Traveling to a new city is always exciting—seeking out must-do discoveries and crafting the perfect itinerary. But traveling to a city for a single event is a different game entirely, and one that calls for a sharper guide.
As North America readies to host the 2026 World Cup, football fans traveling to the US for the games will choose from 11 host cities to join the famed quadrennial event. To help navigate new cities—or rediscover a familiar one through a different lens—Hotbook has curated the essential guides for each host city ahead of the World Cup.
About Kansas City
Known as the “city of fountains” thanks to its 200 public and private water features, Kansas City boasts Midwestern charm and a warm summer climate perfectly suited for the occasion.
The largest city in the state of Missouri, Kansas City is not new to the world of sports and holds the Guinness World Record for the loudest crowd roar at an outdoor stadium. As the home city to the popular American football team the Chiefs, Kansas City boasts a rabid sport culture, fit for a major event like the World Cup.
About the games
Kansas City is set to host six distinct matches including four group stage matches, one match in the Round of 32, and one Quarter-Finals match. With a capacity of around 65,000 to 68,000 seats, the games will be played at the GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium which is temporarily renamed as the Kansas City Stadium.
To get around the city, whether it be to the stadium or to explore a neighborhood, the ConnectKC26 bus service will be available during the World Cup period. Upon getting a pass, users will have unlimited access to the shuttles from official FIFA fan zones to other areas in the city. Price ranges from a 1-Day Pass per rider for $5, a 7-Day Pass per rider for $25, and a full tournament pass per rider (June 11 – July 13) for $50.
Where to stay
Those wishing to stay in the heart of the city’s art district will find their home at Crossroads Hotel, whose urban interior design sits steps from galleries and art-filled streets. When ready to attend a game, the hotel is just a 15-minute car ride from the stadium.
Those opting for a more historic stay can opt for the Hotel Kansas City—part of The Unbound Collection by Hyatt—blending 1920s charm with modern luxury The hotel is housed in what was once asocial club in the 1920s and is conveniently located in the downtown area, and a 15-minute ride to the stadium.
What to do
World Cup specific events will also be hosted in the city. The FIFA Fan Festival, the central fan gathering during the World Cup, is an 18-day event set on the lawn of the National WWI Museum and Memorial. The activation will feature live performances, photo opportunities, watch parties, and themed live experiences for the up to 25,000 fans. The live performance lineup already has a star-studded repertoire including The Chainsmokers and Flo Rida.
For non-game days, visitors can hop into the city’s museums including The National WWI Museum and Memorial, the US’s only museum dedicated exclusively to WWI, and The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, a leading fine arts museum with beautiful sculptural gardens and an art collection that spans over 5,000 years.
What to eat
A visit to Kansas City without barbecue would not be a full visit to the midwestern city. Considered one of the city’s institutions for top tier barbecue is Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que. With four locations, it is also convenient for a range of neighborhoods. According to fans, the star of the show is the Z-Man sandwich—made with ofbrisket, smoked provolone, and onion rings on a Kaiser roll— the very order that put the restaurant on the map.
For Chiefs fans—or Swifties—1587 Prime is a must-visit spot. Owned by the Chiefs players Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce (Taylor Swift’s fiancee), the luxury stakehouse is housed at the Loews Kansas City Hotel, another great stay option. The name of the restaurant is an ode to both Mahomes and Kelce’s respective player numbers mashed together, and in addition to dry aged steaks, the stop also offers a Swift inspired drink called “The Alchemy.”
