KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) – The Netherlands national soccer team is preparing to leave its Kansas City base at the Cascade hotel after being eliminated from the World Cup tournament, and the businesses and residents surrounding the Country Club Plaza say the farewell is coming too soon.
Plaza businesses reported a boost in activity during the team’s stay, but many said the experience meant more than increased sales.
“It’s been great for the plaza. We’ve done lots of business with World Cup. So in that regard, it’s been great,” said Jeff Brack, manager of Classic Cup. ” But just seeing all the people having so much fun in town and just seeing all the people walking around — it’s been great. It’s been very, very fun to watch.”
Brack said the team’s elimination hit him personally.
“I am sad the Netherlands is out,” he said.
Fans flood Kansas City’s Grand Blvd. in a sea of orange during the Oranje Fanwalk on June 25, 2026.(KCTV5/Rilee Malloy)
Though he says after weeks of being busy at the restaurant, he’s ready for a vacation.
With the team about to pack up, we’re getting to learn some secrets about their stay.
At Made in KC, manager Kari Lindner said some players made their coffee shop part of their daily routine — and found a low-key way to do it.
“We’ve gotten to meet a lot of the players. They would come in and have their afternoon coffee with us. Sit out front. Usually disguising themselves in Chiefs gear,” Lindner said. “It’s just been a blast.”
Lindner summed up the mood at her shop simply: “We’re gonna miss them.”
Even residents who described the Plaza as their quiet neighborhood said the influx of fans and players was a welcome change.
“Actually, it’s been pretty cool. We’ve had a lot of crowds out here, but it’s still very quiet. They’re very courteous to all of us living around here,” said Colton, a Plaza-area resident.
Netherlands’ Jan Paul van Hecke (6) is congratulated by Virgil van Dijk (4) and teammates after their third goal during the World Cup Group F soccer match between Tunisia and the Netherlands in Kansas City, Mo., Thursday, June 25, 2026. (AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann)(Reed Hoffmann | AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann)
Colton also had a message for the departing squad: “Thanks for visiting Kansas City. It was great having you here. And yeah, we definitely hope you guys do this again.”
Mikhail, a local tailor, said the experience gave the neighborhood a sense of connection to something larger.
“It feels like you’re a small part of something really big — that’s the whole world watching,” Mikhail said.
Plus, he added a send-off of his own.
“I hope they had plenty of barbecue. And I hope they will tell their families and friends and come back here.”
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