The FIFA World Cup 2026™ is the largest sporting event on the planet, bringing together millions of fans, dozens of nations, and the game’s biggest stars. This summer, Kansas City found itself at the center of it all.
While it may be the smallest market among the 11 U.S. host cities, Kansas City has embraced its moment on the global stage. Four national teams called KC home, fans from around the world filled the streets and the city delivered a World Cup experience that could only happen in Kansas City.
Base Camp Capital
Long before the first match kicked off at Kansas City Stadium, the region had already become an essential part of the tournament.
England, the Netherlands, Algeria and defending world champions Argentina all selected the Heart of America as their home during the World Cup. Drawn by the city’s world-class training facilities, premier hotels, deep soccer roots and a central location that simplifies travel across North America, each federation could focus on the tournament while a network of local partners worked behind the scenes to support their preparation and success.
Recognized as the Soccer Capital of America, this homecoming felt fitting. More than $650 million has been invested in soccer infrastructure across the region over the past 15 years, helping Kansas City become the only host community to welcome four national teams and earn the title of Base Camp Capital.
How Kansas City wooed World Cup giants to its base camps: BBQ, padel, ‘KC Kind’
In the Middle of Everything
Kansas City is the heart of America.
Located near the geographic center of the country, Kansas City is easy to reach, with more than 55 nonstop destinations available at the new single terminal at Kansas City International Airport (MCI) and a location within a day’s drive of 55 million people. You can quickly move from arrival to kickoff, spending less time traveling and more time experiencing matchday excitement, celebrations and everything the city has to offer.
The World Cup experience began upon arrival at MCI. Recently ranked No. 4 among large airports for customer satisfaction by J.D. Power, the airport welcomed soccer fans with flags representing all 48 competing nations, multilingual signage and dedicated match-viewing areas – offering a first glimpse of the excitement unfolding throughout the city.
A Connected City
Once you arrive in Kansas City, everything is within reach.
The 6.5-mile KC Streetcar makes exploring the city easy. Always free to ride, it connects Current Landing at the Berkley Riverfront, the Crossroads Arts District, Westport and other vibrant neighborhoods. Whether you’re searching for world-famous barbecue, live jazz or a visit to one of the city’s iconic fountains, it’s often just a few stops away.
It also carried riders directly to Kansas City’s FIFA Fan Festival™ and shattered ridership records along the way. To meet increased demand during the tournament, additional streetcars, expanded staffing and supplemental service reduced wait times while helping move nearly 700,000 passengers during the month of June.
Beyond the streetcar route, ConnectKC26—a bus system created specifically for the FIFA World Cup 2026™—connected an additional 215,000 fans to Kansas City Stadium and key destinations across the region, making it easy to travel without needing a car.
KCHouse
One of the most distinctive activations has been KCHouse, an invitation-only hospitality venue designed by Kansas City-based architecture firm Populous.
International media, business leaders, civic stakeholders and tournament partners gathered to experience Kansas City firsthand. Conversations moved from soccer and business to food, music and culture, with local chefs, musicians and artists showcasing the city’s creativity against the backdrop of the Country Club Plaza’s iconic Spanish-inspired architecture.
FIFA Fan Festival™
While matches took place at Kansas City Stadium, the heartbeat of the World Cup could be found at the FIFA Fan Festival™ on the grounds of the National WWI Museum and Memorial.
Also designed by the world-renowned architecture firm Populous, the free festival transformed one of Kansas City’s most recognizable landmarks into a global gathering place. Fans entered through the towering KC Heart installation before discovering live match broadcasts, interactive activations, entertainment stages, premium lounges and gathering spaces spread throughout the site.
Beneath Liberty Memorial, over 400,000 fans from more than 150 countries came together to enjoy live music, local food and a shared passion for the game.
A City That Shows Up
Between celebrated pro teams and diehard fan bases, Kansas City has been known as one of America’s great sports cities, but during the World Cup, the entire world got a front-row seat.
In the days leading up to matches, South American supporters transformed the Country Club Plaza into a traditional banderazo, surrounding the iconic fountain in Mill Creek Park with their team’s colors and songs.
Then came the Dutch.
More than 36,000 Dutch fans turned downtown into a sea of orange during the Oranje Fanwalk ahead of The Netherlands’ match against Tunisia, making it the largest Dutch fan march held anywhere in the United States. Marching from the Power & Light District to Union Station and the Fan Festival grounds, the celebration brought one of soccer’s most iconic traditions to the streets of Kansas City.
The energy carries right into GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium, temporarily rebranded as Kansas City Stadium during the tournament. The venue is also home to the Guinness World Record for the loudest crowd roar ever recorded.
After the final whistle, fans were found gathering along the stadium’s spiral ramps, turning them into celebrations that felt strikingly familiar if you’ve ever experienced a Chiefs victory at Arrowhead.
Classic Midwestern Hospitality
Throughout the FIFA World Cup 2026™, Kansas City’s Midwestern hospitality was on full display as hotels and communities across the region welcomed the world with open arms.
Four national teams found a home in the Heart of America, and their hotels became much more than places to stay. Meeting rooms were reimagined as recovery spaces and entire properties adapted to each team’s unique routines. Every detail—from dining to security to wellness—was thoughtfully tailored so players and staff could focus solely on the tournament.
Argentina settled into the boutique Origin Hotel along the Missouri River, while England chose the intimate Inn at Meadowbrook in Prairie Village for its quiet environment. The Netherlands transformed the Cascade Hotel on the Country Club Plaza, complete with a replica gym modeled after its facility in the Netherlands.
Lawrence, home of the Jayhawks at the University of Kansas, embraced its role as Algeria’s home base. Restaurants expanded halal dining options, businesses learned more about Algerian culture and supporters were welcomed throughout the community. By the time Algeria took the field at Kansas City Stadium, “Welcome Home, Algeria” had become a natural greeting throughout the college town.
The tournament also showcased Kansas City’s evolving hotel landscape. Downtown, more than 6,000 hotel rooms sit within walking distance of the Kansas City Convention Center, the Power & Light District and T-Mobile Center. Across the metro, more than 36,000 hotel rooms range from full-service convention hotels to newly renovated stays in vibrant neighborhoods throughout the region.
The final whistle marks the end of the tournament, but the impact of the FIFA World Cup 2026™ will continue long after. Kansas City proved it could welcome the world with unforgettable experiences, authentic culture and the kind of hospitality that turns visitors into lifelong ambassadors.
