World Cup Hub

Nighttime view of soccer stadium full of fans

Overview

Get ready for an unforgettable summer of soccer in and around Lenexa. Whether you're a local resident, first-time visitor or traveling here for the global soccer celebration, this hub is your starting point for planning a smooth and enjoyable experience before, during and between matches.

Explore resources to help you navigate transportation during the World Cup, find hotels and accommodations, understand home rental and permitting requirements, discover upcoming soccer-themed events, and make the most of your time in Lenexa. You’ll also find information about emergency services and other helpful tips designed to keep you connected, informed and ready to enjoy the excitement throughout summer 2026.

FIFA World Cup 26™ resources

Pitch Lenexa

Hosting watch parties in Lenexa City Center on June 12, June 25 and July 11, 2026. Learn more about events, membership and volunteer opportunities. 

Johnson County United

A centralized countywide resource featuring events, special transit routes and celebratory swag. 

KC2026

Metro-wide information including matches in Kansas City, visiting teams, the FIFA Fan Festival™, regional activities and World Cup merchandise. 

FIFA®

Global World Cup coverage with match schedules, international events and official merchandise beyond the Kansas City region.

Public transportation during FIFA World Cup™

Johnson County United branded bus

Ensuring fans and residents can move around the region comfortably and efficiently has been a top priority for organizers of the FIFA World Cup 2026™.

KC2026 is implementing services that complement Kansas City’s existing transit options. In addition, Johnson County United will provide transit services to help move people to, from and around Johnson County.

Lenexa City Center will play a key role in the transportation plans outlined here. The Lenexa City Center bus stop is located on Scarborough Street between eastbound and westbound 87th Street Parkway. The transit stop will operate as a drop-and-ride location only, and vehicles that remain beyond posted limits throughout Lenexa City Center may be subject to fines or towing. Please note that overnight or long-term parking will not be allowed.

Johnson County United Airport Drop and Ride

This free service connects Lenexa City Center, Overland Park Convention Center and Kansas City International Airport. 

When does it operate?

The Johnson County United Airport Drop and Ride service will operate with 30-minute frequencies daily between June 1 and July 16, 2026. It will operate with 60-minute frequencies daily beginning on July 17, running as long as funding is available.

  • Monday–Friday: 4 a.m. to 11 p.m.
  • Saturday: 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
  • Sunday: 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.

To view a timetable, map and further details, visit jocogov.org/transit.

Riders should allow ample time to reach the airport prior to their flight as demand and wait times will vary.

What does it cost?

The shuttle will be free for all airport travel during the pilot period, not just for FIFA World Cup 26™ travelers.

The Johnson County United Airport Drop and Ride is a pilot is a partnership between Johnson County, Lenexa and Overland Park. Data collected will help determine future demand for public transportation between Johnson County and the airport. 

Johnson County United Link

The Johnson County United Link bus service will provide a connection for residents and visitors looking to travel among Johnson County cities. It will also link riders to the ConnectKC26 Region Direct service, which provides public transportation to 15 regional attractions and FIFA Fan Festival™.

The service will include three routes overlapping at Oak Park Mall and will connect the cities of Leawood, Lenexa, Merriam, Mission, Olathe, Overland Park and Shawnee.

When does it operate?

The Johnson County United Link service will operate from June 9 to July 13, 2026, with buses arriving every 20 minutes. 

What does it cost?

Rates for the Johnson County United Link service will include $5 for a one-day pass, $25 for a seven-day pass and $50 for a full tournament pass (unlimited).

Passes must be purchased in advance via the KC2026 website. In partnership with KC2026, Johnson County set these rates to match those being offered by the ConnectKC26 transit system.

Riders will need to purchase separate passes if they want to ride the ConnectKC26 bus services.

What are the route schedules?

Times vary by day. Visit jocogov.org/transit for the most up-to-date schedule information. All times are approximate and may be affected by traffic or weather conditions.

ConnectKC26

ConnectKC26 will help fans and residents move easily across the region through these services:

Region Direct — Connects FIFA Fan Festival™ and 15 regional sites, including Lenexa City Center (drop and ride) and Oak Park Mall (park and ride). Fees apply.

Stadium Direct — Match-day service transporting ticketholders from FIFA Fan Festival™ or one of four park-and-ride sites to Kansas City Stadium (Arrowhead). Closest park-and-ride location is Oak Park Mall. Fees apply.

Airport Direct — Free express service from the airport to downtown Kansas City, MO.

Passes must be purchased in advance and are available on the KC2026 website. Riders will need to purchase separate passes if they want to ride the Johnson County United Link service.

BikeShare KC

The City of Lenexa has partnered with BikeWalkKC’s Bike Share KC program to offer rentable electric-assist bikes 24/7 at eight City parks and locations.

Bike-share hubs in Lenexa

 

 

Hotels and accommodations

Hotel room with bed, chair and lamp

Find local lodging options that fit your style and budget on the Lenexa Convention and Visitors Bureau website.

Where to stay

 

 

 

 

Home rental licensing

For rent sign in front of house with blue sky and clouds

Planning to rent out your home to visitors in summer 2026? In Lenexa, a rental license is required for all residential rental properties — including short-term and vacation rentals. Make sure your property is licensed before welcoming guests.

Plan to apply for a license at least 30 business days prior to rental.

Learn more

 

 

Permitting and event planning

Every business and event is unique, and so are its permit requirements. Browse the categories below to find out what you might need.

Business licenses

Businesses operating in commercial spaces need to have a Lenexa business license.

We recommend applying at least 20 business days prior to anticipated occupancy.

Home occupation licenses

Businesses run out of your home need a home occupation license and must operate in compliance with all City guidelines. 

We recommend applying at least 20 business days prior to anticipated occupancy.

Learn more

Commercial certificates of occupancy

All businesses operating in a commercial space need to obtain a certificate of occupancy. This includes businesses that are subleasing or co-locating with another business.

We recommend applying at least 20 business days prior to anticipated occupancy.

Food truck safety requirements

If you plan to operate a food truck that serves food to the public in Lenexa, you must schedule a mobile food vendor inspection and follow general safety requirements.

Learn more

Special event permits

Planning to hold short-term events at your business such as a watch party, promotion or outdoor sale? If so, you need a special event permit.

We recommend applying at least 20 business days prior to your event.

Park special event permits

A park special event is an organized activity that needs more space than a rented park shelter location can provide.

The City will not approve any park special event permits from June 12–July 12, 2026.

Learn more

 

Block party permits

If your event will block a street or disrupt traffic, you'll need to apply for a block party permit and use traffic control barricades that the City will provide.

Learn more

Temporary event signage

To place temporary yard signs on private property, you must follow City regulations about size, weight and placement. Signs may not be placed in public parks on on other public property.

Learn more

 

 

Lenexa Likes Futbol stickers

Lenexa Likes Futbol shield logo with soccer ball on it

Score some local pride with a free "Lenexa Likes Futbol" sticker. Available at the following City facilities while supplies last:

 

 

Emergency services

While FIFA World Cup 26™ matches are not being played in Lenexa, our community may experience increased traffic, larger crowds at local restaurants and watch parties, and additional visitors staying in the area.

During the tournament window in June and July, the Lenexa Police Department will be increasing patrol staffing and officer visibility throughout the community. You can expect to see additional officers in commercial areas, entertainment districts and neighborhoods. This enhanced presence is designed to maintain the safe environment our residents expect while also ensuring Lenexa remains a welcoming community for visitors.