Kansas City World Cup Travel Guide 2026

Written By Servus

The FIFA World Cup is coming to Kansas City — and if you’re traveling internationally, preparation makes all the difference.

Kansas City is welcoming, friendly, and full of personality. But like many American cities, it works differently than Europe or Latin America. Transportation, tipping culture, healthcare, distances, and even restaurant timing can surprise first-time visitors.

This guide will help you arrive confident, informed, and ready to enjoy every match — and every meal.

World Cup Matches in Kansas City

Kansas City’s matches will be played at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium, one of the loudest and most iconic stadiums in the United States.

What to know:

  • The stadium is located about 20 minutes from downtown.

  • Public transportation is limited.

  • Most visitors use rideshare (Uber/Lyft) or rental cars.

  • Traffic will be heavy before and after matches — plan extra time.

If you’re staying downtown, transportation planning is essential.

Do You Need a Car?

Short answer: Often, yes.

Kansas City is spread out. Unlike many European cities, public transportation is limited outside central areas.

Options:

  • Rental car (most flexibility)

  • Uber/Lyft (good but surge pricing during events)

  • Streetcar (free but limited route downtown)

If you plan day trips or multiple activities, a car is usually worth it.

What to Eat in Kansas City

Kansas City is famous for BBQ — but there’s much more.

Don’t miss:

  • Smoked ribs & burnt ends

  • Local craft breweries

  • Upscale farm-to-table restaurants

  • Excellent Mexican & international cuisine

Many visitors are surprised by how diverse the food scene is.

(We include our favorite restaurants in our Insider Guide.)

How Tipping Works in the United States

This surprises many international travelers.

In restaurants:

  • 15–20% tip is standard

  • Tipping is expected

  • Tax is added after the listed price

For rideshare:

  • 10–20% is typical

Understanding this in advance avoids awkward moments.

What International Visitors Should Know

  • Distances are larger than expected.

  • Air conditioning is common in summer (bring light layers).

  • Restaurants often close earlier than in Southern Europe or Latin America.

  • Alcohol laws are strict about age (21+).

These small cultural differences make a big difference in your comfort.

Make Your Trip Stress-Free

Planning a World Cup trip to the United States can feel overwhelming — especially in a new language or culture.

At Servus Travel, we help international visitors feel prepared and confident before they arrive.

We offer:

  • Private Zoom consultations in German, Spanish, French, or English

  • Personalized trip planning

  • Optional WhatsApp support during your stay

If you want tailored recommendations based on your match schedule and travel style, we’re here to help.

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Servus https://servustravel.com