'The amazing heartland of the US': Some Kansas City-area businesses thriving after World Cup experience

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Updated: 7:26 PM CDT Jul 13, 2026

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Andy Alcock

KMBC 9 News Reporter

Some Kansas City businesses saw a spike in sales for the World Cup run in Kansas City.

Wolfpack BBQ and Burgers is several blocks east of City Market on Fifth Street. It's not close to the FIFA Fan Festival or what was Kansas City Stadium. But barbecue lovers from all over the world had no trouble finding it. That included Argentina fans who filled the restaurant.

"We'd have people outside before 9 a.m., and there were nights we stayed open after 11, just to accommodate the people that wanted to come and experience Wolfpack," said Colleen Pleiss, Wolfpack's manager.

The Blue Line in the City Market area is known as a hockey bar. Even though World Cup matches are done in Kansas City, the tournament is ongoing. On Monday, there were still soccer balls and flags of various World Cup countries decorating the bar.

Owner Letty Stegall said the city extending hours for bars to 5 a.m. was huge business for The Blue Line.

She said they were so busy Saturday night, they had to turn people away.

"And that is absolutely great to see. Then you don't have enough space for these people. It's amazing," Stegall said.

"I feel like it's been great for the city. I feel like a lot of people have gotten to learn about the amazing heartland of the U.S. here in KC," Pleiss said.

The business uptick has been so good for Wolfpack, the restaurant is extending its hours. Before the World Cup, Wolfpack was closed on Mondays. Now, it's open every day of the week.

While the World Cup business bump was not universal, data from Bank of America confirms an uptick.

Looking at credit and debit card data compared to last year, Kansas City saw the largest increase of any of the eleven U.S. host cities at roughly 7%.