⛲️ The Ted Lasso Effect

T-Minus 141 days until the world descends on Kansas City for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Are you ready?

🌎 Which nations will call KC home during the World Cup?

🏠 New staycation destination in KC’s backyard

🫔 Contemporary Mexican cuisine at LaPez Mod Mex

🦖 Dinozaur opens in South OP

Community

Kansas City Region to Host Three (Maybe Four) Nations During World Cup

Kansas City Current

The world’s largest sporting event descends on Kansas City in 141 days, and the Kansas City region is primed to serve as base camp for three (maybe four) nations.

Ted Lasso Effect: Kansas City developer Zach Molzer hinted yesterday that KC will host three countries: Argentina, the Netherlands, and England, with a fourth country to be hosted in Lawrence. These three nations are serious contenders for a World Cup title and will likely bring thousands of fans with them.
Another One: While nothing has been confirmed as of the writing of this newsletter, the Swope Soccer Village has emerged as a potential fourth base camp. The other base camp sites are the Sporting KC Training Facility in KCK, the KC Current Training Facility in Riverside, and Rock Chalk Park in Lawrence.

Kansas City is the smallest host city in North America for the 2026 World Cup, so landing these three nations would be a BIG deal!

New Staycation Destination Opens Just Minutes from Kansas City

Ev Lodge

Just two miles from President Truman’s family farm sits a quiet 6 acres with deep Kansas City roots. What was once part of KC’s historic countryside is now reimagined as Ev Lodge.

Local Retreat: This is the kind of place we can forget is right in Kansas City’s backyard. Unplug in the four-person sauna, reset with a cold plunge/outdoor shower, converse in the heated stargazing dome, or gather around the table with indoor dining for 21 people.
Staycation Goals: Ev Lodge is a modern staycation destination designed for rest, connection, and a little summer camp nostalgia. Whether you’re craving a winter reset, hosting a midweek corporate retreat, or gathering the whole family, this is your reminder that the best escape might be in your backyard.

Exclusive KC Daily reader perk: take 10% off a staycation before March 31st with code KCDAILY at checkout. Book here!

Food & Drink

Local Restaurant Spotlight: LaPez Mod Mex

LaPez Mod Mex

LaPez Mod Mex is a recent addition to Leawood’s Park Place (September 2025), bringing a contemporary twist to Mexican gastronomy. Mouthwatering dishes from Chefs Jason Tilford and Jay Sanchez have created a menu featuring dishes like Chile-braised short ribs, Steak Tampiquena, Lobster Tacos, and more.

🍴 Contemporary Mexican, wood-fired, great patio

📍11563 Ash St, Leawood, KS 66211

We visited LaPez Mod Mex shortly after they opened in September, and everything we tried was fantastic! Try it for yourself with the help of our 2026 Daily Dine Card. ⬇️

Get your card, save 20%🍴

KC Daily Picks

In Other News…

🦖 Diggin’ Dinos: Dinozaur, an indoor sand play place for kids, is officially open at 7713 W 151st St. in South Overland Park. It is from the same owners as Dozer in Leawood.
🎡 Spinning Our Wheels: Delays have caused a standstill at Pennway Point, a major entertainment district featuring the KC Wheel in the Crossroads. What’s next? Malik Jackson at FOX4 did some digging.
🛒 Grocery Games: KCMO Mayor Quinton Lucas announced that United Market KC will replace the former Sun Fresh grocery store at 31st and Prospect, which closed in August.
🏟️ Swing for the Fences: Sports & business writer Joe Pompliano broke down how the Royals used geometry to gain a competitive advantage by moving the outfield fences in at Kauffman Stadium.
🏒 Kings of the Ice: The KC Mavericks are on a 12-game win streak, and currently sit alone atop the ECHL standings. Next up: the Tahoe Knight Monsters on Friday night at Cable Dahmer Arena.
🚀 Ready for Take Off: Are you ready for your business to take off in Kansas City? Learn what it looks like to advertise with KC Daily, and get your message in front of {{active_subscriber_count}} readers and/or 50,000+ social followers.