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Soccer Need-to-Knows

2026 Issues

Featured in the May 30, 2026 issue of The Independent.

Kick off your World Cup countdown with Soccer Need-to-Knows, our recurring series designed to get you game-day ready!

There are only two weeks left until FIFA World Cup 2026 is a part of the fabric of Kansas City for six weeks! There is a lot to know and process before it all starts, so here is our briefing to increase everyone’s preparedness! Visit kc2026.com. 

Transportation:

  • CONNECTKC26 – this is the name of the bus service that will be used to shuttle people all over the metro area during the experiences. The best way to sign up and keep informed is to visit: kansascityfwc26.com/getting-around-kc.

This will connect people directly to the airport, the stadium, and multiple park-and-ride locations all over the city. ALL CONNECTKC26 rides will require PASSES, and there is a cost involved.

  • There are THREE options for CONNECT KC26:
    • 1. Stadium Direct – motorcoaches to and from the stadium via Fan Festivals and Park-and-Ride sites. 
    • 2. Region Direct – Motorcoaches during the tournament, June 11-July 13, between Fan Festivals and regional sites. 
    • 3. Airport Direct – Motorcoaches during the tournament between the airport and downtown KCMO. 
  • Other Transit Options: KC Streetcar; RideKC Bus; Johnson County United Drop and Ride; Rideshares and Taxis; Bike and Scooter Shares; and Car Rentals. 

Fan Festivals:

  • Fan Festivals: PASSES are free but they require a digital download that must be applied for.
    • Re-entry to Fan Fests – Re-entry will be allowed unless the venue is at capacity.
    • Cash at Fan Fest – No! They are cashless venues. 
    • Screening – All guests will be subjected to screening. 
    • Clear Bags – Only clear bags are permitted at all Fan Fest sites and the Stadium. Diaper and medical bags are allowed. No storage for denied bags will be available.
    • Empty water bottles can be brought in, but no metal or glass. 

Be Prepared:

  • Don’t leave home without: good walking shoes, water, sunscreen, hat, and a plan with friends/relatives. 
  • Don’t take cash for the food/drink/official experiences associated with FIFA in Kansas City. 
  • Make sure to have passes for transportation, passes for Fan Fests, and of course tickets to any actual matches. 
  • Parking will likely be space prohibitive at the stadium on match days and near Fan Fests. Allow plenty of time, arrange your park-and-ride-routes, and make sure all in the party have the same information about locations/times to meet. 
  • Do not assume that ride shares will be readily available on game/fest days. 
  • Merchandise will be available around the city, make sure to purchase from a reputable outlet.

Featured in the May 16, 2026 issue of The Independent.

As the time grows closer to our open door, welcome-mat-out greeting of football fans from far and wide, let’s delve into the workings of Fan Fests – The KC2026 answer to an 18-day block party! 

Each Fan Fest has a date range and a theme. They are free and open to the public, but the pros suggest registering to ensure complete access to all the up-to-the-date information (kansascityfwc26.com).

  • June 11-14, and 16: Heartland Hello (local food and traditions)
  • June 19-21: Sports Town USA (the region’s deeply rooted sports culture)
  • June 24-27: The World’s Game: (shared global language)
  • July 3-5: Home Team (our own backyard Fourth of July celebration)
  • July 9-11: KC Creates (showcases  local artists, creators, and innovators)

Also included in each Fan Fest are: Live watch parties; photo opportunities; cooling and comfort zones; merch, trophy displays, playful fan competitions; and VIP, business, and celebrity package opportunities. (Sales for premium packages are limited for each day.) The website will also include lots of park-and-ride information.

And, remember to practice your GGOOAALL shout!

Soccer By The Numbers

Featured in the April 18, 2026 issue of The Independent.

We are a little more than two months away from the start of Kansas City being one of the host cities of the  FIFA World Cup 2026! What does that mean for us as residents as we go about our daily summer business? It means that we are going to share our spaces with about 650,000 of our best new friends. An influx of people like this, over the span of a month, will require some understanding and some patience as we navigate our hospitality duties. In this and the next three issues, we will break down the impact, so we all have a better idea of what to expect. 

  • 650,000 visitors
  • 80+ – the number of organizations across the metro participating in the planning
  • 18 – the number of Fan Fest days of celebration on the south lawn of The National WWI Museum and Memorial
  • 16 – the number of host cities in North America this summer
  • Six matches at Arrowhead Stadium
  • Four base camps – Sporting KC Performance Center; Swope Soccer Village; KC Current Training Center; and The University of Kansas multi-sport facility. 
  • One – digital countdown installation at KCI
  • One – anthem created by Tech N9ne for FIFA World Cup 26

By Anne Potter Russ

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