World Cup 2026: Chicago Fan Guide to Getting There
Chicago is not hosting World Cup 2026 matches. But Kansas City is just 8 hours away with Argentina playing their opener. Here is how Chicago fans can get to the games.
Chicago isn't hosting FIFA World Cup 2026 matches. The city withdrew from consideration due to costs. But here's the good news: Kansas City is hosting six matches including Argentina's tournament opener. And it's only 8.5 hours away.
This guide covers everything Chicago-area soccer fans need to know about getting to World Cup matches this summer.
Quick Takeaway: World Cup 2026 runs June 11 to July 19. Kansas City is the closest host city to Chicago with six matches including defending champion Argentina on June 16. Book travel early because demand will be historic.
Chicago fans have options for experiencing World Cup 2026 despite not being a host city
Kansas City: Your Closest World Cup Destination
Kansas City is the only true Midwest host city. GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium will host six matches including group stage games and a quarterfinal.
The Big Draw: Argentina Opens Here
Defending World Cup champions Argentina play their first match against Algeria on June 16 at 8:00 PM. Messi fever will be real. Expect massive demand for this game.
Full Kansas City Match Schedule
| Date | Match | Round |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | TBD | Round of 32 |
| July 11 | TBD | Quarterfinal |
Quick Takeaway: Four group stage matches in 11 days (June 16-27) means you could catch multiple games in one trip. The July 11 quarterfinal is the marquee knockout round match.
Getting from Chicago to Kansas City
You have four main options. Each has trade-offs depending on your group size and budget.
Option 1: Fly (Fastest)
O'Hare to Kansas City International (MCI)
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Flight time | 1 hour 39 minutes |
| Distance | 400 miles |
| Airlines | United, American |
| Frequency | 60-70 flights per week |
| One-way price | $81-150+ |
Flights depart between 6:40 AM and 10:30 PM. Round-trip fares typically start around $150 but expect World Cup surge pricing.
The airport transfer angle: You still need to get to O'Hare or Midway. Early morning flights mean 4 AM pickups from the suburbs. Late return flights mean midnight arrivals. Professional transportation handles both without the stress of parking or relying on tired friends.
Early morning airport pickups for World Cup flights require reliable transportation
Option 2: Drive (Most Flexible)
Chicago to Kansas City by car
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Distance | 510 miles |
| Drive time | 8-9 hours |
| Route | I-55 South to I-44 West |
Driving makes sense if you're attending multiple matches. Kansas City has four group stage games over 11 days. A road trip lets you catch Argentina on June 16 and Netherlands on June 25 without multiple flights.
The group transportation angle: An SUV fits 6 people comfortably. Split the cost and you're looking at better economics than individual flights. Plus you arrive together and leave together. No coordinating arrivals from different terminals.
Option 3: Train (Scenic)
Amtrak Chicago to Kansas City
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Travel time | 7-8 hours |
| Price | $75-390 |
| Departures | Twice daily |
The train runs from Chicago Union Station. Comfortable but less flexible than driving. Works best for single-game trips where you can plan around the fixed schedule.
Option 4: Bus (Budget)
Travel time exceeds 15 hours. Not recommended unless budget is the only consideration.
Other Host Cities Worth Considering
Kansas City isn't your only option. Here's how other host cities compare from Chicago:
| City | Distance | Flight Time | Notable |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kansas City | 510 mi | 1h 39m | Argentina opener, Quarterfinal |
| Atlanta | 720 mi | 1h 45m | Semi-final |
| Philadelphia | 760 mi | 1h 50m | Multiple group matches |
| New York/NJ | 790 mi | 2h | FINAL (July 19) |
| Dallas | 920 mi | 2h 30m | Multiple group matches |
Quick Takeaway: If you want to see the biggest matches, Atlanta hosts a semi-final and MetLife Stadium in New Jersey hosts the final on July 19. Both require flights but offer once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
Group travel to World Cup matches makes financial and logistical sense
Staying in Chicago? Watch Party Options
Not everyone can travel to matches. Chicago Fire FC has you covered.
Chicago Fire Soccer Celebration at Recess
The official Chicago watch party runs the entire tournament from June 11 to July 19.
Location: Recess, West Loop
What to expect:
- Live screenings of every World Cup match
- Indoor and outdoor patio viewing
- Player appearances from Chicago Fire FC
- Food and drink specials
- Exclusive merchandise
- Fan activities throughout the tournament
Chicago Fire CMO Dan Moriarty said it best: "The World Cup is the pinnacle of our sport, and while Chicago isn't a host city, we're making sure it feels like one."
The transportation angle: Late matches from West Coast and international venues mean games ending after midnight. Getting groups home safely from the West Loop to the suburbs is where professional transportation shines.
Planning Your World Cup Trip
Book Early
This tournament will involve more fan travel than any sporting event in history. 48 teams. 104 matches. 16 cities across three countries. Accommodations and transportation will be in extreme demand.
Consider Multi-Match Trips
Kansas City's schedule clusters four group stage matches between June 16-27. If you're making the trip, maximize it. Watch Argentina on the 16th. Stay for Netherlands vs Tunisia on the 25th.
Group Travel Makes Sense
Six friends in an SUV to Kansas City costs less per person than individual flights plus airport parking. You travel together. You arrive together. No logistics headaches.
Don't Forget the Airports
Whether you're flying to Kansas City or picking up visiting fans coming to Chicago, airport transportation is the first and last impression of the trip. A 4 AM pickup for a 6 AM flight isn't the time for rideshare roulette.
World Cup 2026 will be the largest in history with 48 teams across 16 cities
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago hosting World Cup 2026 matches?
No. Chicago withdrew from hosting consideration due to costs. The closest host city is Kansas City (510 miles / 8.5 hours drive).
What matches are in Kansas City?
Six total: four group stage matches (June 16-27) including Argentina vs Algeria, plus a Round of 32 match (July 3) and a quarterfinal (July 11).
How do I get from Chicago to Kansas City for the World Cup?
Fly (1h 39m, $81-150+), drive (8.5 hours), or take Amtrak (7-8 hours, $75-390). For groups, driving or chartering transportation often makes more financial sense than individual flights.
Where can I watch World Cup matches in Chicago?
Chicago Fire FC is hosting the Chicago Fire Soccer Celebration at Recess in the West Loop for the entire tournament (June 11 - July 19).
When is the World Cup 2026 final?
July 19, 2026 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
Make Your World Cup Plans
World Cup 2026 is a once-in-a-generation event happening in our backyard. Whether you're flying to Kansas City for Argentina, road tripping with friends for multiple matches, or watching every game at Recess in the West Loop, transportation planning matters.
We serve 211+ Chicago suburbs. Early morning airport pickups. Late night returns. Group transportation for road trips. Whatever your World Cup plans require.
Ready to book? Reserve your World Cup transportation or contact our team to discuss group travel options.
