Tag: World Cup

How the 2025 Kansas Citians of the Year proved ‘KC Made’ could compete against the world 

By Tommy Felts / November 26, 2025

They recognized Kansas City’s promise and potential early — helping usher in a new era of global sports opportunity for the region. Now Cliff Illig and Kathy Nelson are the latest community shapers crowned Kansas Citians of the Year. Honored Tuesday night during the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce’s annual dinner, the two were…

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World Cup readiness event opens City Hall to entrepreneurs hoping to get on the roster

By Tommy Felts / November 14, 2025

Kansas City wants to score as many points as possible when the FIFA World Cup arrives in 2026, said Janá Wagner, emphasizing that a special event planned Tuesday during GEWKC aims to get businesses into the game now — playbook in hand. “Our goal is to help as many entrepreneurs as possible get properly licensed,…

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Renderings: World Cup innovation-networking hub, FIFA fan fest plans unveiled by KC organizers

By Tommy Felts / October 30, 2025

Short-term fun, long-term gains. It’s a win-win for Kansas City, local leaders said Thursday, announcing new high-profile concepts set to take the pitch alongside the summer 2026 FIFA World Cup — games that could redefine the region in front of a global audience. “The KC region has an incredible opportunity to showcase our market’s business environment,…

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World Cup will produce KC small biz millionaires in just weeks, leaders say, but it’s only the start

By Tommy Felts / September 12, 2025

Kansas City can’t look at the World Cup in 2026 as one big event where businesses are going to make good money for a while, and then everything goes back to normal, said Wes Rogers.  “This has to be the beginning of the next chapter of our city,” the 2nd District Councilman for Kansas City,…

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Entrepreneurs worry World Cup could leave small biz, communities on the losing team

By Tommy Felts / April 17, 2025

FIFA’s summer games set to bring opportunity to Kansas City, but some fear a ripple effect that lasts far longer than the 2026 matches With each month that passes before Kansas City hosts games for the FIFA World Cup in June 2026, local small business owners are facing anxiety about the uncertain plays ahead —…

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