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.