As the 2026 FIFA World Cup barrels toward Kansas City like a fluorescently dressed tourist looking for the nearest barbecue line, Clay County and Platte County have boldly announced that they are definitely sort of thinking about getting ready. Clay County and Platte County are working to ramp up regional tourism efforts ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but insiders say the preparations are proving more difficult than expected.
The two counties have launched weekly joint planning meetings and are collaborating on a Northland-wide promotional effort informally described as the “Go North KC” campaign. The initiative is intended to spotlight the Northland’s major destinations—including Smithville Lake, the Iron District, and Worlds of Fun—using coordinated marketing, a shared regional website, and expanded advertising.
However, a source familiar with the planning process says the project is “a vast undertaking” that the counties “aren’t currently staffed to handle.” Apparently they are meeting in Renegade Coffee Shop on North Oak Trafficway to use free wifi. I could be wrong but it seems like they dont even have dedicated office space.
According to the insider, the tourism boards are struggling to secure the funding necessary to support the large-scale promotional push expected for a global event of this size. The source also says that the Clay County Commission remains focused on core governmental responsibilities and is hesitant to commit significant sums to World Cup-related tourism spending until basic services are fully funded.
To cope with the staffing shortfall, officials are considering bringing on interns to assist with research, outreach, and content development for the upcoming tourism campaigns.
In addition to regional marketing efforts, Clay County recently established a new Sports Commission aimed at recruiting tournaments, sporting events, and athletic tourism opportunities—efforts county leaders say will continue well beyond the World Cup.
Despite the challenges, both counties appear committed to elevating the Northland’s profile as Kansas City prepares to host one of the largest sporting events in the world. Whether the staffing and funding hurdles can be resolved in time remains an open question. Because nothing says “prepared for a once-in-a-lifetime global event” like putting several underfunded committees in a room and hoping they magically transform into a fully operational marketing machine.
In other words, roads and public safety first, Instagram hashtags second. That’s responsible governance, even if it doesn’t make for the most exciting headlines. A surprisingly logical stance that must be deeply upsetting to anyone hoping for an exciting government spending scandal. Perhaps this is just a consequence of the World Cup occurring during election year. Now the plan to hire interns, the favorite solution of semi government officials like Elon Musk? What could go wrong? Nothing screams “World Cup-ready” like handing major tourism responsibilities to a team of unpaid 19-year-olds who still use “Reply All” by accident.
In sum, the Northland is absolutely poised for World Cup tourism success, if success is defined as holding lots of meetings, hoping interns can do everything, and praying visitors are really into lakes and roller coasters they learn about by accident.
But hey, at least they’re trying. Sort of.
- Go North KC: A collaborative effort between Clay and Platte Counties to jointly market the Northland region as a single destination under the "Go North KC" brand, with plans for a regional website and joint promotional campaigns.
- Clay County Sports Commission: A new dedicated body to promote and grow sports events throughout Clay County, a move signed into law in July 2025 that aims to drive economic vitality.
- Regional Partnerships: Working with neighboring communities like Platte County to create a unified identity and enhance marketing reach.
- Website Development: A new regional website, GoNorthKC.com, is being developed by Clay County to serve as a central hub for information on the region's tourism offerings.
- Attraction Promotion: Showcasing popular attractions such as Smithville Lake, the Iron District, and Worlds of Fun to attract visitors.
- Targeted Marketing: Focusing on specific campaigns, such as a "Hey, Neighbor" initiative for community engagement and efforts to attract visitors for large-scale events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
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