The World Cup is finally here!  What’s in it for you– a guide to south KC activities

By Kristina Light and Tony Madden

Local organizations have long been preparing for one of Kansas City’s biggest events of all time: the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Six matches will be played at Arrowhead Stadium, known as Kansas City Stadium during the tournament.

Kansas City’s role in the tournament begins with Argentina vs. Algeria on June 16 and continues with Ecuador vs. Curaçao on June 20, Tunisia vs. Netherlands on June 25, Algeria vs. Austria on June 27. The stadium will also host a Round of 32 and a Quarterfinal match toward the end of the tournament, for which teams are yet to be determined. Match tickets and details are available at kc2026.com. 

The official FIFA Fan Festival will run for 18 days on the south lawn of the National WWI Museum and Memorial downtown. The festival will feature live match screenings, concerts from acts such as Sheryl Crow and the Chainsmokers, international food vendors and other activities. General admission is free, but registration is required. See transportation options at kc2026.com and jocogov.org/transit. 

Things to do in south Kansas City

In the southland, World Cup celebrations begin before the first Kansas City match. Kansas City Bier Co. in Waldo, a favorite destination for sports, is hosting watch parties for USA vs. Paraguay on June 12 and Brazil vs. Morocco on June 13, with $5 house lagers available during each and every World Cup match throughout the tournament. See a full lineup of KC Bier Co. festivities at https://kcbier.com/events-calendar/. 

The Waldo Area Business Association will also host a set of weekly community block parties at 75th Street and Wornall Road during the World Cup called Waldo Wednesdays. Each of the four parties will have a different theme, offering food, a cash bar, various musical acts, vendors and soccer-related activities. The first party, which has a theme of “Where in Waldo?” is set for June 17 from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. The remaining Waldo Wednesday block parties are scheduled for June 24, July 1 and July 8. More information at https://www.waldokcevents.org/. 

In Grandview, the Grandview Amphitheater in Meadowmere Park has woven World Cup viewing into its summer lineup. The nearly 5,000-seat venue hosts a Latino Night World Cup Watch Party on June 18, a World Cup Watch Party on July 2, and a Kids Night Foam Party and World Cup Watch Party on July 10. The July 10 event includes a kids night foam party. All events are free and begin at 6 p.m. The full calendar is available at grandviewamp.com.

In Raymore, the annual Spirit of America Celebration at Recreation Park doubles as a Match Day Watch Party on July 3. The evening begins at 7 p.m. with live music from Walker Mathison’s Ranahan Duo, inflatables, food trucks and the World Cup match airing on the big screen at Baseball Field No. 4. Fireworks are also expected after dusk.

On June 14, two events on the Kansas side offer ways to gear up for kickoff. Kickoff KC at Corinth Square in Prairie Village runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Hen House parking lot with a soccer shootout, soccer cookie kits, glitter tattoos, a tailgate tasting, games, giveaways and a special appearance by a KC soccer legend. That afternoon, Pinot’s Palette Leawood will host a World Cup Glow-Up Paint-and-Sip Session from 2 to 4:30 pm, where participants paint a soccer ball shining over the KC skyline and Arrowhead Stadium.

Also in Leawood, the Town Center Tailgate at Town Center Plaza will feature celebrity guest appearances and autographs from former Sporting KC players on July 11 from 4-7 pm. The city has built a full community campaign for World Cup events: “Leawood For the Goal!,” named after a public art sculpture by Jorge Blanco at Leawood City Park. The initiative’s centerpiece is the 3 vs. 3 Soccer Tournament and Fun Fest from June 12-14, a weekend of friendly competition open to all ages and skill levels. Find more information at leawoodforthegoal.com/3v3soccer. 

On June 16, Match Day at Park Place transforms the Leawood shopping district into a free outdoor viewing party, with Argentina vs. Algeria playing on four giant screens. The event begins at 6 p.m. with the match starting at 8 p.m., and the evening includes refreshments, a live DJ, pop-ups and giveaways.

On June 25, join the Prairiefire entertainment district in Overland Park for The Cup in KC 2026, including a Fan March at 3 p.m., drawings for prizes, a street fair from 3 p.m. until 7 p.m., live music from 7 p.m. until 10 p.m., family-friendly activities, food, street vendors and more.

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