Ecuador matches up with Curacao in Kansas City’s second World Cup match. Here’s what to know before you go
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) – Kansas City is gearing up for its second match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
On Saturday night, Ecuador and Curacao will square off at Kansas City Stadium for the second of six matches the venue will host. The game kicks off at 7 p.m. CT.
About the teams
Ecuador qualified for the World Cup with a stout defense that helped them finish second in CONMEBOL qualifying. La Tri is led by Sebastian Beccacece, an Argentine coach who did not lead the team in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Beccacece has turned Ecuador into an elite defensive team, with La Tri allowing just two goals during 12 qualifier matches under his leadership.
Ecuador opened the World Cup with a 1-0 loss to Cote d’Ivoire in Philadelphia.
Curacao opened the tournament with a 7-1 loss to Germany on June 14 in Houston. The small, Dutch Caribbean island nation has a population of 155,900, making it the smallest country ever to qualify for the World Cup.
How can I get there?
SHUTTLE: ConnectKC26 is a dedicated regional shuttle network designed to help fans travel throughout the Kansas City region during the tournament. Shuttle routes, schedules, and key transportation hubs will provide convenient access to Kansas City Stadium on matchdays. Riders must have match tickets to board ConnectKC26 buses.
KC2026 announced that its stadium direct shuttles from North Kansas City and the Oak Park Mall have sold out for the day.
RIDESHARE: Designated rideshare pick-up and drop-off is located at Lot O, with a short walk to Entrances 2 and 3 at Kansas City Stadium.
GENERAL PARKING: Parking must be pre-purchased via the Official FIFA World Cup 26 Parking website.
When do stadium gates and parking lots open?
Stadium gates open three hours before kickoff (4 p.m.) to allow fans enough time to enter the venue and get settled. KC2026 announced Friday that cars and buses can enter an hour earlier at 3 p.m., a change in plans that is aimed at helping aid transportation concerns that arose Tuesday night.
General and hospitality parking will be open to fans one hour before gates open. FIFA encourages fans to arrive early to allow enough time for security screening, ticket scanning, and entry before kickoff.
What is the bag policy?
All FIFA stadiums will follow a clear bag policy. Only certain types of bags are allowed inside the stadium.
Ticket Holders are only permitted to bring certain types of bags into Stadiums. The approved bags must be clear and made of plastic, vinyl, or PVC material. Those bags must not exceed 12 inches x 6 inches x 12 inches (30 cm x 30 cm x 15 cm).
Small clutch purses or wallets approximately the size of a hand are allowed, even if not clear and no larger than 4.5 inches x 6.5 inches (or 11 cm x 16.5 cm).
All bags must be inspected at the stadium entrance.
A list of prohibited items can be found here.
Flag, banner and instrument policy
Small flags, banners and posters made of a fire-resistant material (maximum size: 2m x 1.5m / 78in x 60in) are allowed in the stadium. Larger flags, banners, posters or instruments must be approved in advance.
Apply here through the FIFA Fan Materials Request Portal.
Stadium reentry policy
Leaving and then reentering the stadium is not allowed, and smoking and vaping is strictly prohibited. Rules like these are included in the stadium policies – and you can read the full list so you know the dos and donts.
Water bottle policy
FIFA announced that fans will be allowed to bring one soft, plastic, factory-sealed 20-ounce water bottle into any FIFA match in the U.S. and Canada.
Fans will not be allowed to bring in hard-sided, reusable water bottles due to safety and security reasons.
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