FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (September 30, 2025) — KC2026 is sharing a new initiative called KC Game Plan to help local business owners prepare for the FIFA World Cup 26™. With an estimated 650,000 visitors* coming to Kansas City next summer, local businesses have an opportunity to engage global consumers. KC2026 developed KC Game Plan in collaboration with small business champions, including representatives from more than 100 nonprofit organizations including area chambers of commerce, entrepreneur support organizations (ESOs) and government and tourism industry partners. KC Game Plan is available in English and Spanish and is designed especially for business owners in high-engagement industries such as dining, lodging, retail and entertainment.
“In 2026, Kansas City will take the global stage, and a large part of our city’s success is our local business community,” said Pam Kramer, CEO of KC2026. “This is not a one-size-fits-all opportunity, and making the most of it will take preparation.”
KC Game Plan will include valuable information, actionable ideas and practical planning tools like visitor insights, fan traditions and a confidential readiness assessment, allowing businesses to create a customized plan. As a living resource, the plan will be continually updated leading up to the FIFA World Cup 26™ to reflect new information, such as which teams will be playing in Kansas City’s Group Stage matches.
“With the World Cup’s immediate economic impact on Kansas and Missouri, it’s critical that local businesses prepare,” said Jill Hathaway, regional director of the Missouri Small Business Development Center. “The Readiness Assessment is a confidential resource to help business owners understand their strengths and opportunities heading into 2026.”
KC Game Plan leverages the region’s robust network of partners, resources, and training opportunities to equip small businesses with strategies for success in 2026.
“We’re excited to show the world what makes Kansas City special through our authentic and dynamic small businesses,” said Taylor Overton Director of Small Business and Entrepreneurship for the Kansas Department of Commerce. “The tools and resources we’ve introduced are designed not only to help businesses participate in the opportunities of the FIFA World Cup 26™, but to strengthen them for long-term success well after the visitors leave.”
In addition to visitor and tourism activity, there will be limited contracting opportunities. Businesses interested in potential opportunities to support Host City events and regional activations should complete the KC2026 Business Interest Form. On the Business Opportunities section of its website, KC2026 posts any new RFI/RFP opportunities each Wednesday at 10 a.m.
“KC Game Plan is a valuable resource that will empower our businesses with the insights, tools and ecosystem support to make informed decisions and prepare to welcome next summer’s World Cup visitors,” said Tracy Whelpley, director of Regional Impact for KC2026.
For more information about the KC Game Plan and to take the readiness assessment, visit kansascityfwc26.com/kc-game-plan/.
*Visit KC estimates 650,000 unique visits based on total visitor days during the duration of the event in the KC area. A “visitor day” is defined as one visitor spending one day (day/overnight) in the destination; the figure will be adjusted further with base camps and other future announcements.
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About KC2026
A nonprofit organization overseeing strategy and delivering Host City duties for the FIFA World Cup 26™, KC2026 will plan, construct and implement all aspects of Kansas City’s largest sports and fan engagement event in the region’s history.
KC2026 is supported in planning efforts by its Official Kansas City World Cup 2026 Host City Supporters: the global design firm Populous and Nestlé Purina PetCare, a global leader in nutrition, health and wellness. Host City Supporters are key civic and brand partners who are helping bring the FIFA World Cup 26™ to life in Kansas City. Learn more at KansasCityFWC26.com.
About Greater Kansas City
Home to 2.5 million people, Kansas City is a vibrant metro in the heart of the U.S., known as the “KC Heartland.” An all-new single terminal at Kansas City International Airport welcomes guests by air, while 85% of the U.S. is less than a two-day drive away. The region’s red-hot sports culture is embraced every season, headlined by the Kansas City Chiefs, Kansas City Royals, Major League Soccer’s Sporting Kansas City and the National Women’s Soccer League’s Kansas City Current.
Kansas City, home to renowned arts and culture, offers live entertainment in the downtown Power & Light District, as well as 40 jazz clubs throughout the area. Find food from James Beard Award-winning chefs and sample true KC tradition at more than 100 barbecue restaurants across the metro. Dive into some of the country’s most significant historical moments at KC’s treasured institutions, from the National WWI Museum and Memorial and the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum to the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum and the American Jazz Museum. Learn more at KC.org.
About The FIFA World Cup 26™
The FIFA World Cup 26™ will be the biggest sporting event ever, with three Host Countries, 16 Host Cities, 48 teams and 104 matches uniting an entire continent to showcase a momentous new tournament format. With more countries, cities, teams and games, the FIFA World Cup 26™ will be the most inclusive tournament ever, engaging millions of fans across 16 unique stadiums and billions worldwide. The tournament will take place in June and July 2026. For the latest FIFA World Cup 26™ information, please visit the FIFA World Cup 26™ website. For media representatives wishing to stay up to date on all things 2026, please register via the FIFA Media Hub.
CONTACT:
Haley Harrison-Lee
[email protected]