The World Cup is the largest sporting event in the world, bringing together 48 national teams and millions of fans from across the globe every four years. In 2026, Kansas City is one of the host regions, with matches taking place at Arrowhead Stadium and teams training across the metro, including in and around Overland Park.
That means more visitors, more energy, and more opportunities to experience something truly global right here at home. For Kansas City, it’s a chance to showcase the region on a global stage. For Overland Park, it means more people staying, dining, and exploring locally, new opportunities for businesses, and a full calendar of community events and experiences.
It’s more than a series of matches. It’s a moment for the region.
Whether you’re a resident, business owner, or planning a visit, this guide is your starting point. We’ll keep it simple and point you to the best resources for everything else.
Short on Time? Start Here
If you’re looking for quick answers, these are the best places to start:
- Regional updates and planning → KC2026
- City-specific updates → City of Overland Park World Cup Hub
- Transportation and regional coordination → Johnson County United
- Business resources → Overland Park Chamber of Commerce
- Visitor planning → Visit Overland Park
The Details
Kansas City will host six matches at Arrowhead Stadium, along with team trainings and events across the region.
Matches scheduled in Kansas City include:
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- June 16: Argentina vs. Algeria (Group J)
- June 20: Ecuador vs. Curaçao (Group E)
- June 25: Tunisia vs. Netherlands (Group F)
- June 27: Algeria vs. Austria (Group J)
- July 3: Round of 32 (Match 87)
- July 11: Quarterfinal (Match 100)
Teams are also expected to train across the region:
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- Argentina at Sporting KC Performance Center
- England at Swope Soccer Village
- Netherlands at KC Current Training Center
- Algeria at the University of Kansas
Final schedules and assignments may shift as the tournament approaches, but planning is already well underway.
In addition to matches, there will be events happening across the metro.
In Overland Park, expect:
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- June 16 at 5 p.m. – Summer Soccer Celebration at Clock Tower Landing
- June 19 at noon – Friday Summer Soccer Celebration at Scheels Overland Park Soccer Complex
- June 25 (time TBD) – Summer Soccer Celebration at Prairiefire
- July 3 (time TBD) – Red, White and Bluhawk + Summer Soccer Celebration at Bluhawk
- July 11 at 5 p.m. – Summer Soccer Celebration at Clock Tower Landing
- July 19 (time TBD) – Summer Soccer Celebration at Prairiefire
You’ll also find community watch parties, local pop-ups, and seasonal programming happening throughout the city. Across the region, larger events like FanFest and official watch experiences will bring fans together throughout the tournament. For a full list of events and updates, Explore KC.
From mid-June through mid-July, expect more visitors, busy weekends, and a full calendar of events across the metro.
Getting Around + What to Expect
The Kansas City metro spans both Missouri and Kansas, and Overland Park plays a key role in how people move throughout the region.
Overland Park is:
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- About 20–25 minutes from Arrowhead Stadium
- Close to major highways and regional destinations
- A central hub for hotels, dining, and shopping
During the tournament, you can expect:
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- Increased traffic, especially on match days
- Expanded transportation options and regional coordination
- Shuttle services and park-and-ride locations
Daily routines may look a little different, but it’s all part of welcoming the world to our community. For real-time updates and planning tools, visit Johnson County United.
Resources by Audience
For Residents
If you live in Overland Park, the focus is on staying informed and prepared while enjoying the energy the World Cup brings to the region.
Key resources include:
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- City updates on safety, traffic, and events
- Local programming and community watch parties
- Neighborhood-level communication and planning
You may notice busier roads, longer wait times at restaurants, and more visitors exploring local spots. It’s all part of the experience.
A few simple ways to be part of it:
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- Get out and explore local events and watch parties
- Support small businesses and try something new
- Offer a friendly welcome when you can
Start with the City of Overland Park World Cup Hub for the latest updates.
For Businesses
The World Cup brings a major opportunity for local businesses to connect with new customers from around the world.
You’ll find:
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- Marketing and visibility opportunities
- Preparation resources and toolkits
- Regional collaboration efforts
Visit the Overland Park Chamber of Commerce for business-focused resources.
To make the most of the moment, a few practical tips:
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- Make ordering easy with clear menus, visible pricing, and simple options for quick decisions
- Offer flexible payment options, including tap-to-pay and mobile payments, which are common for international travelers
- Help set expectations by noting that tipping at restaurants is customary in the U.S., typically around 18–20% for good service
- Use clear signage and consider simple, easy-to-understand language for visitors who may not speak English as their first language
- Prepare for peak times by adjusting staffing or hours around match days and major events
- Submit your events for regional promotion by April 3 to be featured in official apps and guides. Learn how through Mid-America Regional Council
- Highlight what makes you local, whether that’s Kansas City flavors, unique products, or your story
With teams like Argentina, England, the Netherlands, and Algeria in the region, you may also notice different cultural expectations around dining pace, service style, and group sizes. Being flexible and welcoming goes a long way.
Small adjustments can make a big difference in creating a positive experience.
For Visitors
If you’re planning a trip, Overland Park is a convenient and welcoming place to stay while exploring the Kansas City region.
You’ll find:
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- A wide range of hotels and accommodations
- Local restaurants, shopping, and outdoor spaces
- Easy access to matches, training sites, and events
Overland Park offers a balance of energy and comfort, giving you a place to recharge between match days and explore more of the region.
Start planning with Visit Overland Park.
A Global Moment, Right Here in Overland Park
The World Cup will bring the world to Kansas City, and Overland Park is right at the center of it all.
If you’re visiting, you’ll find more than just a convenient place to stay. You’ll find a community that’s easy to navigate, close to the action, and full of places to explore in between match days. From local restaurants and shopping to parks, trails, and neighborhood events, it’s a place where you can experience the excitement of the tournament and still feel at home.
If you already live here, this is a chance to see your community in a new way. The places you visit every day will be experienced by people from around the world, bringing new energy and perspective to familiar spots.
Moments like this don’t come around often. They bring people together, create new connections, and leave a lasting impression. And for some visitors, that impression might just turn into something more.
If you find yourself wanting to stay a little longer, or even put down roots, All in OP is here to help you explore what that could look like, from living and working to learning and getting connected in the community.
Because when you spend time here, it doesn’t take long to see that everything you need is already here.
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