FIFA World Cup 2026 — Round of 32

MCI is about 18 miles northwest of downtown. Rideshare is the standard option — there's no direct rail link, though the city's RideKC bus network covers the airport with a transfer.

💡 MCI underwent a full terminal rebuild in recent years — modern, efficient, and a noticeably easier arrival experience than older US airports.

America's first suburban shopping district, built in a Spanish Revival style modelled on Seville, with fountains, courtyards, and ornate towers throughout. Genuinely attractive architecture, not just a mall in disguise.

💡 The Plaza's fountains (Kansas City calls itself the 'City of Fountains', with more than any city besides Rome) are best photographed in late afternoon light.

Kansas City barbecue is built around a sweet, thick tomato-and-molasses-based sauce and a wider variety of smoked meats than other regional styles — burnt ends (smoked beef brisket point) are the local specialty almost nowhere else serves.

💡 Joe's Kansas City Bar-B-Que, housed in a former gas station, is the most famous spot — go for burnt ends specifically, and expect a line.

The 18th & Vine Historic District is the birthplace of Kansas City jazz, with two excellent museums sharing one building — jazz history alongside the definitive museum of segregation-era Black baseball. A genuinely essential, underrated stop.

💡 The two museums share a single combined ticket — budget the full morning, as both deserve real time.

Arrowhead sits in the Truman Sports Complex alongside Kauffman Stadium, about 15-20 minutes from downtown by rideshare or car. The fanzone opens roughly 3 hours before kickoff, with tailgating culture that's particularly strong here given the Chiefs' fan base.

💡 Pre-book parking if driving — Arrowhead's tailgate culture means lots fill early, often hours before kickoff.

Arrowhead held the Guinness World Record for loudest stadium crowd noise (142.2 decibels) — Chiefs fans are famous for it, and that intensity should transfer directly to a World Cup atmosphere given the city's genuine sports culture.

💡 Bring ear protection if sensitive to noise — this is a genuinely loud stadium by design and reputation, not just hype.

Kansas City's downtown entertainment district, purpose-built with bars, restaurants, and outdoor space, fills up fast after Arrowhead events — the easiest post-match destination back in the city.

The only museum in the US dedicated solely to WWI, housed beneath the striking Liberty Memorial tower with sweeping downtown views — widely regarded as one of the best military history museums in the country.

💡 Climb the Liberty Memorial tower itself (small additional fee) for the best skyline view in the city.

A final barbecue meal before departure — Kansas City locals fiercely debate which of the city's dozens of smokehouses is genuinely the best, and most visitors should try at least two during a trip.

Allow at least 2 hours before an international flight from MCI. Rideshare is the standard option from downtown.