Kansas City’s World Cup dream continues to grow brighter. Back in June 2022, the city made headlines when FIFA officially selected Kansas City as one of the 10 U.S. host cities for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The announcement came as a proud moment for locals — with cities like Chicago, Denver, and St. Louis missing out, Kansas City stood tall as the heartland’s representative on the world’s biggest football stage.
A Major Milestone for KC2026
In 2023, FIFA confirmed that Kansas City will host six matches of Fifa world cup 2026 — four in the group stage, one Round of 32 clash, and a quarterfinal match. The excitement continues to build as the official group stage draw is scheduled for December 5th 2025, but this week brought even more good news for soccer fans.
The KC2026 organizing committee announced plans for a free fan festival at the National World War I Museum and Memorial, giving fans a chance to experience the World Cup buzz together.
What to Expect at the Free Fan Festival
The festival promises to be one of the most exciting public celebrations in Kansas City history. Visitors will enter through a 65-foot-tall gateway, featuring the city’s iconic KC heart symbol, leading to the museum’s south lawn.
A massive main screen, measuring 45 feet wide and 25 feet tall, will serve as the centerpiece of the viewing area, complemented by additional side screens for optimal visibility. Fans can expect live match screenings, performances, and entertainment throughout the tournament.
The setup will accommodate up to 25,000 attendees at once, and the venue will open for at least 18 match days across the 39-day tournament. This includes:
- Every match day for the U.S. Men’s National Team
- All match days when Kansas City hosts games at Arrowhead Stadium
- Additional selected match days to enhance the fan experience
Don’t Miss : Fifa WC 2026 Timetable & Matches List
Free Entry — Thanks to Local Support
While FIFA allowed host cities the option to charge for fan festival entry, Kansas City’s committee made a bold choice — to keep it completely free.
Pam Kramer, the chief executive of the host committee, explained that community access and inclusivity were top priorities. Thanks to local sponsors, particularly Black & Veatch, a renowned Kansas City–based engineering and construction firm, the event will be fully funded without ticket sales.
Prioritizing Safety and Community Spirit
With an expected crowd of 25,000 people at a time, safety and crowd management are critical. Organizers have already begun implementing extensive measures to ensure a secure and family-friendly environment throughout the festival.
The event will highlight Kansas City’s welcoming spirit, uniting locals and visitors from around the world to celebrate the beautiful game in one of America’s most passionate sports cities.
Kansas City Ready to Shine
Hosting World Cup matches is more than a sporting achievement — it’s a historic cultural moment for Kansas City. From Arrowhead Stadium to the National WWI Museum grounds, the city is preparing to showcase Midwestern hospitality, world-class organization, and unmatched fan energy.
As the countdown to World Cup 2026 continues, the free fan festival stands as a shining example of how Kansas City plans to make this global event a celebration for everyone.