Airbnb

VisitKC released a report on the impact of the World Cup, which brought about 680,000 visitors. But with fewer long-term and international guests than expected, it didn’t bring in as much money as the agency originally estimated.

More people signed on to run Airbnbs, VRBOs and other short-term home rentals in anticipation of an influx of visitors. With more places in the market, occupancy rates actually went down — but prices went up.

Airbnb partnered with Mayor Pro Tem Ryana Parks-Shaw, Kansas City Public Schools and the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Kansas City to give 75 tickets for students and their coaches to attend World Cup matches.

A trio of Argentinian cyclists biked more than 10,000 miles to Kansas City to cheer on their national team. Hopefully that warm welcome made up for the early-morning thunder and tornado sirens that likely woke up Lionel Messi's squad soon after they arrived in town.

Almost 400 Kansas City residents took advantage of a program offering cheaper short-term rental permitting during the World Cup, hoping to catch a windfall from the influx of tourists. Some aren't seeing the bookings they anticipated.

The event on Wed., May 27, 2026, highlighted partnerships and new plans designed to provide support for small businesses not only during the World Cup, but into the future.

Demand for short-term rentals in Kansas City is so far strongest for properties closest to Arrowhead Stadium, where World Cup matches will be played, and for lower-priced listings.

As the World Cup nears, some Kansas City-area residents are preparing their homes to be a short-term rental. With more than half a million people expected to travel in and out of the Kansas City region, cities are relying on property owners to help house the influx of tourists.

Kansas City is seeing an influx of short-term rental applications from residents interested in hosting their property during the FIFA World Cup. The city opened up special permitting in December that allows people to host short-term rentals from May 3 to July 31.

More than 650,000 people could attend the World Cup in Kansas City next summer, and all of them will need a place to stay. That's why the Kansas City Council is changing its rules around short-term rentals to make it easier for residents to host visitors.

The Kansas City Council recently changed certain rules around short-term rentals to make it easier for residents to host World Cup visitors next summer. And dozens of people recently attended a "crash course" to learn how they can capitalize on all those visitors by offering their own rentals.

Urban and suburban school districts may have a funding and staffing edge, but small rural districts say their close-knit communities make it easier to identify and support unhoused students. Plus: A website called Sniffspot lets Kansans rent their backyards or other spaces as puppy playgrounds.