The report says local industry figures are urging venues to consider the move to protect tipped staff when overseas visitors arrive with very different habits around service charges. That matters in the United States, where many front-of-house workers still rely heavily on tips rather than base pay alone.
For Kansas City, the wider backdrop is obvious:
The report adds that Kansas City is due to host six matches, with restaurants and bars potentially generating between $60m and $90m during the tournament.
There is a straightforward business case for auto-gratuity: clarity for visitors, protection for workers, fewer awkward conversations at the end of a meal. But the pushback is easy to understand too.
A mandatory charge can feel heavy-handed if it is not explained properly. In a period when diners are already sensitive to rising prices, some operators may worry about backlash, especially if guests think they are being nudged toward tipping twice.
That is where Mirabile’s line lands. “I don't think it's going to be a problem,” he said, reflecting the view that some restaurants may prefer to trust customers rather than impose a blanket rule.
Major tournaments expose the small cultural gaps as much as the big sporting ones. In Kansas City, this one may come down to communication more than policy. If auto-gratuity is adopted anywhere, the wording will need to be simple, visible and fair.
The next thing to watch is whether more venues publicly back the idea as 2026 draws closer - and whether host-city planning starts treating restaurants and bars as part of the fan experience, not just the backdrop to it.