100 THINGS

The countdown is on. Before KC’s first match on June 16, 2026 (Argentina v Algeria), take a few minutes to explore — the team, the tools and the milestones shaping Kansas City’s FIFA World Cup 2026™ moment. From the match schedule to the sonic ID, featuring Tech N9ne, this is where preparation meets anticipation. 

• Explore the official match schedule 
• Sign up for insider updates 
• Follow KC2026 across social media channels 
• Turn up the volume on our Sonic ID 
• Discover our official FIFA World Cup Kansas City™ Host City poster 
• Gear up with KC2026 merchandise 
• Plan your visit with passes to FIFA Fan Festival™, transit and trip tools 
• Read about how Kansas City secured four Team Base Camps 
• Explore a guide to welcome incoming visitors that reflects your community’s character 
• Prepare your small business with a playbook designed to get ready for the global spotlight 

For 18 unforgettable days, Kansas City will host the world at the FIFA Fan Festival — a free, family-friendly celebration of football, culture and community. Whether you’re attending matches or simply soaking up the atmosphere, this will be the heartbeat of the tournament in our region. 

• Explore the official Fan Festival page 
• Mark all 18 days on your calendar 
• See the vision in the site renders 
• Register your interest now  

The FIFA World Cup 2026™ isn’t just about matches — it’s about pride, passion and global rivalries. From understanding the expanded tournament format to choosing a team to cheer for, now is the time to dive into the stories, stars and supporter traditions that make this event unlike anything else in sport. 

• Follow the four remaining qualifications up for grabs. 
• Master the group stage format and understand the knockout round drama 
• Know the seven group-stage teams playing in KC 
• A list of former FIFA World Cup™ champions  
• Track the U.S. Men’s National Team, Canada and Mexico as they compete on home soil  
• Learn USMNT traditions like the “I Believe That We Will Win” call and match-day rituals 
• Adopt a team and learn their signature chant 

Long before the FIFA World Cup 2026™, soccer shaped Kansas City’s identity. Visionary owners, championship clubs, historic firsts and a thriving youth ecosystem have built a foundation that few regions can match. Learn about our history here.  

• Visionary roots with Lamar Hunt, MLS co-founder 
• MLS leadership shaped by Sporting Kansas City co-owner Cliff Illig 
• Two-time MLS champions: Sporting Kansas City 
• Two-time NWSL champions: Kansas City Current
• Home of the world’s first purpose-built stadium for a women’s pro team
• Only city with purpose-built stadiums for both MLS and NWSL clubs 
• Soccer architecture hub: KC firms shaped (design or build) 13 of the 16 FIFA World Cup 2026™ venues 
• Four national teams chose KC to base camp during the FIFA World Cup 2026™ — including three Pot 1 powers 
• Charter member of MLS: Sporting KC’s founding legacy 
• Home to Heartland Soccer, the nation’s largest youth league and tournament host 

Before kickoff, take your appetite on a world tour. Kansas City is home to more than 100 barbecue restaurants and a growing collection of international spots, making it easy to celebrate the teams playing here — one meal at a time. 

• Explore 100+ legendary KC BBQ joints 
• Visit the Museum of BBQ 
• Take a tour of the KCK Taco Trail 
• Taste North Africa at World Fresh Market or Habashi House 
• Savor Argentina at Los Hornos, Piropos, Buenos Aires or Café Corazón 
• Go Austrian at Grünauer  
• Try Caribbean flavors at Island Spice  
• Grab a pint at Conroy’s for a taste of England 
• Find fresh, Dutch-inspired stroopwafels at Bloom Baking Co. or The Peddler’s Daughter 
• Sample Latin dishes at La Bamba, El Pulgarcito or El Salvadoreño 

FIFA World Cup 2026™ matches will be played at KC Stadium (Arrowhead)–but the real heartbeat of Kansas City lives in its neighborhoods on both sides of the state line. From historic downtowns to creative districts and soccer-friendly pubs, each corner of the region offers its own flavor, energy and story. 

• Crossroads Arts District energy 
• Country Club Plaza (the Plaza to locals) architecture & shopping 
• Westport nightlife and live music 
• Downtown Overland Park charm 
• Lenexa City Center modern vibes 
• Historic Downtown Lee’s Summit strolls 
• North KC culture and community  
• River Market flavors and farmers market 
• Lawrence basketball history and downtown shopping 
• Westside diverse, multicultural area with Latino and Mexican-Amercian influences 
• Rosedale and Argentine (South KCK) rich Hispanic culture, authentic Mexican cuisine, and top-tier BBQ 
• Historic Northeast KC steeped in history and impressive parks
• Olathe’s diverse Hispanic flavors and a growing downtown 

Kansas City’s cultural institutions reflect the creativity, resilience and stories that have shaped the region — and the nation. 

• National WWI Museum and Memorial — The nation’s official World War I museum and memorial, offering immersive exhibits, global artifacts and sweeping skyline views from the Liberty Memorial Tower.
• Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art — Explore world-class collections and visit the iconic 18-foot-tall badminton shuttlecocks on the lawn
• Negro Leagues Baseball Museum — Experience the powerful story of the athletes and entrepreneurs who shaped the game and American history 
• American Jazz Museum — Discover Kansas City’s central role in the evolution of jazz 
• Amelia Earhart Hangar Museum –Interactive, immersive STEM exhibits take visitors through Earhart’s adventurous life 
• Museum at Prairiefire — Interactive science and natural history experiences in a striking architectural setting 
• Spencer Museum of Art — A dynamic university museum with global collections and rotating exhibitions
• The Rabbit hOle — An immersive children’s literature museum unlike anything else in the country
• Atlas9 — An interactive experience set in a fictitious 1990’s movie theater
• Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum — Explore the life and legacy of the 33rd U.S. president 
• Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art — Sleek, contemporary art museum showcasing bold exhibitions and a standout permanent collection from regional and international artists 
• Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead — A 12-acre living history farmstead with historic buildings, gardens, and hands-on experiences celebrating Kansas’ agricultural roots 
• Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop and Farm — The last remaining stagecoach stop on the Santa Fe Trail open to the public, offering immersive 1860s-era demonstrations and living history programs
• Strawberry Hill Museum and Cultural Center — A preserved 1887 Victorian home celebrating Eastern European immigrant heritage

Before the world arrives, take a moment to explore the companies and innovators that make Kansas City a global hub. From world-class architecture and engineering to healthcare, consumer goods, and pet care, these businesses reflect the same creativity, ambition, and community spirit that define KC’s FIFA World Cup 2026™ experience. 

• Black & Veatch — Born in KC, building critical infrastructure worldwide 
• Hallmark — 115+ years of creativity and connection 
• JE Dunn Construction — Showcasing KC through innovation and community impact 
• Populous — Iconic design born in Kansas City, inspiring experiences worldwide 
• Nestlé Purina Petcare — Leading innovation in pet nutrition for a healthier world 
• The University of Kansas Health System — Official medical services partner for FIFA World Cup 26™, delivering world-class care 

Kansas City is full of surprises. From quirky inventions and historic milestones to hidden gems and legendary moments, this city has stories that span art, sports, culture, and innovation. Whether you’re a longtime local or visiting for the FIFA World Cup 2026™, these fun facts will give you a deeper look at what makes KC truly one-of-a-kind. 

• Known as the City of Fountains, KC boasts 200+ working fountains — second only to Rome 
• The KC metro spans two states and 14 counties — one of the few major U.S. regions governed by two states 
• The Happy Meal, bumper sticker, and Wishbone salad dressing were all invented here
• Explore a massive limestone cave network — originally 19th-century mines, now repurposed for business, storage, and recreation
• Kansas City, MO, was founded in 1838, 23 years before Kansas became a state 
• Famous Missourians: Heidi Gardner, Jon Hamm, Brad Pitt, Sheryl Crow, Don Cheadle, Walt Disney and President Harry S. Truman 
• Famous Kansans: President Dwight D. Eisenhower, Eric Stonestreet, Paul Rudd, Jason Sudeikis, Melissa Etheridge, Janelle Monáe and Amelia Earhart
• The KCTV Tower was once the world’s third-tallest freestanding structure — 18 feet taller than the original Eiffel Tower 
• KC was a starting point for the Santa Fe, California, and Oregon trails 
• During Prohibition, KC became the “Paris of the Plains,” with jazz clubs, brothels, and gambling halls. Local jazz still thrives today at The Blue Room, Mutual Musicians Foundation, and Green Lady Loung 
• Walt Disney launched the Laugh-O-Gram Studio in KC, feeding a rodent that inspired Mickey Mouse 
• The Kansas City Monarchs dominated the Negro Leagues, winning 10 championships and producing legends like Jackie Robinson, Satchel Paige, and Ernie Banks 
• The Country Club Plaza, modeled after Seville, Spain, opened in 1922 as the nation’s first outdoor shopping district — still showcasing its distinctive architecture today 

Kickoff is coming fast — and being prepared will make your FIFA World Cup 2026™ experience smooth, safe, and unforgettable. From transportation to gear, here’s everything you need to know before you head to the stadium or the Fan Festival. 

• Keep tickets and tournament essentials handy in the FIFA World Cup 2026™ mobile app (App Store, Google Play)
• Plan your ride with ConnectKC26 Stadium Direct — sign up to book early 
• Stay tuned for the “Know Before You Go” guide for the latest match-day, FIFA Fan Festival ConnectKC26 info and more 
• Hydrate, pack sunscreen, sunglasses, and other sun protection 
• Charge your phone and bring a portable battery if needed 
• Arrive early and know your entry window 
• Take advantage of accessibility resources at the venue 

*Visit KC estimates 650,000 unique visits based on total visitor days during the duration of the event in the KC area. A “visitor day” is defined as one visitor spending one day (day/overnight) in the destination; the figure will be adjusted further with base camps and other future announcements.