World Cup 2026 Kansas City: What to See Between Matches
Between World Cup 2026 matches in Kansas City, see the National WWI Museum and Memorial, the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art with its giant shuttlecocks, the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, and Union Station — most reachable on the free KC Streetcar.
Published June 17, 2026·5 min read
Summary
Between World Cup 2026 matches in Kansas City, the must-sees are the National WWI Museum and Memorial (America's official WWI museum, opened 1926), the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art with its 18-foot shuttlecock sculptures, the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, and Union Station. Most are reachable on the free KC Streetcar — ideal for filling the days between the city's six matches.
Start with the National WWI Museum and Memorial
Designated by Congress as America's official World War I museum, the National WWI Museum and Memorial opened in 1926 and holds the most comprehensive collection of WWI objects and documents in the world. You enter on a glass walkway suspended over a field of red poppies, and the Liberty Memorial tower delivers panoramic views over downtown — a perfect orientation stop before the matches at Arrowhead.
Top attractions between matches
| Attraction | Why go | Getting there |
|---|---|---|
| National WWI Museum & Memorial | Poppy field, tower views, 1926 landmark | By Union Station; streetcar + short walk |
| Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art | Free admission, giant shuttlecock lawn | Rideshare/bus south of the Plaza |
| Negro Leagues Baseball Museum | 18th & Vine jazz-and-baseball history | Short rideshare from downtown |
| Union Station & Science City | Beaux-Arts landmark, family-friendly | On the free streetcar line |
Per travel guides, the Nelson-Atkins draws visitors with free general admission and its four 18-foot badminton shuttlecocks scattered across a 22-acre lawn. The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum in the historic 18th & Vine district pairs with the American Jazz Museum next door, and Union Station houses Science City plus the streetcar's southern downtown stop. For a half-day farther afield, see our day-trips guide.
Build it around the schedule
Kansas City's matches are spread across June 16–July 11, leaving multi-day gaps for sightseeing. Base downtown for streetcar access (our neighborhoods guide), and on game days lean on the getting-there guide for the stadium run.
eSIM vs roaming vs pocket Wi-Fi for World Cup travel
| Option | Cost | Setup time | Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| eSIM | Low | ~5 min (pre-install on Wi-Fi) | Excellent (local carrier) |
| Carrier roaming | High | Instant (already enabled) | Medium (partner-dependent) |
| Pocket Wi-Fi | Medium | Airport pickup / rental | Good (extra device to charge) |
Museum tickets, maps between sights, and rideshare to 18th & Vine all need data. A North America eSIM keeps you online across the whole itinerary and every other host city — see our connectivity guide. From US$5 with Apple Pay, Google Pay, or card.
FAQ
QWhat's worth seeing between World Cup matches in Kansas City?
AThe National WWI Museum, the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, and Union Station. Most are reachable on the free KC Streetcar, ideal for filling the days between matches.
QIs the National WWI Museum and Memorial worth visiting?
AYes — it's America's official WWI museum, holding the world's most comprehensive WWI collection, opened in 1926. You enter over a field of red poppies, and the Liberty Memorial tower offers panoramic city views.
QCan I get around Kansas City attractions without a car?
AMostly — the free KC Streetcar links River Market, downtown, Union Station, the Crossroads, and the Plaza. The Nelson-Atkins and 18th & Vine are a short rideshare or bus ride beyond the streetcar.
QWill I have data for maps and tickets while sightseeing?
AWith a North America eSIM, yes — 5G/LTE for museum tickets, maps, and rideshare across every host city. Install before you fly and activate on landing, from US$5 with Apple Pay, Google Pay, or card.
Bottom line
Anchor your non-match days around the WWI Museum, Nelson-Atkins, and Union Station, then ride the free streetcar between them. Sort your base camp, scout a day trip, and grab a World Cup 2026 eSIM so every map loads on the move.