Kansas City is emerging as a central hub for the upcoming World Cup, with six matches scheduled to take place at Arrowhead Stadium. The venue, home to the NFL's Kansas City Chiefs, will host a round of 32 game and a quarterfinal, among other fixtures. High-profile teams such as Lionel Messi's Argentina, Harry Kane's England, and Virgil van Dijk's Netherlands will be based in the metropolitan area, while Algeria will set up camp in nearby Lawrence, Kansas.
Location and Attractions
The World Cup activities will primarily occur on the Missouri side of the state line, which can be confusing for visitors due to the existence of both Kansas City, Missouri, and Kansas City, Kansas. Cultural attractions in the area include the National World War I Memorial and Museum, the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, the American Jazz Museum, and Union Station.
Food Scene
Kansas City is renowned for its barbecue, especially burnt ends—the trimmed points of a brisket. With dozens of top BBQ joints, visitors face a delightful dilemma of where to eat. Options range from upscale venues like Fiorella's Jack Stack to famous spots like Joe's Kansas City Bar-B-Que, award-winning Q39, legendary Arthur Bryant's, and beloved dives such as B.B.'s Lawnside BBQ. For fans traveling through Texas and Georgia, a BBQ tour comparing regional styles is highly recommended.
Fan Zones and Transportation
The free fan festival will be held on the grounds of the World War I memorial, featuring big screens for match viewing and live music from artists like the Chainsmokers, Flo Rida, and The All-American Rejects. Getting around downtown is convenient via the Kansas City streetcar, but reaching Arrowhead Stadium, located about 10 miles east of downtown, requires planning. With limited parking, over 200 buses will provide ticketed shuttle services from various points around the city.
Stadium Tips
Arrowhead Stadium lacks a roof, and summer temperatures in Kansas City can exceed 100°F (38°C). Consequently, all matches will be played at night. The region is also part of Tornado Alley, so monitoring weather conditions is crucial. The stadium, known for providing a strong home-field advantage for the Chiefs, is slated for replacement by 2031 with a new $3 billion domed stadium across the state line in Kansas City, Kansas.
For more World Cup coverage, visit AP News.
