport: Kansas City International (MCI) - 20 miles from downtown
- Public Transport: KC Streetcar, buses, enhanced service planned for World Cup
- Best Time to Visit: June-July 2026 (World Cup period) - perfect weather
Travel Info
- Currency: USD
- Language: English (widely spoken)
- Timezone: CST (UTC-6)
- Safety: Very safe with enhanced World Cup security measures. Standard urban awareness recommended.
Must-See Attractions
Country Club Plaza
Spanish-inspired shopping district with fountains, art, and upscale dining
Power & Light District
Vibrant entertainment area with KC Live! block featuring restaurants, bars, and live music
Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
World-class art museum with extensive collections and iconic shuttlecock sculptures
National WWI Museum and Memorial
Historic site selected for Kansas City's FIFA Fan Festival™ with panoramic city views
Crossroads Arts District
Vibrant neighborhood with galleries, restaurants, breweries, and First Friday events
Jazz District
Historic jazz heritage area celebrating Kansas City's musical legacy
Kansas City Zoo
Award-winning zoo with innovative exhibits and animal exploration trails
South Loop Park
5.5-acre urban park under development to reconnect downtown with arts district
Kansas City & Arrowhead Stadium Restaurant Guide
From stadium-area quick bites to world-class BBQ and fine dining, discover the best restaurants for your World Cup 2026 experience in the Heart of America.
Restaurants Near Arrowhead Stadium (Kansas City, MO)
Arthur Bryant's Barbeque
Legendary BBQ spot, often called the most famous in the U.S., known for its rich history and smoked meats
1727 Brooklyn Ave, Kansas City • 3.5 miles from stadium
$10-20 per person
Joe's Kansas City Bar-B-Que
Legendary BBQ spot known for mouthwatering ribs and burnt ends, originally from a gas station
3002 W 47th Ave, Kansas City • 4.2 miles from stadium
$12-25 per person
Q39
Modern BBQ joint with innovative flavors and award-winning smoked meats
1000 W 39th St, Kansas City • 5.8 miles from stadium
$20-30 per person
Stadium Area Food Trucks
Diverse food truck options with various cuisines and quick service
Arrowhead Stadium parking lots • 0.1 miles from stadium
$8-15 per person
Iconic Kansas City Foods & Where to Get Them
Kansas City BBQ
Slow-smoked meats with sweet, tangy sauce - KC's signature culinary contribution
Arthur Bryant's, Joe's KC, Q39, Jack Stack
$12-30 per person
Burnt Ends
KC's signature BBQ delicacy - crispy, caramelized ends of smoked brisket
Joe's KC, Q39, Jack Stack, Arthur Bryant's
$15-25 per serving
KC Strip Steak
Premium beef steaks, a Kansas City specialty with world-class quality
The Capital Grille, Gram & Dun, The Majestic
$35-60 per steak
Craft Beer
Thriving craft beer scene with local breweries and innovative flavors
Boulevard Brewing, City Barrel, Border Brewing
$5-12 per pint
Fine Dining & Award-Winning Restaurants
Bluestem
Fine dining with contemporary American cuisine, perfect for a special night out
900 Westport Rd, Kansas City • Westport
$80-150 per person
Grünauer
Upscale Austrian restaurant celebrating Viennese cuisine with house-made schnitzel and strudel
101 W 22nd St, Kansas City • Freight House
$30-50 per person
Lidia's
Italian restaurant offering shareable, elevated dishes and multi-course tasting room experience
101 W 22nd St, Kansas City • Freight House
$30-50 per person
Gram & Dun
Upscale steakhouse with craft cocktails and elegant atmosphere
600 Ward Pkwy, Kansas City • Country Club Plaza
$40-80 per person
Neighborhood Dining Highlights
Power & Light District
KC Live!
Entertainment complex with multiple restaurants and bars
$15-35 per person
Local breweries
Craft beer scene and casual dining
$10-25 per person
Crossroads Arts District
City Barrel Brewing
Craft beers, cocktails, and food menu
$15-30 per person
Brewery Emperial
Rustic brewery with restaurant and patio
$15-30 per person
Country Club Plaza
Gram & Dun
Upscale steakhouse with craft cocktails
$40-80 per person
The Westside Local
Farm-to-table American cuisine
$25-50 per person
Quick & Budget-Friendly Options
Fiorella's Jack Stack Barbecue
Hickory-smoked meats and upscale barbecue experience
$15-30 per person
Food Trucks & Local Markets
Diverse food truck scene and local markets throughout the city
$8-15 per person
Dining Tips for World Cup Visitors
Reservation Strategy
- • Fine dining: Book 1-2 months ahead
- • Popular BBQ spots: Use Resy, OpenTable apps
- • Walk-ins: Try off-peak hours (2-5 PM)
Match Day Dining
- • Pre-game: Eat 2-3 hours before kickoff
- • Stadium area: Book reservations well ahead
- • Post-game: KC restaurants stay open late
Itineraries
24-Hour Itinerary
- • Morning: City tour and local breakfast
- • Afternoon: Stadium visit and fan zone
- • Evening: Match or local nightlife
48-Hour Itinerary
- • Day 1: Full city exploration and attractions
- • Day 2: Stadium experience and local culture
- • Extended time for relaxation and dining
Matches in this City
6 World Cup Matches
View the complete schedule for Kansas City
Fan Zones & Watch Parties
Official Fan Zone
Main gathering area for World Cup fans with giant screens and entertainment.
- • Location: City center
- • Hours: Match days + extended hours
- • Features: Food vendors, merchandise, live music
Watch Parties
Local bars and venues showing matches with fan-friendly atmosphere.
- • Sports bars in downtown area
- • Beachfront venues for outdoor viewing
- • Family-friendly options available
World Cup Stadiums
GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium
Capacity
76,416 (expandable to 80,000)
Distance from Downtown
8 miles from downtown Kansas City
Transportation
KC Streetcar, shuttle service, ride-sharing
Map
Where to Stay
The Fontaine
Luxury hotel in Country Club Plaza with elegant architecture and upscale amenities
Hotel Kansas City
Historic boutique hotel with modern luxury and world-class service
The Westin Kansas City
Contemporary hotel with city views and convenient downtown location
21c Museum Hotel
Boutique hotel combining contemporary art with luxury accommodations
HI Kansas City Hostel
Budget-friendly accommodation with shared and private rooms
Travel Tips
Getting Around
KC Streetcar, buses, enhanced service planned for World Cup is the best way to explore the city. Consider purchasing a day pass for unlimited rides.
Weather
70-85°F (21-29°C) - Pack accordingly and stay hydrated, especially during outdoor activities.
Safety
Very safe with enhanced World Cup security measures. Standard urban awareness recommended. - Keep valuables secure and be aware of your surroundings.
Plan Your Trip
Get detailed travel guides, match schedules, and exclusive fan tips.