Kansas City’s FIFA Fan Fest reaches capacity ahead of Argentina-Switzerland match

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KMIZ)

Kansas City's FIFA Fan Fest reached capacity Saturday afternoon as fans gathered to watch the city's final World Cup quarterfinal match, featuring Argentina and Switzerland.

Organizers posted on "X" around 3:30 p.m. that general admission entry to Fan Fest had been temporarily paused because the venue had reached capacity. Premium Garden and Legacy pass holders continued to receive guaranteed admission.

The match between Argentina and Switzerland will kick off at Arrowhead Stadium at 8 p.m.

Fans from all over the world traveled to Kansas City to be part of the FIFA World Cup that began on June 16.

Ryan Peritchett and Andrew Ionsu made the trip from Toronto, Canada, to watch Argentina play, saying the experience has been well worth the journey.

"It's been amazing the city is so welcoming, people are so nice and super chill, and it's incredibly clean," Perichett said.

Transportation during Argentina's first match against Algeria left many fans frustrated, with some waiting hours to reach Arrowhead Stadium.

Since then, transportation has become much more efficient.

The shuttle ride itself takes about 25 minutes each way. From the time of arrival at Fan Fest to reaching the area outside the stadium gates, the entire trip takes nearly an hour. That includes waiting in line, boarding the bus and making the final walk toward the stadium.

However, since that first match ,transportation around the city has improved.

"I love how organized it is," Ionsu said. "When we got to the airport we took the shuttle to downtown beautiful, and then the tram, free right to where our hotel was it was so easy and quick,"

"It's been unreal honestly super smooth, no issues that fact that it's free has been crazy, I think we got off the plane they gave us soccer balls, it's super easy to take the bus no problems," Perichett added.

The pair are also fans of Lionel Messi who has scored eight goals in the 2026 World Cup, making it a priority to be in Kansas City to watch Messi score another World Cup goal.

"Messi's last World Cup greatest player to ever live, that's a dream of any soccer fan to see it," Ionsu said.

"We have to see him in person, it's a once in a lifetime, you gotta do it," Perichett added.