FIFA World Cup

Fans arriving for World Cup in rain told they can’t leave buses, can’t enter stadium

FIFA fans hoping to arrive early at the Netherlands-Tunisia match in Kansas City will miss out on the FIFA Fan Experience at the stadium because of inclement weather Thursday.

As crowds of people got off buses, organizers announced the FIFA Fan Experience would be closed until after the final whistle of the match.

Confusion spread among fans after bus drivers told them they couldn’t leave the buses or enter the stadium because the gates were closed.

FIFA fans hoping to arrive early at the Netherlands-Tunisia match in Kansas City will miss out on the FIFA Fan Experience at the stadium because of inclement weather Thursday.
FIFA fans hoping to arrive early at the Netherlands-Tunisia match in Kansas City will miss out on the FIFA Fan Experience at the stadium because of inclement weather Thursday. Eric Adler - The Kansas City Star

FIFA would not be responsible if fans got off the bus in the rain and something happened, a bus driver told fans eager to get into the stadium.

However, people were seen pouring through the gates and settling in the concourse to get cover from rain.

Later, during the announcement of the suspended fan experience, fans were told they should enter the stadium to seek shelter.

Because of the rain, some fans also chose to stay on the buses.

Forecast stormy weather caused FIFA Fan Experience to be suspended until after the Netherlands-Tunisia match in Kansas City.
Forecast stormy weather caused FIFA Fan Experience to be suspended until after the Netherlands-Tunisia match in Kansas City. Eric Adler - The Kansas City Star

Bus delays possible during stormy weather

Kansas City World Cup 2026 said on social media that people should check their website for updates as inclement weather continues through the evening.

“We are continuing to monitor the ongoing adverse weather, and the Region Direct, Stadium Direct and Airport Direct services. Temporary pauses in service may occur throughout the day as storms move through,” a social media post said.

“Please continue to follow instructions from event staff on site and follow official KC2026 channels for latest updates.”

A spokesperson for Kansas City World Cup 2026 did not immediately respond to requests for comment about the weather’s effects on transportation.

Kendrick Calfee
The Kansas City Star
Kendrick Calfee covers breaking news for The Kansas City Star. He studied journalism and broadcasting at Northwest Missouri State University. Before joining The Star, he covered education, local government and sports at the Salina Journal.
Eric Adler
The Kansas City Star
Eric Adler, at The Star since 1985, has the luxury of writing about any topic or anyone, focusing on in-depth stories about people at both the center and on the fringes of the news. His work has received dozens of national and regional awards.
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