With the World Cup 2026 kicking off yesterday, spectator areas are popping up across the three host countries, including an official FIFA Fan Festival zone designed by architecture studio Populous in Kansas City.

Located on the National WWI Museum and Memorial's south lawn just outside Downtown Kansas City, the pop-up area will be installed for 18 days during the World Cup and act as a gathering place for fans to watch football matches.

The area spreads out over the lawn and features a large LED screen and stage, alongside a 65-foot-tall (20-metre), heart-shaped gateway designed by Populous.

"The KC Heart isn't just a beloved symbol – it's a spirit," said the studio.

"It stands for a city that opens its arms to the world, where inclusion is instinctive, and community runs deep."

Positioned beyond the red gateway, the stage will host performances by musicians such as the Chainsmokers, but its primary use will be to screen "all matches played during festival hours". Temporary pavilions on either side contain lounge and memorabilia areas.

Entry to the area is free, although it may be limited due to capacity, said the team.

"Populous takes pride in designing the places where people love to be together, and no event unites the global community like the World Cup," said senior principal Kelly Holton.

Populous is heavily involved in the World Cup 2026 through an ongoing relationship with FIFA spanning more than 30 years. The studio has designed several of the facilities and stadiums that are hosting games.

Argentina is one of four teams to base itself in Kansas City for the World Cup, using the Populous-designed Compass Minerals National Performance Center as its training and recovery area.

A slew of other fan-watching areas have been unveiled across Canada, the US and Mexico as teams and fans descend into the three host countries to watch the football matches.

Already, cities are grappling with the expected turnout, while fans are experiencing changing infrastructure in their cities. In New Jersey, this sparked controversy around train ticket prices to the newly renamed New York New Jersey Stadium, which will host the final.

To mark the World Cup, Vancouver has covered its distinct Science World dome in a Trionada match ball motif.

The photography is courtesy Populous.