Preparing for the World Cup: Despite Headwinds, Tenants and Investors Remain Focused on the Kansas City Market

Kansas City Real Estate Market Poised for Growth Ahead of the 2026 World Cup

Despite a slight slowdown in investment sales and new commercial construction, Kansas City’s real estate market is far from stagnant. Experts describe current activity as a market correction, reflecting a return to stability rather than a slump. Demand remains strong across multiple commercial sectors, and upcoming events promise to drive further growth.

World Cup 2026: A Catalyst for Commercial Growth

Photo by Franco Monsalvo

As one of the host cities for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Kansas City will welcome six matches, including a quarter-final game. This major international event is fueling growth in the city’s restaurant, retail, and personal services sectors, with leasing activity surging in preparation for increased visitor traffic.

Caleb Buland, Managing Partner at Exact Architects, notes that new restaurants, coffee shops, and personal services businesses are rebounding strongly after the post-COVID slowdown. Mixed-use developments, like Exact Architects’ ABC at Main, are combining residential lofts, coffee shops, and entertainment spaces to meet rising demand.

Multifamily and Mixed-Use Development on the Rise

Multifamily projects in downtown Kansas City are performing exceptionally well. Recent developments are already achieving full occupancy, reflecting a growing trend toward urban living. Buland emphasizes that mixed-use concepts and small-format retail spaces are helping revitalize formerly underutilized areas, attracting both residents and commercial tenants.

Office Market Recovery

While the office sector continues to face challenges, vacancy rates are gradually declining. Smaller office spaces (4,000–8,000 sq. ft.) are increasingly scarce, indicating steady tenant demand. City infrastructure projects, such as the KC Streetcar extension from River Market to the University of Missouri–Kansas City, are further enhancing accessibility and making commercial locations more attractive.

Photo by David McBee

Steady Construction and Future Prospects

ARCO National Construction reports that much of the current commercial construction in Kansas City is build-to-suit, driven by end users rather than speculative developments. Growth is notable in the manufacturing, distribution, and multifamily sectors, particularly in Northland and southern Johnson County. Smaller business parks and industrial properties are emerging along key corridors like Interstate-70.

Entertainment and sports venues also continue to expand. The recent opening of CPKC Stadium, home of the KC Current professional women’s soccer team, and the upcoming Riverside Amphitheater by Live Nation, set to open in 2026 with 16,000 seats, are boosting surrounding retail and multifamily development.

Talent Attraction and Quality of Life

Kansas City’s combination of new amenities, multifamily housing, and entertainment options is helping attract both businesses and residents. Low cost of living compared to coastal cities, coupled with improved infrastructure and lifestyle offerings, is encouraging companies to relocate offices and call centers to the region.

Investment Outlook

Overall, Kansas City’s real estate market presents strong opportunities for investors and developers, particularly in mixed-use projects, multifamily units, retail spaces, and entertainment-focused developments. With the World Cup 2026 and ongoing urban revitalization projects, the city is poised for sustainable growth across its commercial and residential real estate sectors.