World Cup fans hit traffic delays in Kansas City going to Argentina vs. Algeria
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- Traffic was backed up for miles around Arrowhead Stadium and could cause missed kickoffs.
- Some fans abandoned shuttles and rideshares and walked to reach the stadium.
- KC 2026 suspended the regional shuttle system while it tried to restore normal operations.
Ahead of its first World Cup game Tuesday evening, Kansas Citians and visitors fought traffic and long lines to enter Arrowhead Stadium — raising fears of some fans missing kickoff.
Ahead of the highly anticipated matchup between Argentina and Algeria, traffic was backed up for miles along Interstate 70. Those hoping to attend the game described a frantic scene on social media, with some sharing stories of abandoning their rides, including shuttles and rideshares, and walking to the stadium.
It remained unclear by Tuesday evening what, exactly, caused the delay. But, for those who shared their stories online, the chaotic episode raised a series of questions aimed at for local and state officials.
Shortly after 6:30 p.m., local organizer KC 2026 said on its website that it was aware of the delays and was suspending the regional shuttle system, which does not go to the stadium, as it tries to restore normal operations. A spokesperson for KC 2026 didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment.
At 6:55 p.m., the Missouri Department of Transportation, or MoDOT, said on social media that all lanes of I-70 were clear, and traffic cameras show vehicles moving at a regular pace.
Mayor Quinton Lucas, in a statement to The Star, emphasized the fact that the stadium appeared to be full by the match’s start time.
“Any new set of fans adds a layer of difficulty, but here at kickoff it appears most made it into the venue. I will have more to share after the match,” Lucas said.
Missouri Rep. Mark Sharp, a Kansas City Democrat, said it was a “damn shame” that fans were delayed getting into the stadium. Sharp, who is running for city council next year, said he would talk with MoDOT officials on Wednesday to figure out what caused the delay.
“I’m stunned from that news,” he said. “I’m still trying to figure out what exactly happened.”
One Kansas City Star reporter boarded the shuttle to the bus shortly after 5 p.m. and still did not get to the stadium until around 6:40. Another said he had circled his car in the area for 3 hours trying to get into the parking lot.
“Eighty-five degrees outside… crowd mashed into steel fences… people passing out from the heat… and the slowest lines I’ve ever witnessed at any professional sports experience,” one Facebook user, Josh Baxter, posted in a World Cup group.
The much-anticipated game began at 8 p.m., in a stadium with a capacity of more 69,000. Most fans have spent hundreds of dollars on their tickets in what was expected to be a major moment for Kansas City on the world stage.
Capt. Jake Becchina, a spokesperson with the Kansas City Police Department, said he hadn’t been notified of any crashes in that area.
“I heard from people that described the entry into stadium parking was slower than an average Chief’s game,” Becchina said in an email. “Also it was at the end of rush hour time.”
This story is developing and will be updated.
If you have a story to share about the World Cup, email tips@kcstar.com.
This story was originally published June 16, 2026 at 7:27 PM.
