These KC restaurants serve the food of World Cup visiting countries
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The World Cup is coming. Photo: Kyle Rivas/FIFA via Getty Images
The World Cup is coming to Kansas City next summer — and what better way to explore the countries coming to play here than through their cuisine?
The big picture: We found out on Saturday which teams will play in KC, and we're hungry for more. Here are some local restaurants serving food from the places that are set to visit.
Argentina vs. Algeria
This June 16 match kicks off Argentina's bid to defend its World Cup championship.
🇦🇷 Argentina: Piropos, an Argentinian steakhouse in Briarcliff, notably hosted Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift. Empanada Madness in Crown Center and Los Hornos near the airport serve country classics.
🇩🇿 Algeria: Algerian Delights in Lenexa serves flatbreads, rechta, teas and baked goods. Nour's in Midtown serves lentil soups and braised meats common to Northern Africa. Extra Virgin in the Crossroads serves a dish inspired by Algeria's neighbor Morocco.
Ecuador vs. Curaçao
This match on June 20 features the smallest country to qualify for the World Cup.
🇨🇼 Curaçao: This Dutch Kingdom country off the coast of Venezuela prominently features Caribbean flavors, which can be found at places like Wa Gwan in southern Kansas City and Island Spice in Midtown.
🇪🇨 Ecuador: This one was a little harder. Jarocho (two locations) serves shrimp ceviche, and Santana's Sazon in Olathe serves arepa and plantain dishes — all popular foods in Ecuador.
- 💭 Thought bubble: You haven't lived if you haven't tried stuffed arepa. It's like a taco but better.
Netherlands vs. Tunisia
Expect to see a lot of orange on June 25.
🇳🇱 Netherlands: You can find stroopwafels and Heineken beer just about anywhere. But only a few places around town, like Beer Kitchen in Westport and OurHouseKC at West 39th, serve Dutch babies — otherwise known as German pancakes.
🇹🇳 Tunisia: A neighbor to Algeria, this country includes Middle Eastern influences found at places like Baba's Pantry, Habashi House and Meddys.
Austria vs. Algeria
This June 27 game marks the final day of the tournament's group stage, with Algeria returning.
🇦🇹 Austria: Grünauer in the Crossroads offers all the Austrian classics, from schnitzel to spätzle. German restaurant Affäre, also in the Crossroads, offers similar fare.
- 💭 Thought bubble: I had one of my best birthday dinners at Grünauer — down to the Paulaner hefeweizen they had on draft.
What they're saying: "We have seven teams" from South America, Europe and Africa, "so really the whole world will be here," KC2026 chief executive Pam Kramer said during a media call on Saturday.