Clock is ticking on World Cup 2026: Small businesses urged to prepare before this buzzer-beater

A massive influx of visitors are expected next year when more than 600,000 fans descend on Kansas City for its piece of the FIFA World Cup 2026 prize, but potential roadblocks lie ahead for small business owners who are waiting for the action instead of preparing now to capitalize on it, said local leaders.

Tracy Whelpley, director of regional impact for FIFA World Cup Kansas City, speaks to a crowd at CPKC Stadium, gathered to talk about World Cup preparations; photo by Taylor Wilmore, Startland News

“This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity,” said Tracy Whelpley, director of regional impact for FIFA World Cup Kansas City. “We have to think beyond just the event itself and consider how we can set up our businesses and communities for long-term success.”

Kansas City’s Small Business Task Force recently played host to a roundtable conversation at CPKC Stadium to discuss readiness for the coming surge of potential customers to local restaurants, retail stores, transportation services, and entertainment venues.

The region is expected to see $650 million in economic impact from the month-spanning games, according to local and federal leaders.

While FIFA organizers are planning an activation in Kansas City for June — a year before the games begin locally on June 11, 2026 — small businesses should be asking how they can come together and start engaging in other ways, said Nia (Richardson) Webster, assistant director of Neighborhood Services Department, which oversees the KC BizCare Office among other operations.

She noted entrepreneurs should be looking to activate “all the way up to Day 1.”

Key ways businesses can get involved include:

• Hosting events and watch parties: Creating welcoming spaces for fans to gather, whether in bars, restaurants, or even community areas.
• Expanding hours and services: Adjusting hours to accommodate international visitors who may be on different schedules.
• Offering culturally inclusive experiences: Businesses are encouraged to consider bilingual signage, international menu options, and culturally relevant marketing to engage a diverse audience.
• Leveraging strategic partnerships: Local businesses can work together or partner with larger brands to maximize exposure and resources.
• Tapping into available funding and training: The Small Business Task Force proposed a $4.4 million package to prepare businesses for the World Cup, including $500,000 for small business marketing and outreach.

“If businesses can collaborate with major brands, local chambers, and event organizers, they’ll be in a much better position to capitalize on this opportunity,” Webster said.

Click here to learn more about FIFA World Cup-related business opportunities.

RELATED: What comes after the World Cup? Leaders ponder KC’s next phase (and how to get there)

Ryan Williams, a representative from the consulting group Third Eye Network, leads a roundtable discussion at CPKC Stadium about small business owners’ needs ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026; photo by Taylor Wilmore, Startland News

The concerns: communication and security 

While the opportunities are clear, businesses are also facing significant challenges. A major concern is communication; many owners feel left out of key discussions and are unsure how to get involved.

“I think that’s one challenge I’m seeing a lot,” Webster said. “Everybody has something they’re working on, directories, apps, and events, but how do we bring all of these things together instead of creating new ones that make it even harder to navigate?” 

Solutions mentioned during the roundtable included a designated welcoming committee for visitors to tour local small businesses, a social media page or app for World Cup events featuring KC influencers, and even Airbnb hosts providing guests with lists of nearby recommended businesses.

Security remains another issue. Businesses worry about managing large crowds, potential property damage, and ensuring customer safety. The city’s Back to Business Fund helps businesses with security costs, and Webster noted leaders are pushing to expand it.

“We currently have the Back to Business Fund, which gives businesses up to $5,000 for security improvements,” she said. “We’re advocating to extend that through the World Cup and maybe beyond.”

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Nia (Richardson) Webster, assistant director of Neighborhood Services Department, smiles during a roundtable discussion about preparing small businesses for the 2026 World Cup in Kansas City; photo by Taylor Wilmore, Startland News

Get active

With just over a year to go, business owners can get involved now, Webster emphasized. 

The city is working on a centralized online portal where entrepreneurs can find information, register for events, and connect with other entrepreneurs. Additional town halls and networking sessions are also in the works.

“This is not just about the matches,” Whelpley said. “It’s about leveraging the World Cup to build Kansas City’s global presence. We need to create moments throughout the city where both visitors and locals feel engaged.”

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