What a summer it will be in Kansas City! Our hometown will be all abuzz with not only World Cup matches, but also festivals and celebrations planned throughout the months of June and July to commemorate this exciting occasion. Fans and visitors will get to experience the eclectic energy of our city, proving once and for all, this is a wonderful place to live and be.
If you are hoping to take part in the fun, here is an everything-you-need-to-know guide to the 2026 Fan Fest, which is sure to be a once-in-a-lifetime affair. Bookmark this page for updated information as it is announced!
Family Friendly Guide to the FIFA World Cup 2026 Fan Fest in Kansas City
Meant to be a global celebration, Fan Fest is where families, visitors and soccer lovers can all experience the excitement of the matches without a stadium ticket. It will be open each of the six days Kansas City hosts a match, the days when the U.S. Men’s National Team is in action, and select days between June 11 and July 11. Expect live match screenings on large-scale video boards, live entertainment, local food and drink options, interactive fan experiences and a family-friendly atmosphere while highlighting KC’s culture and hospitality.
Dates and Schedule
The festival will run on 18 select days between June 11 and July 11, aligned with major matches and key tournament moments.
Key Dates
- June 11–14, 16 (June 16, Argentina vs Algeria)
- June 19–21 (June 20, Ecuador vs Curacao)
- June 24–27 (June 25, Tunisia vs Netherlands and June 27, Algeria vs Austria)
- July 3–5 (July 3, Round of 32 TBD)
- July 9–11 (July 11, quarterfinal match TBD)
Location and Admission
The Fan Fest will take place on the south lawn of the iconic National WWI Museum and Memorial. Entrance is free, but all attendees must register in advance to obtain a free general admission pass. The pass is required, but that ticket does not guarantee access, and admission will be based on capacity. Thus, the reason to arrive early if possible, especially on live match days in KC (see above key dates). Register here to be sent more information and updates as they become available regarding admission!
If you would like to guarantee your entry to the festival on a specific day, an opportunity to purchase premium passes will become available and announced soon.
Expect extensive security gates and screening at one central entrance. There will be a clear bag policy, similar to what concert and sports venues now require.
Parking and Transportation
While final parking plans are still being refined, parking close to the memorial will be challenging, if not impossible. There will be very limited on-site parking, so planning ahead is important. A regional transportation system called ConnectKC26 will provide shuttle buses from key locations throughout the metro. It is meant to be an easy way to access important fan spots with ease and efficiency. Fans who are wanting to attend, are encouraged to visit the Moving Around Page of the KC Fan Fest hub to strategize the best way to get downtown.
What Families Will Experience at Fan Fest
The Fan Fest is designed to feel like a giant outdoor celebration.
Watch Parties
Massive video boards are planned, showing live matches during operating hours. Seating and open lawn viewing areas will be available in front of screens.
Family Friendly Activities
Plans are set for a dedicated kids’ zone with mini pitches and games, interactive experiences, cultural exhibits and loads of photo opportunities.
Live Entertainment
A main stage will showcase live music, performances and cultural entertainment. The lineup will be announced later this spring. Expect rotating programming throughout the festival, so you will never see a performance twice.
Weekly Themes and Entertainment Highlights
Each stretch of dates has a unique theme, keeping things fresh for repeat visits.
- Heartland Hello (June 11–14, 16) Welcoming global visitors with KC culture
- Sports Town USA (June 19–21) Celebrating Kansas City’s rich sports scene
- The World’s Game (June 24–27) Global soccer culture front and center
- Home Team (July 3–5) Patriotic + July 4 festivities
- KC Creates (July 9–11) Local art, music, and creativity
Food and Drinks
Food is a major part of the experience, and Kansas City is leaning all the way in, highlighting the best of the heartland and our region. There will be a mix of food trucks and restaurant booths lining the festival grounds. Expect similar layouts if you attended the NFL Draft a few years ago. Of course barbeque will be front and center, as will international cuisine representing different World Cup nations. Grab and go options will also be available in different locations, especially near the kids’ zone.
Teams Using Kansas City as a Home Base
Kansas City will host several international teams during the tournament, bringing even more excitement to the metro. Confirmed and expected teams include Argentina (HELLO, Lionel Messi!), England and the Netherlands.
Training sites across the region (including facilities in Kansas and Missouri) will serve as base camps, and some teams may host free, fan accessible training sessions. All is to be announced at a later date.
Merchandise
There will be no shortage of souvenirs. Booths will be available selling official FIFA merchandise, Kansas City themed World Cup items, as well as pop-up retail experiences and fan gear booths. Final announcements to be made in the spring.
If you are planning to attend, pick a few key dates, use the shuttle system, and get ready for a truly unforgettable summer in Kansas City!
