Leawood council launches World Cup planning, small‑business grants and citywide events for 2026

Councilmembers Lisa Kane and Lisa Harrison, who are leading the city’s local FIFA/World Cup planning efforts, reported that Leawood has formed an executive committee with city staff and Chamber representatives to organize watch parties, community events and small‑business support tied to the 2026 World Cup matches in the Kansas City metropolitan area.

Kane said the committee has developed branding and promotional materials and proposes a package of events including two watch parties (Park Place and Town Center), a 3‑on‑3 soccer tournament June 13–14, a citywide cleanup ahead of events, small business grant opportunities with decisions to come in January 2026, and a July 4 parade and celebration that will also mark the nation’s 250th anniversary.

Kane and Harrison said Sporting Kansas City and the Kansas City Current have committed to participate in multiple community events and that organizers are pursuing sponsorships; Kane noted a $10,000 top‑level sponsorship was secured in the first round. The city’s Chamber CEO Stephanie Meyer and other community partners were present and identified as active collaborators.

Council members stressed the effort should be inclusive, reach HOAs, schools, places of worship and small businesses, and should leave legacy programs in place after the event. Staff will continue coordination and return details about logistics, transportation costs and viewing rights when those figures are available.

The council did not take a formal vote on funding at the meeting; members emphasized volunteer recruitment and interdepartmental coordination to avoid overburdening staff.