Kansas City is World Cup central, hosting England, Argentina and the Netherlands along with 6 games

Kansas City, Missouri, located in the heart of the American Midwest, is set to play a significant role in the upcoming World Cup scene. With six games scheduled to be played at Arrowhead Stadium, home of the NFL’s Kansas City Chiefs, including a round of 32 match and a quarterfinal, the city is poised to be a key player in the tournament.

Not only will Arrowhead Stadium host several matches, but Kansas City will also be home to four high-profile clubs during the World Cup. Superstars like Lionel Messi and Argentina, Harry Kane and England, and Virgil van Dijk and the Netherlands will be based in and around the metropolitan area. Additionally, Algeria will be located in nearby Lawrence, home of the University of Kansas.

It’s worth noting that Kansas City is divided into two separate cities: Kansas City, Missouri, and Kansas City, Kansas. Most of the World Cup activities will take place on the Missouri side of the state line, so visitors should keep this in mind when planning their trip.

Aside from the World Cup matches, Kansas City offers a wealth of cultural attractions for visitors to explore. From the National World War I Memorial and Museum to the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, the American Jazz Museum, and Union Station, there is no shortage of things to see and do in the city.

One of Kansas City’s claims to fame is its barbecue, particularly its burnt ends, which are a must-try for any food enthusiast. With top BBQ joints like Fiorella’s Jack Stack, Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que, Q39, Arthur Bryant’s, and B.B.’s Lawnside BBQ, visitors can embark on a BBQ tour to sample different styles and flavors.

During the World Cup, a free fan festival will be held at the World War I memorial grounds, featuring big screens showing matches and live music performances from popular artists like the Chainsmokers, Flo Rida, and The All-American Rejects.

While getting around downtown Kansas City is easy thanks to the streetcar, transportation to Arrowhead Stadium for the games may be a bit more challenging. With limited parking available, organizers will provide ticketed shuttle services from various areas around town to ensure fans can easily access the stadium.

As games will be played at night due to the summer heat and potential tornadoes in the area, visitors should keep an eye on the weather forecast. Arrowhead Stadium, known for its iconic status in the NFL, will eventually be replaced by a new $3 billion domed stadium across the state line in Kansas City, Kansas, by 2031.

In conclusion, Kansas City is gearing up to be a pivotal location during the World Cup, offering a mix of sports, culture, and culinary experiences for visitors to enjoy. With its central location and vibrant atmosphere, the city is sure to leave a lasting impression on fans and tourists alike.