World Cup
2026 Kansas City

Complete Kansas City Stadium Match Schedule for FIFA World Cup 2026

The following six matches will be played at Kansas City Stadium, the official FIFA tournament name for Arrowhead Stadium. All times listed are Central Time (CT):

• Tuesday, June 16 at 8:00 PM CT — Argentina vs. Algeria (Group J, Match 19)
• Saturday, June 20 at 7:00 PM CT — Ecuador vs. Curaçao (Group E, Match 34)
• Thursday, June 25 at 6:00 PM CT — Tunisia vs. Netherlands (Group F, Match 58)
• Saturday, June 27 at 9:00 PM CT — Algeria vs. Austria (Group J, Match 69)
• Friday, July 3 at 8:30 PM CT — Round of 32 Match (Group K Winner vs. 3rd Place Team)
• Saturday, July 11 at 8:00 PM CT — Quarter-Final Match

Kansas City Stadium: World Cup-Ready Venue Information

Kansas City Stadium completed $45 million in FIFA-mandated renovations during 2025 to meet international tournament standards. The venue's official World Cup capacity stands at 76,640 spectators, making it the fourth-largest among all 16 North American host venues. Key improvements include an advanced subsurface aeration and moisture management system, reconstructed seating along the sidelines using removable aluminum systems for soccer-to-football conversion, and enhanced hospitality areas meeting FIFA requirements.

The stadium has served as home to the Kansas City Chiefs since 1972 and previously hosted Sporting Kansas City during MLS's early years. The venue's three-tiered bowl design creates an intense atmosphere, with towering stands along both sidelines generating exceptional crowd energy. NorthBridge Bermudagrass provides the playing surface, optimized for Kansas City's climate conditions.

What Makes Kansas City the Soccer Capital of America?

Kansas City's designation as the Soccer Capital of America reflects decades of investment in the sport at every level. Sporting Kansas City, a founding MLS franchise, has captured two MLS Cup championships (2000, 2013) and a record-tying four U.S. Open Cup titles (2004, 2012, 2015, 2017). The club plays at Children's Mercy Park, consistently ranked among MLS's most intimidating venues.

The region's soccer infrastructure extends beyond professional teams. The Compass Minerals National Performance Center serves as a collaboration between U.S. Soccer, Children's Mercy, and Sporting KC, providing world-class training facilities and the U.S. Soccer National Coaching Education Center. Kansas City Current of the NWSL plays at CPKC Stadium—the first purpose-built stadium for a women's professional sports team in history.

Getting to Kansas City for the World Cup

Kansas City International Airport (MCI) features a brand-new single terminal that opened in 2023, providing modern amenities and improved passenger flow for international visitors. The airport offers connections to major hubs throughout North America and beyond. For driving fans, Kansas City's central location means 85% of the U.S. population lives within a two-day drive. The region is preparing enhanced transit networks specifically for World Cup matches, including expanded bus routes connecting downtown Kansas City to the stadium.

Teams Playing in Kansas City at the 2026 World Cup

Seven national teams will compete at Kansas City Stadium during the group stage:

Argentina — The three-time World Cup champions (1978, 1986, 2022) enter as defending titleholders and tournament favorites. Led by Lionel Messi, the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner, Argentina topped CONMEBOL qualifying with 38 points. Key players include Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martínez (2024 Copa America top scorer), Manchester City forward Julián Álvarez, and Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez.

Netherlands — One of Europe's most storied football nations, the Dutch have reached three World Cup finals (1974, 1978, 2010) and will be among the favorites to advance from Group F. Known for their distinctive “Total Football” philosophy, the Oranje consistently produce technically brilliant players.

Ecuador — The South American side qualified through CONMEBOL's competitive qualifying cycle and will face Curaçao in their Kansas City fixture. Ecuador has participated in three previous World Cups, most recently in 2022.

Tunisia — The North African nation represents CAF (Confederation of African Football) and brings passionate supporters to every tournament. Tunisia became the first African nation to win a World Cup match (1978) and most recently competed at the 2022 tournament in Qatar.

Algeria — The 2019 Africa Cup of Nations champions appear twice in Kansas City, facing both Argentina and Austria in Group J. Under coach Vladimir Petković, Algeria features a talented roster with many players competing in top European leagues.

Austria — Making their first World Cup appearance since 1998, Austria arrives following impressive performances at consecutive European Championships. The squad features Real Madrid defender David Alaba and veteran striker Marko Arnautovic, Austria's all-time leading scorer.

Curaçao — The Caribbean island nation makes its World Cup debut in 2026, representing one of the tournament's most inspiring qualification stories. Their match against Ecuador marks a historic occasion for the small Dutch territory.

How to Buy World Cup 2026 Kansas City Tickets

Follow these steps to secure your seats for World Cup matches at Kansas City Stadium:

1. Browse available matches — Review the six Kansas City fixtures listed above and identify which matches interest you most. Consider factors like team matchups, day of the week, and ticket availability.
2. Select your seats — Use the interactive seating chart to choose your preferred location within the 76,640-seat stadium. Lower-level sideline seats offer the closest views, while upper-deck corners provide excellent panoramic perspectives of the action.
3. Review upfront pricing — All listings on BigStub include fees in the displayed price—no hidden charges at checkout. Compare prices across available inventory to find the best value.
4. Complete your secure purchase — All transactions process through our secure checkout with buyer protection. You'll receive confirmation immediately, with tickets delivered electronically or via secure shipping before the event.

Quick Answers About World Cup 2026 in Kansas City

When does the World Cup start in Kansas City? Kansas City's first match is Tuesday, June 16, 2026, at 8:00 PM CT featuring Argentina versus Algeria.

How many matches will Kansas City host? Kansas City Stadium hosts six total matches: four group-stage games, one Round of 32 match, and one Quarter-Final.

What is the stadium called during the World Cup? FIFA designates the venue as “Kansas City Stadium” for all tournament branding. During NFL season, it operates as GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.

Will Lionel Messi play in Kansas City? Argentina is scheduled to face Algeria in Kansas City on June 16, 2026. If Messi participates in the tournament, this match offers the opportunity to see him play.

Frequently Asked Questions About World Cup 2026 Kansas City Tickets

What is the seating capacity at Kansas City Stadium for the World Cup?

Kansas City Stadium's official FIFA World Cup 2026 capacity is 76,640 spectators. This represents a slight increase from the standard NFL configuration of 76,416 seats, with additional capacity coming from FIFA hospitality requirements and expanded media facilities. The stadium ranks as the fourth-largest among all 16 World Cup host venues across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

How do I know if my World Cup tickets are authentic?

Every ticket listed on BigStub comes from verified resellers who have been vetted through our authentication process. Our marketplace includes buyer protection guarantees, meaning if any issue arises with ticket validity, you receive a full refund. We've maintained our reputation as a trusted ticket reseller for over 20 years by prioritizing authenticity and customer security with every transaction.

Why are World Cup 2026 ticket prices higher than previous tournaments?

FIFA implemented dynamic pricing for the 2026 World Cup, meaning ticket costs fluctuate based on demand, teams involved, venue, and sales phase. Additionally, the North American market commands premium pricing compared to previous host nations. The secondary resale market reflects these underlying price structures, though competitive marketplaces like BigStub help fans find fair prices through transparent seller competition.

Can I attend multiple World Cup matches at Kansas City Stadium?

Absolutely. Kansas City hosts six matches spanning from June 16 through July 11, 2026. Fans can attend any combination of these events by purchasing separate tickets for each match. The schedule includes weekday and weekend fixtures, accommodating various travel plans for visiting supporters.

What time zone is Kansas City in for World Cup match times?

Kansas City operates on Central Time (CT). All match kickoff times listed for Kansas City Stadium are in Central Time. For Eastern Time viewers, add one hour to the listed times. For example, the 8:00 PM CT Argentina vs. Algeria match begins at 9:00 PM ET.

Is Argentina the favorite to win matches at Kansas City Stadium?

As reigning World Cup champions ranked among the top three teams globally, Argentina enters as heavy favorites for their Group J match against Algeria. However, the tournament's knockout structure means the Round of 32 and Quarter-Final matches feature high-level competition with multiple potential contenders. The July 11 Quarter-Final could potentially feature a clash between Argentina and Portugal if both teams win their groups.

What happened to the original Arrowhead Stadium name during the World Cup?

FIFA requires neutral stadium naming during World Cup tournaments to avoid commercial sponsor conflicts. Therefore, GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium operates as Kansas City Stadium exclusively for World Cup marketing and all tournament operations. The venue reverts to its sponsored name for Kansas City Chiefs NFL games after the tournament concludes.

How early should I arrive at Kansas City Stadium for World Cup matches?

FIFA recommends arriving at least two hours before kickoff for World Cup matches. This allows time for enhanced security screening, navigating the venue, and experiencing the pre-match atmosphere. Gates typically open 90 minutes before kickoff, and the stadium area features fan zones and entertainment beginning several hours before each match.

Are there any other soccer venues or attractions in Kansas City?

Kansas City's soccer culture extends well beyond World Cup matches. Children's Mercy Park hosts Sporting Kansas City MLS matches in Kansas City, Kansas. The brand-new CPKC Stadium serves as home to Kansas City Current of the NWSL. The Compass Minerals National Performance Center offers world-class training facilities. These venues and attractions position Kansas City as the Soccer Capital of America.

What if the World Cup match I want is sold out on FIFA's official platform?

When official FIFA ticket allocations sell out, verified resale marketplaces like BigStub provide access to tickets from fans and authorized sellers who have seats available. Our marketplace connects buyers with legitimate ticket holders, offering competitive pricing and buyer protection for every transaction. This is particularly valuable for high-demand matches like Argentina's opening fixture.

Will there be public transportation to Kansas City Stadium for the World Cup?

Kansas City is implementing a comprehensive transit plan specifically for World Cup operations. This includes new bus routes connecting downtown Kansas City to the stadium, enhanced regional transit options, and coordinated traffic management. The region's World Cup organizing committee, known as KC2026, continues to develop transportation infrastructure leading up to the tournament.

What is the weather typically like in Kansas City during June and July?

Kansas City experiences warm summer weather during the World Cup period, with average high temperatures ranging from the mid-80s to low 90s Fahrenheit (29-34 Celsius). Evening matches benefit from cooling temperatures after sunset. The stadium is open-air without climate control, so fans should prepare for summer conditions with appropriate clothing, sunscreen for day matches, and hydration.

Can I resell my World Cup tickets if I cannot attend a match?

Yes, FIFA operates an official resale portal for ticket holders who need to sell their seats. Additionally, verified marketplace platforms like BigStub facilitate resale transactions with protections for both buyers and sellers. If plans change and you cannot attend your purchased match, legitimate resale options exist to transfer your tickets to other fans.

What food and beverages are available inside Kansas City Stadium?

Kansas City Stadium offers extensive concession options throughout the venue, featuring local Kansas City specialties alongside traditional stadium fare. The region is renowned for its barbecue heritage, and fans can expect Kansas City-style food options. Alcoholic beverages are available for purchase by guests of legal drinking age (21+ in the United States).

Is BigStub an official FIFA ticket seller?

BigStub operates as an independent resale marketplace, not as an official FIFA ticket partner. We connect fans with verified third-party sellers offering authentic tickets at competitive market prices. This distinction means prices are set by individual sellers based on supply and demand rather than official face value. Our 20-plus years in business, highest ratings on Trustpilot, and transparent upfront pricing with no hidden fees have established our reputation as a trusted alternative for fans seeking World Cup tickets.