As summer 2026 approaches, businesses are understandably excited to promote specials, events, and “soccer season” energy. This week is your simple guide to marketing that works and keeps you out of trouble.

This week’s goal

Be discoverable. Be clear. Be compliant.

A) What you CAN do (smart + safe)

You can absolutely market around the spirit of the season using generic soccer and welcoming themes, such as:

• “Summer Soccer Specials”
• “Welcome the World”
• “Celebrating the Beautiful Game”
• “Watch Party Season” (when applicable)

You can decorate with soccer balls, neutral flags (not official team marks), culturally inclusive elements, and promote your own customer experience—food, service, atmosphere, and hospitality.

B) What to AVOID (keep it simple)

To stay compliant, avoid using:

• Official tournament marks, logos, slogans, hashtags, or official schedules
• National team logos or anything that looks like official branding
• Event names that imply official affiliation

When in doubt, keep it generic and community-focused.

C) Your “3-Part Marketing Plan” for June/July (do this now)

1) Be easy to find (visibility)

• Update your Google profile and website (hours, photos, best offerings)
• Add keywords people actually search (“coffee,” “BBQ,” “family dining,” “boutique,” “auto repair”)

2) Be easy to choose (clarity)

• Offer 1–2 clear “signature picks” (best-seller, bundle, or package)
• Post simple signage: “Try this first” / “Fan favorite”

3) Be easy to share (word-of-mouth)

• Create one photo-worthy moment: a fun display, a featured item, or a “local pride” touch
• Encourage a simple action: “Tag us if you stop in!”

D) Pro Tip: KC may stay global longer than match days

Here’s why planning matters: three of Kansas City’s base camp teams are currently top-10 caliber teams. If they advance deep into the tournament, they may remain in Kansas City well beyond the last Kansas City match on July 11. Even if local games and official activations wrap up, teams, staff, media, and fans could remain in the region until the World Cup Final on Sunday, July 19, 2026.
Translation: think of this as a June + July season, not just “KC match week.”

Local plug: Two great readiness classes to bookmark

• Business Essentials Roundtable: World Cup Readiness
  Tuesday, April 28 | 6:00pm | East Independence
• Marketing Essentials Roundtable: World Cup Readiness
  Tuesday, May 12 | 6:00pm | North Oak (Northland-friendly)

This week’s one action (do it today)

Write your summer headline and make it compliant:
“Summer Soccer Specials — Welcome the World to Kearney & Holt.”
Then build one simple offer underneath it (bundle, featured item, or service promo).