Kansas City opens free FIFA Fan Festival at National WWI Museum as World Cup fever grips city
Kansas City Hosts FIFA Fan Festival at National WWI Museum
Kansas City opens free FIFA Fan Festival – The National World War I Museum and Memorial in Kansas City has become the epicenter of World Cup excitement, hosting a free FIFA Fan Festival that transforms its grounds into an 18-day celebration for the 2026 World Cup. This event, spanning June 11 to July 11, serves as the host city’s official gathering space for football enthusiasts.
Event Dates and Programming
Spanning 18 days, the event will be held on select dates starting June 11 and concluding July 11, with specific dates including June 11–14, 16, 19–21, 24–27, and July 3–5, 9–11. Over 30 matches will be broadcast live across multiple screens, featuring all six games hosted in Kansas City.
The festival’s centerpiece is a 45-foot-by-25-foot video board, complemented by a secondary stage for live performances. A striking 65-foot-tall heart-shaped entrance has been installed at the museum’s south lawn, welcoming attendees.
Special Events and Accessibility
Advance registration is mandatory, and organizers have noted that attendance is limited to ensure a quality experience. The opening weekend’s programming featured rapper Tech N9ne performing on June 12 during the USA vs. Paraguay match, followed by The Chainsmokes on June 13, and a family-friendly Dog Days event on June 14.
“The National WWI Museum and Memorial, an enduring symbol of the importance of international peace and cooperation, is an ideal location to bring people from around the world together in Kansas City,” said Mayor Quinton Lucas at the official announcement.
Kansas City’s six World Cup match days are scheduled for June 16 (Argentina vs. Algeria), June 20 (Ecuador v. Curaçao), June 25 (Tunisia v. Netherlands), June 27 (Algeria v. Austria), July 3 (Round of 32 game), and July 11 (quarterfinal). To accommodate the city’s reputation as one of America’s most pet-friendly destinations, three Dog Days events in partnership with Purina will take place on Sundays, June 14, June 21, and July 5, allowing fans to bring their dogs and collect limited-edition Purina x KC2026 Pet Kits.
Access to the festival is available via the KC Streetcar, bus routes, bike transit, nearby Union Station, and major highways. Rideshare and taxi services are restricted in the immediate area surrounding the event.
Expert Perspective
Bruce Miller, global chair and CEO of venue design firm Populous, remarked ahead of the tournament, “Hosting the FIFA World Cup is a once-in-a-lifetime event not just for the greater Kansas City area, but for the entire Midwest region. The fest will bring in FIFA fans from different regions.”