Unleashing Opportunities in Kansas City
The countdown is officially on. The 2026 FIFA World Cup is coming to Kansas City, and with it, an estimated 650,000+ visitors will arrive from around the globe. Pam Kramer of KC2026 recently briefed the ULI Board on what we can expect—and more importantly, how local businesses, property owners, and entrepreneurs can prepare for a surge of economic opportunity.
Total Visitors
At Clemons Real Estate, we’re already thinking about how to guide our clients and colleagues to make the most of this once-in-a-generation event. Below are some key takeaways from Pam’s presentation and how you can position yourself, your property, or your business to be part of the action.
THE STATS
Match Days: June 6 – July 11 2026
Teams: 48 Total (up from 32, making this the largest World Cup ever)
Languages: Primarily Spanish & Portuguese (54% expected international travelers)
Match Venue: GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium
Team & Fan Base Camps: Children’s Mercy Park, CPKC Stadium, & Rock Chalk Park
FanFest: Will be located at the South Lawn at Liberty Memorial
650,000+ Total visitors in Kansas City
Average stay in Kansas City: 10 days
BUSINESS & REAL ESTATE OPPORTUNITIES
1. Temporary Retail & Event Space
FIFA will be opening pop-up stores across the metro and in Lawrence. Retail landlords and commercial owners should consider short-term lease structures or repositioning vacant space for hospitality, retail, or vendor support.
2. Hospitality & Housing Demand
Lodging will be in high demand—not just for fans, but for teams, sponsors, law enforcement, and vendors. Investors with short-term rental properties (AirBnB, VRBO) or adaptable multifamily buildings should start preparing now.
3. RFPs and Contracts Over $15K
All major service contracts tied to the World Cup will be listed at FWC26.com—an open door for caterers, transport companies, event planners, A/V professionals, and more.
4. KC House: A Business Hub
KCADC will be hosting “KC House,” a trade exhibition for global delegates to conduct business during the games. This is a great opportunity for event venues, office space providers, and corporate hosts.
5. Parking & Transportation
With tens of thousands of people descending on the city each day, parking lots near venues could be monetized or secured to avoid overflow issues. Transportation services—especially those bundled with lodging—will be in high demand.
6. Tours & Local Experiences
Hospitality businesses should consider adding tours, excursions, or cultural experiences to their offerings. International visitors will want to explore KC beyond the stadium, creating huge opportunities for platforms like Viator, Peerspace, and Turo.
7. Local Restaurant Readiness
International tourists may not be familiar with tipping culture in the U.S. Restaurants could proactively include gratuity suggestions on menus to improve service and staff earnings during this time.
THE TIME TO PREPARE IS NOW
With 2026 just around the corner, the businesses and property owners who prepare early will be the ones who benefit most. Whether it’s listing your space on a sharing platform, investing in hospitality infrastructure, or securing vendor contracts, there’s still time to get in the game.
Need help thinking through how to maximize your commercial property for the World Cup? Reach out to the team at Clemons Real Estate—we’re here to help you make the most of this global moment for Kansas City.