Arrowhead Stadium’s FIFA World Cup 2026 capacity is 76,640 seats, increased from the normal NFL capacity of 76,416. The venue underwent $45 million in FIFA-required modifications and will be called “Kansas City Stadium” during the tournament, hosting six matches including one quarterfinal.
This 224-seat increase accommodates FIFA hospitality requirements and expanded media facilities while maintaining Arrowhead’s iconic bowl design. Kansas City ranks as the 4th-largest World Cup venue among 16 North American host stadiums, positioning it for major tournament matches.
This guide covers the exact capacity differences between NFL and World Cup configurations, complete FIFA modification details, World Cup venue rankings, match schedule, and practical information for international visitors attending matches at this historic venue.
Kansas City Stadium World Cup Capacity: 76,640 vs 76,416 NFL Seats
Kansas City Stadium’s official World Cup capacity stands at exactly 76,640 spectators, according to FIFA tournament specifications. This represents a 224-seat increase from Arrowhead Stadium’s standard NFL configuration of 76,416.
The capacity increase comes from FIFA hospitality requirements that mandate additional premium seating areas and expanded media facilities beyond the existing press box.
Unlike major stadium renovations that reduce capacity, the World Cup modifications maintain nearly identical seating while adding strategic hospitality zones.
FIFA requires neutral stadium naming during international tournaments to avoid sponsor conflicts. The venue operates as “Kansas City Stadium” exclusively for World Cup marketing and operations, reverting to GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium for NFL games.
How Kansas City Ranks Among 2026 World Cup Venues
Kansas City’s 76,640 capacity positions it among the tournament’s premier venues:
| Rank | Stadium | World Cup Capacity | Location |
| 1st | MetLife Stadium | 82,500 | New York/New Jersey |
| 2nd | AT&T Stadium | 80,000 | Dallas |
| 3rd | Rose Bowl | 77,500 | Los Angeles |
| 4th | Kansas City Stadium | 76,640 | Kansas City |
| 5th | Mercedes-Benz Stadium | 71,000 | Atlanta |
This 4th-place ranking among all 16 World Cup host venues makes Kansas City a major tournament destination, selected to host high-profile matches including the July 11 quarterfinal.
The 76,640 capacity exceeds most international soccer venues and represents one of the largest tournament stadiums.
FIFA Stadium Modifications: $45 Million in Required Upgrades
Arrowhead Stadium completed $45 million in World Cup-specific renovations during the 2025 offseason to meet FIFA international standards. The most significant changes involved field expansion and infrastructure upgrades while preserving the venue’s iconic design.
Field Expansion and Removable Seating System
FIFA requires wider playing fields than American football specifications. According to Chiefs executives, approximately 3,000 seats along the visiting sideline were completely reconstructed using removable aluminum systems.
The modification process included:
- Excavating 10 rows of concrete seating and supporting structures
- Installing removable aluminum bleacher systems maintaining identical seat placement
- Widening the field to FIFA specifications (105m x 68m minimum)
- Preserving all original sightlines and fan experience
Chiefs fans notice no visual differences when attending NFL games. Every seat was replaced one-to-one in the exact location, with the removable design enabling rapid conversion between football and soccer configurations.
Underground Ventilation and FIFA Pitch Requirements
FIFA mandates advanced field management systems for World Cup venues. Arrowhead installed a comprehensive subsurface aeration and moisture removal system housed in a new control room built beneath the lower-level stands.
The $50 million total infrastructure investment includes:
- Underground piping network throughout the playing surface
- Advanced moisture control maintaining optimal field conditions
- Temperature regulation systems for player safety during summer matches
- Real-time monitoring capabilities for field quality management
This system addresses FIFA’s technical requirements while providing permanent benefits for Chiefs games and future soccer events at the venue.
World Cup Match Schedule and Seating Configuration
Kansas City hosts six FIFA World Cup matches across multiple tournament stages, leveraging the full 76,640 capacity for each game:
| Match Type | Number | Dates 2026 | Kickoff Times (CT) |
| Group Stage | 4 matches | June 16, 20, 25, 27 | 12:00, 15:00, 18:00, 21:00 |
| Round of 32 | 1 match | July 3 | TBD |
| Quarterfinal | 1 match | July 11 | TBD |
Match scheduling prioritizes television audiences across multiple time zones. The four group stage matches occur during prime viewing windows for North American, European, and global audiences.
Seating Layout for World Cup Configuration
World Cup seating maintains Arrowhead’s distinctive two-tier bowl design. Lower bowl sections 101-136 accommodate approximately 45,000 spectators with premium proximity to the soccer pitch.
Upper bowl sections 201-236 provide 31,000 additional seats with steep angles preserving excellent sightlines.
The removable aluminum seating system integrates seamlessly with permanent structures.
FIFA hospitality areas occupy strategic locations throughout both tiers, with expanded media facilities supplementing the existing press box to accommodate international broadcast requirements.
All 76,640 seats include accessibility accommodations meeting FIFA international standards for mobility-impaired spectators.
Practical Information for World Cup Visitors
International visitors experience Arrowhead’s legendary atmosphere adapted for global soccer audiences.
The venue’s acoustic design that produced the NFL’s 142.2-decibel noise record will amplify World Cup crowd energy across six matches.
Transportation and Access for International Fans
Kansas City invested additional infrastructure improvements beyond the $45 million stadium modifications.
Enhanced transportation includes shuttle systems connecting suburban hotels in Lenexa, Liberty, and Lee’s Summit directly to Kansas City Stadium, plus improved downtown connections.
Parking follows NFL protocols requiring advance purchase with no cash payments accepted. The Truman Sports Complex accommodates over 76,000 vehicles across extensive lots surrounding both stadiums.
Public transportation upgrades include expanded bus service from downtown Kansas City and Kansas City International Airport, designed specifically for international visitors unfamiliar with regional transit options.
Ticket Information and Stadium Experience
World Cup tickets distribute through FIFA’s official channels exclusively, not through Chiefs or NFL systems.
The 76,640 capacity creates substantial availability compared to smaller World Cup venues, though demand remains high given Kansas City’s quarterfinal hosting status.
Stadium amenities operate fully during World Cup matches, including all concession stands, converted FIFA merchandise areas, and hospitality facilities. Food options feature international selections alongside traditional American fare.
Security protocols follow FIFA standards with enhanced screening procedures and modified prohibited items compared to NFL games. International visitors should review FIFA security guidelines before attending.
Post-World Cup Stadium Operations and Legacy
Converting from World Cup to NFL configuration requires precise coordination. The Chiefs host two preseason games in August 2026, demanding complete field conversion and FIFA equipment removal within weeks of the July 11 quarterfinal.
The removable seating system enables rapid transition back to the 76,416 NFL configuration. The permanent subsurface ventilation system provides lasting field quality benefits for Chiefs games and future events.
Kansas City’s World Cup legacy establishes the venue among elite stadiums hosting both major American sports and international soccer’s premier tournament.
The 76,640 World Cup capacity contributes to what will be the most-attended World Cup in history across 16 North American venues.
People Also Ask: Kansas City World Cup 2026 Capacity
What is Kansas City Stadium’s exact World Cup capacity?
76,640 seats. This exceeds Arrowhead Stadium’s NFL capacity of 76,416 by 224 seats through additional FIFA hospitality seating and expanded media facilities.
Why does World Cup capacity differ from NFL capacity?
FIFA requires additional hospitality areas, expanded media facilities, and neutral stadium naming. The 76,640 includes temporary additions while maintaining the bowl configuration.
How many World Cup matches will Kansas City host?
Six matches: four group stage games (June 16, 20, 25, 27), one Round of 32 match (July 3), and one quarterfinal (July 11). All use the full 76,640 capacity.
What stadium modifications were made for FIFA requirements?
$45 million in upgrades including field expansion, removable seating systems, underground ventilation installation, and enhanced infrastructure meeting FIFA international standards.
How does Kansas City rank among World Cup venue capacities?
4th-largest among all 16 host venues at 76,640 seats, behind MetLife Stadium (82,500), AT&T Stadium (80,000), and Rose Bowl (77,500).
Will Arrowhead Stadium look different after the World Cup?
No. The removable seating system returns the venue to its exact 76,416 NFL configuration with every seat replaced in the same location.
How do I get World Cup tickets for Kansas City matches?
Through FIFA’s official ticketing channels only. The 76,640 capacity provides substantial availability among tournament venues, though demand remains high for quarterfinal hosting.
What is the stadium called during the World Cup?
“Kansas City Stadium” per FIFA neutral naming requirements. It reverts to GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium for NFL games after the tournament.
