Last Updated December 5, 2023.
Kansas City: the Birthplace of Jazz, the Paris of the Plains. Located near the center of the US, the 31st-largest metro area in the US stunned the competition when it was selected as a host city for the FIFA World Cup 2026.
How Kansas City became the 2026 World Cup’s most unlikely host city [Guardian]
Located within a four-hour flight of the other North American venues, Kansas City (KC) was selected for not only its central location, but also its stadium complex and quickly-growing metropolis.
Kansas City World Cup 2026 information
Location
Kansas City is technically two cities, split in half by a state border. Kansas City, Missouri is where the matches will be held. Although there are plenty of places to stay and experience in Kansas City, Kansas as well.
Weather
The weather in Kansas City varies greatly depending on the time of year. Summers are humid and hot, sometimes reaching 100° F (37° C), and winters can be cold and snowy.
(This section will be updated when tournament dates are announced)
Airport (MCI)
Visitors to Kansas City arrive at Kansas City International Airport (MCI), just under 30 miles (48 km) from the stadium complex. Direct drive is anywhere from 20-40 minutes, although you should expect major delays near the stadium on match days.
Stadium
Matches will be played at GEHA Field at Arrowhead, home of the Kansas City Chiefs (American) football team. The stadium seats 76,000 people and work has already begun to prepare it for soccer fans from around the world.
Lodging
Hotels
Like any major metropolitan area, Kansas City offers a wide range of hotel locations, types, and prices. Unless you are booking very early, I would not expect to find a room near the stadium complex, including Independence (a nearby Kansas City suburb). Downtown Kansas City (approximately 15 minutes away) has a vibrant night life and features many nice hotels.
If you’re having a hard time finding a hotel, staying as far away as Johnson County, Kansas might be worth the drive. It is approximately 15 minutes away from the stadium with a direct interstate highway route. This area includes cities like Overland Park, Leawood, and Mission. This area is my personal choice, as it is an upscale area far enough away to have more hotel rooms.
AirBnb/Other
(Relevant information will be coming as the Tournament date nears)
Transportation
Kansas City offers plenty of car rental businesses, as well as Uber and Lyft. Unfortunately, the only form of mass transit is the city bus system; there are no trains or subway systems.