Who’s Coming to KC?

The 2026 FIFA World Cup™ is expected to attract both international and domestic visitors—many of whom may be first-time travelers to the U.S. Expect a mix of dedicated soccer fans, families, and media professionals, with varying cultural expectations, spending habits, and transit needs. Understanding your audience will help you better prepare your staff, service, and atmosphere. We will know more about the visitors around January 2026 when specific teams and destinations are announced.

How to Prepare

The FIFA World Cup™ will bring an unprecedented influx of visitors to the Kansas City metro—many of whom will be looking for local food, shopping, services, and experiences. Here are ways North Kansas City businesses can start getting ready:

• Staffing & Hours: Anticipate higher demand, especially during match days and weekends. Consider adjusting hours or bringing on temporary staff.
• Language Accessibility: Multilingual signs, menus, or even basic foreign language greetings can go a long way in welcoming international guests. Consider QR code menus to save on printing costs. We are told that if you provide Portuguese and Spanish translations, you will cover a large percentage of the languages spoken by world visitors.
• Cultural Differences: Dining and beverage spots should be aware—and make sure staff is aware—that other countries’ customs often don’t include tipping for beers—if anything at all. For example, British culture does not tip for beers. See the link Supporting Staff During the World Cup for ideas on how to solve this concern.
• Wayfinding & Curb Appeal: Make your location easy to spot and inviting. Refresh signage, update window displays, and ensure entrances are clearly marked. Please follow municipal ordinances and guidelines as shown here.
• Digital Readiness: Make sure your business appears in online search results with current hours, location, and offerings. Make sure your business address is directly listed in your social media bios. Update your Google Business Profile and social media pages.
• Transportation Awareness: Be aware of traffic changes, ride-share pick-up points, and public transit routes that may impact visitor access to your location. Also, FYI: Out of 22,000 parking spots at Arrowhead, only 4,000 spots will be available on match days. No one without a ticket to the match will be allowed on the grounds of Arrowhead Stadium. This means fans without tickets will be seeking prime locations to watch the game outside the stadium—including in Northtown.

Business Opportunities

The World Cup isn't just a sports event—it's an economic engine. North Kansas City businesses have multiple ways to tap into the energy:

• Pop-Up Partnerships: Collaborate with other local vendors to host sidewalk sales, tasting events, or art showcases during peak visitor days.
• Short-Term Rentals: Property owners may consider listing residential or commercial space for rent through vetted short-term platforms.
• Themed Promotions: Tie into the global celebration with soccer-themed specials, limited-edition merchandise, or international menus. However, keep in mind that foreign visitors want a “taste of America”—not an interpretation of their homeland's food in a foreign land. Whatever you generally offer on a daily basis is what visitors will want to experience.
• Event Sponsorships: Get visibility by supporting local events aligned with the World Cup—such as the July 11 community event in North Kansas City. (See below, under "EVENTS," for more information to come soon.)
• Hospitality Services: Businesses offering accommodations, tours, transportation, or entertainment may find increased demand and opportunities for promotion.

KC2026 Business Interest Form

The KC2026 Board of Directors has adopted a procurement policy to ensure the efficient operation of World Cup KC2026 by setting clear guidelines and procedures for acquiring products and services.

KC2026 is committed to creating opportunities for small and local businesses to support official Host City events and regional activations. If your business is interested in contributing to the many events planned across the metro area, please complete the form at the link below.

(If you previously submitted a Business Interest Form by Q4 2024, the committee has your information. You do not need to resubmit a new form.)

KC2026 BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES PAGE

Events

North Kansas City anticipates hosting a community-focused event on July 11, 2026, to coincide with a FIFA World Cup™ quarterfinal match. Details will be announced closer to the date, but the goal is to create a welcoming space for residents, visitors, and businesses to connect during this historic occasion.

Intellectual Property: Logos, Tournament Name, etc.

Just like with the NFL’s Super Bowl, it’s important to avoid using FIFA’s trademarks without explicit permission. If you want to associate your business with the 2026 tournament, consider using generic terms such as “international soccer tournament” or “global fútbol event,” and avoid using FIFA’s official logos, slogans, or other branded elements.

More Information to Come

As we receive updates from FIFA, the official KC2026 organization, and local partners—including Clay and Platte counties and area governments—we’ll share them here. Urgent news will also be communicated via email, social media, and other appropriate channels.

 

KC2026 Host Committee page

Kansas City/Arrowhead Match Schedule