Kansas City’s 2026 World Cup Matchups Revealed

The draw for the 2026 World Cup has been held, and we now know which teams will be playing at Arrowhead Stadium next summer. The last time the World Cup was held in the United States was 1994. Don’t wait another generation to grab the opportunity to experience the world’s game played on the biggest stage.

KC Power and Light District will be full of fans too!

There are currently four group play matches scheduled for Arrowhead stadium. How group play develops will dictate which countries' teams will play in the knockout stage games. Kansas City will host two of those, July 3rd and 11th. The following matches are already scheduled.

June 16 – Argentina  vs. Algeria

The reigning champs face traditional African power Algeria. The Argentinians are loaded with star power in the form of Lionel Messi, Goalie -- Emi Martinez, Midfielder – Enzo Fernandez, and Forward – Paulo Dybala amongst many others. The Algerians will field a solid group that play well together, including international standouts like Defenseman – Ramy Bensebaini, Forwards – Riyad Mahrez and Mohamed Amoura, and Midfielder – Nabil Bentaleb.

June 20 – Ecuador vs. Curacao

The Caribbean Island Curacao is the smallest nation to compete in the history of the World Cup. They end up drawing into a group with Ecuador, Germany and the Ivory Coast. Other than team stalwarts like Defender – Cuco Martina, and Forwards – Rangelo Janga and Bradley Kuwas. Much of the Curacao squad is young. This has advantages in energy and drawbacks in knowledge. Both will be in play on the field in Kansas City. The Ecuadorians want to get to the knockout stage, and will be led by Midfielder – Moises Caicedo, who can dictate most matches in the midfield, Caicedo will be joined by Defenders – Pervis Estupinan and Willian Pacho in thwarting attacks. Meanwhile teenage Forward -- Kendry Paez might be ready for the spotlight.

June 25 -- Tunisia vs. Netherlands

The Dutch will be heavy favorites in this match, but any World Cup opponent must be taken seriously. Tunisia will turn to Midfielder/Captain -- Ferjani Sassi for stability. They have a solid veteran defensive group with Montassar Talbi, Ali Abdi and Dylan Bronn. Forward Naim Sliti has the most team goals scored, and young Elias Saad has tallied four times in nine international matches. The Netherlands will bring star power to Kansas City in their traditional royal orange. Goalie – Bart Verbruggen is young and gifted. Defenders – Virgil van Dijk and Jurrien Timber are elite. Midfielders – Frankie de Jong and Xavi Simons are dynamic. While Forwards – Memphis Depay and Cody Gakpo are primed for glory.

June 27 – Algeria vs. Austria

Will the Kansas City soccer fans embrace the Algerians as their secondary team to root for, with two of their three group play matched at Arrowhead?  The Algerians square off against an Austrian squad that sports Captain/Defender – David Alaba, Midfielder – Marcel Sabitzer, and Forward – Marko Arnautovic.

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Read More: Is Missouri Ready for the World Cup? 

Missouri will be full of soccer fans from the Caribbean, South America, Europe and Africa (at first). Who will kick around Kansas City in the knockout stage is still to be determined. The world is coming to the Show-Me state. Will Missouri be ready?