UPDATE: With just 7 months until the FIFA World Cup 2026, the City of Dallas is ramping up preparations for a massive influx of fans and media. On Monday, the Dallas Public Safety Committee detailed urgent plans to ensure safety during this globally significant event, despite Dallas not hosting any matches.
The World Cup will span from June 11 to July 19, 2026, and Dallas is set to be a bustling hub for activities. While matches will take place at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, the city will host the International Broadcast Center at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center and the FIFA Fan Festival at Fair Park, expecting 35,000 visitors daily.
As thousands of fans flock to the Fan Festival, authorities are prioritizing health and safety protocols due to the region’s intense summer heat. Dallas officials, including Deputy Director of Emergency Management Travis Houston, stressed the need for adequate medical resources for attendees who may not be accustomed to the extreme temperatures.
“We have to plan for the normal things; extreme summer heat, medical surge. We’ve had some of the biggest storms in my time here in June,” Houston stated. The city is preparing for potential storm disruptions and crowd control challenges.
Concerns about pedestrian safety in entertainment districts have also been raised. Jesse Moreno, chairman of the Dallas Public Safety Committee, highlighted the absence of permanent barriers to protect the expected surge of crowds. “We are looking at that. It is a concern in the entertainment districts how we protect people,” said Mark Villarreal of the Dallas Police Department, assuring that a robust safety plan will be implemented.
Setup for the International Broadcast Center is scheduled to commence on January 14, with exclusive use of the convention center lasting until August 24. The draw revealing which countries will compete in North Texas is set for December 5, sparking excitement among fans.
Training will occur at various local sites, including SMU and The Cotton Bowl, as well as base camps at FC Dallas Stadium in Frisco, the University of North Texas in Denton, Mansfield Multipurpose Stadium, and TCU in Fort Worth.
As preparations advance, the City of Dallas is committed to ensuring the safety and enjoyment of all participants and fans during this momentous occasion. Stay tuned as we continue to cover the latest developments in the lead-up to the FIFA World Cup 2026.
