Startland Special Feature
Kansas City 2026 World Cup
Welcome to Startland's hub for Kansas City-infused merch, arriving just in time for the 2026 FIFA World Cup
Kansas City small businesses, entrepreneurs and non-profits are joining the action this summer with limited edition merchandise to showcase their own global appeal. Check out selections from local brands below.
(Product links connect you directly to local retailers. Startland has no stake in these sales.)
Are we missing something? Send additional merch suggestions to news@startlandnews.com
World Cup Merch
Betty Rae's
Collectors Edition Goblet
Celebrating the world's best soccer, with the world's best ice cream. Limited edition goblets - only 1000 made. Bring to any Betty Rae's location throughout the month of March and receive 4 scoops for $10 - unlimited usage.
Betty Rae's
Shatto Soccer Glasses
Unique embossed soccer glass from Shatto Milk Company - Limited edition commemorative product to celebrate 2026 soccer in KC.
El Café Cubano
1 El Cafe Cubano Futbol Jersey
Inspired by the bold energy of Cafecito and the deep rooted traditions that bring people together, this jersey is more than just game day gear it’s a statement. From the vibrant colors to the fine detailing, every thread is a tribute to heritage, hustle, and community.
Stories About the World Cup
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Visitors will never guess what KC has in store for World Cup: Inside Open Doors! new shops
Bubble and slime play. Vegan Mexican cuisine. A jazz listening room. The variety and depth of Kansas City’s wide-ranging small business community will pop when visitors near and far arrive for the FIFA World Cup, said Nia Webster, calling out a compelling list of entrepreneurs selected for the city’s Open Doors! program.
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Get in the game: World Cup match lights opportunity (but only if a risk-taker is willing to strike)
“FIFA isn’t thinking about Kansas City’s legacy. That’s up to us,” said Rich Chungong, a serial tech founder and cryptocurrency enthusiast who turned his attention to community organizing around the World Cup once it became clear leaders needed to step up.
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Closing time: KC nixes 23-hour drinking plan for World Cup; select bars, restaurants can stay open until 5 am
“The ordinance expands opportunity for our businesses while ensuring the police department, first responders, and the City have the tools to keep residents and visitors safe,” Mayor Quinton Lucas said.
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Can’t say World Cup: Kansas City restaurants struggle to navigate FIFA copyright rules
When Joyce Watts of Boujee Bakery began to update her website with promotions to lure soccer fans to her location east of downtown, she ran into an unexpected roadblock: “FIFA World Cup 2026” is protected intellectual property.
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Language skills might be World Cup advantage for Independence Avenue eateries
Inside the colorful Mexican mercados, carnicerias, taquerias, cafes, panaderias and paleterias accenting Independence Avenue, Spanish is the first language for most shop owners and their customers. “We will do everything we can to understand them,” said Antonio Garcia, the 21-year-old manager of Frutopia, who speaks not only fluent Spanish, but also English and conversational Arabic.
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Why KC’s international restaurants fear being overlooked by World Cup fans
“We have such a diverse concentration of immigrants and refugees who don’t know how to promote themselves, so we’re starting to highlight some of the hole-in-the-wall gems that you might just walk by,” said Northeast Chamber president Bobbi Baker.
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World Cup lures Kansas Citians off sidelines, into short-term rental market
With the FIFA World Cup expected to draw crowds of visitors to Kansas City this summer, some locals are becoming short-term-rental hosts for the first time, turning spare rooms, guest houses or entire homes into temporary lodging for soccer fans.
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KC wants World Cup dollars spread further; Here’s why Airbnb is investing in a metrowide economic base camp
A newly announced strategy aims to boost spending throughout neighborhoods and small businesses across the metro — spreading out FIFA World Cup gains like the roughly $105 million in economic activity in June and July tied to short-term rentals alone.
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Small-town Kansas, Missouri court World Cup tourists offering ‘all things Americana’
From Cameron, Missouri to Lawrence, Kansas, small town officials say they offer a slice of the real America, cheaper accommodations and traditional 4th of July festivities.
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Charlie Hustle preps Oak Park Mall store as new owners evolve brand to fit Houston, St. Louis markets (and the world)
Kansas City’s iconic clothing brand Charlie Hustle has a new World Heart Collection in the works for FIFA World Cup 2026 — debuting the collection in June at its new Johnson County pop-up store.
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