City planners gear up for World Cup 2026 matches in North Texas
ARLINGTON, Texas - The 2026 FIFA World Cup may be two summers away, but plans are ramping up in North Texas.
Leaders from multiple Dallas committees had a joint meeting Tuesday to talk about the preparations.
That includes a fan fest and practice facilities for visiting teams along with nine matches at AT&T Stadium, the most of any World Cup venue.
In 1994, Dallas brought in $300 million worth of economic impact from the World Cup. In two years, it could be more than double that.
Even more money could come if the city is picked to host the International Broadcast Centre and other key operations.
The fanfare of Dallas being selected as a host city for the 2026 World Cup has simmered. Now, the logistical marathon has begun.
The World Cup will last for about a month, starting in June 2026.
The North Texas region will play host to nine matches, including a semi-final match, all played at AT&T Stadium.
In a special meeting, Dallas city leaders got a logistical update from the Dallas Sports Commission and Visit Dallas.
Four locations will serve as a basecamp for four teams: TCU in Fort Worth, Dallas Baptist University, the University of Dallas and Toyota Stadium in Frisco.
"The teams get to choose what base camps they want to be at throughout the United States," explained Monica Paul with the Dallas Sports Commission.
The Cotton Bowl and SMU will serve as training facilities.
Fair Park will also be the host of a multi-week fan fest.
"There will be concerts, entertainment, a little FIFA, but we want it to be a representation of Dallas," Paul said.
Council members chimed in about the heavy lifting needed on the frontend involving investments by the city, region and state.
"Y’all already moved the moon for us to get us where we are. I know there are going to be some infrastructure needs. We are coming into our budget right now," said Dallas Councilman Adam Bazaldua.
"I know we are going to be asked what is this going to cost the city. I know it is going to be net positive," said Councilman Chad West.
Paul says early projections showed four matches would result in a $400 million economic impact to a host city.
North Texas is hosting nine matches, and Paul says FIFA is updating its projections.
Transportation has been a concern in the court of public opinion with no train going directly to AT&T Stadium in Arlington.
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Paul says they are working with multiple agencies, and transit will be free.
"Ticketholders on match days, broadcasters, journalists, staff, volunteers will be able to use the transit modes, mostly Trinity Metro and DART, ride the rail system to Center Port Station and provide busses to the stadium and return," Paul said.
Things like the hub for referees and operations have yet to be announced.
Dallas is also a finalist for the International Broadcast Centre, something the city hosted back in 1994. Paul says that would create even more revenue with more than 5,000 broadcasters in the city.