The Royals will play games at Kauffman Stadium during the 2026 World Cup
The Royals in 2024 switched the day of one of their games because, as defending Super Bowl champs, the Chiefs opened the season at home on a Thursday.
A Royals-Guardians game scheduled for that day at Kauffman Stadium was moved to a Monday to avoid any traffic congestion. That’s the kind of thing the Truman Sports Complex neighbors do for one another.
There will be some scheduling changes in 2026, too, since the World Cup is coming to GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Six matches will be held over a 26-day span, and the Royals will be at home some of that time.
Major League Baseball on Tuesday announced the 2026 schedule, and it shows the Royals playing nine home games between June 16 and July 11, when World Cup matches are scheduled at Arrowhead.
That said, the Royals do not have any home games scheduled for the same day as a World Cup match in KC. Instead, they have off days on June 20 and July 3, when World Cup games will be taking place. The Royals are on the road for the other four scheduled game dates.
While there are a lot of unknowns about what the Truman Sports Complex parking lot will look like during the World Cup, the Royals see the soccer tournament as an opportunity.
Fans from around the world are expected to descend on Kansas City, and some of them may have never seen the sport. Others may have baseball in their nation and will want to see a game at Kauffman Stadium.
Plus, a three-week road trip sounds dreadful.
Although six matches in less than four weeks is a busy schedule for World Cup fans, there will be lots of downtime for visitors to Kansas City. And the Royals hope many of them take the time to stop by The K.
Although tailgating is not expected to take place at a World Cup match in Kansas City, Royals fans should still have a chance to grill a burger or brat and play cornhole, at least on the days when baseball and soccer games don’t overlap.
There is still a lot to be determined between now and June, but the Royals will be playing some home games during the World Cup.
World Cup match schedule in KC
Group play: Tuesday, June 16, 2026
Group play: Saturday, June 20, 2026
Group play: Thursday, June 25, 2026
Group play: Saturday, June 27, 2026
Round of 32: Friday, July 3, 2026
Quarterfinal: Saturday, July 11, 2026
