World Cup 2026

The largest sporting event in the history of the world is coming to Kansas City in 2026, and the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce is keeping businesses connected to the action.

Our community will need a lot of information about what is happening, when and where, and the KC Chamber can be a valuable resource.

In May 2026, the KC Chamber hosted a conversation about what to expect when the World Cup arrives in Kansas City, featuring Dr. Diego Gutiérrez , a former Major League Soccer player, respected soccer analyst, and faculty member at Rockhurst University – and a former member of the U.S. Men’s National Team.

In April 2026, we partnered with JVS on Cultural and Language Education, designed specifically to help organizations prepare for the global spotlight and confidently engage with guests from around the world. This training was made possible by a grant from the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation.

Workbook here >>

Watch to learn:

  • key cultural expectations and communication styles from major visitor regions
  • helpful language tips and essential phrases for welcoming international guests
  • best practices for creating a positive, inclusive customer experience, and hospitality strategies that will help your team represent Kansas City at its very best

KC2026, in partnership with the KC Chamber, has warmly welcomed delegations from Argentina and the Netherlands ahead of the 2026 FIFA World CupTM to meet with local civic and business leaders and elected officials.

In addition, to prepare Kansas City for this opportunity:

  • The KC Chamber facilitated numerous convenings of local chambers of commerce, economic development and tourism agencies across the region in the yearslong lead-up to the tournament landing in Kansas City.
  • Chamber representatives gave World Cup updates in communities across the region
  • Members of the Chamber team have served as Starting Lineup volunteers and World Cup volunteers
  • Members of the Chamber team have served on various committees such as small business readiness and communications
  • The KC Chamber hosted a dialogue with KC2026, Kansas City Fire Department, Kansas City Police Department, and Mid-America Regional Council about public safety readiness for the World Cup during the State of Public Safety in Kansas City event.
  • The Chamber assisted with the KC2026 Business Interest Opportunity Form, which was used as a way to track local businesses’ capabilities to serve in a vendor capacity for community needs during the World Cup. More than 2500 businesses signed up.

Questions About World Cup 2026

Contact David Pruente to learn more about the World Cup coming to Kansas City in 2026.