Dallas-Fort Worth Ready to Welcome the World: FIFA World Cup 2026, Free Fan Festival, and Community Experiences
Photo Credit: © North Texas FWC Organizing Committee
By Ana Cruz, Founder & Chief Editor
DALLAS, TEXAS — The countdown to FIFA World Cup 2026 continues to build momentum, and this week the North Texas Organizing Committee gathered media representatives at the Dallas Media Center to share updates, plans, and the lasting legacy expected from one of the most significant sporting events in the region’s history.
The press conference featured Monica Paul, President of the North Texas FIFA World Cup 2026 Organizing Committee, alongside Co-Chairs Nina Vaca and Dan Hunt, who highlighted the collaborative effort of thousands of volunteers, organizations, businesses, community leaders, and government agencies that have spent months preparing Dallas-Fort Worth to welcome the world.
One of the most emotional moments came when Monica Paul spoke about seeing years of planning and preparation finally become a reality for the city and for millions of fans around the globe.
Dallas-Fort Worth: Built to Host the World
Organizers emphasized that North Texas is uniquely positioned to host one of the largest sporting events on the planet thanks to its world-class infrastructure.
From major sports venues and facilities in Arlington, Frisco, and Mansfield to the connectivity provided by DFW International Airport and Dallas Love Field, the region offers the transportation, hospitality, and entertainment infrastructure needed to accommodate hundreds of thousands of domestic and international visitors.
Dallas will play a major role during FIFA World Cup 2026, hosting nine matches, including a semifinal, while also serving as the home of the International Broadcast Center (IBC), the global hub responsible for distributing the official broadcast feed of all 104 World Cup matches to media organizations worldwide.
A Free FIFA Fan Festival™ for Everyone
One of the biggest announcements centered around the FIFA Fan Festival™ Dallas, which will take place at Fair Park from June 11 through July 19, 2026.
According to Nina Vaca, Dallas is one of the few host cities offering free admission to its FIFA Fan Festival™, ensuring that residents and visitors can enjoy the excitement of the World Cup even if they do not have match tickets.
The festival will feature:
Live broadcasts of every World Cup match
Giant viewing screens
Live music and entertainment
Interactive fan activations
Family-friendly experiences
International food and beverage offerings
Cultural programming celebrating both North Texas and the global soccer community
Photo Credit: © North Texas FWC Organizing Committee
A World Cup for the Entire Community
Beyond the matches and celebrations, Monica Paul emphasized that one of the Organizing Committee’s priorities is ensuring that the benefits of the World Cup extend throughout the community.
Programs are being developed to provide children and young people, particularly those from underserved communities, the opportunity to attend matches and participate in World Cup-related experiences.
Additionally, free events and community activations will take place across North Texas, including Dallas, Frisco, and Fort Worth, ensuring that the excitement extends far beyond the stadiums.
More Than Soccer: Discovering Texas
Dan Hunt encouraged international visitors to use the World Cup as an opportunity to experience the culture, history, and lifestyle that make Texas unique.
Among the destinations he highlighted were:
Dallas Museum of Art
Fort Worth Stockyards
Sundance Square
Dickies Arena
FC Dallas
Texas ranches and equestrian experiences
Fort Worth’s Cultural District
Hunt also noted that visitors arriving for the World Cup will have the opportunity to enjoy other major sporting and entertainment events taking place throughout the region. The Texas Rangers will be playing during the tournament, and North Texas will continue hosting a variety of attractions that showcase different aspects of American life and culture.
"Texas is vast, diverse, and every region has its own unique identity," organizers noted during the press conference. With nine matches scheduled in North Texas, local leaders believe the tournament offers a unique opportunity to showcase the best of the region to a global audience.
How to Register for the FIFA Fan Festival™ Dallas
General admission to the FIFA Fan Festival™ Dallas is free, although advance registration is highly recommended.
For registration and additional information, visit:
Photo Credit: © North Texas FWC Organizing Committee
Dallas Is Ready
The message from the press conference was clear: FIFA World Cup 2026 will be about much more than soccer.
It represents an opportunity to showcase the diversity, hospitality, infrastructure, culture, and community spirit that define Dallas-Fort Worth.
Rollos de Mujeres Media and The Ana Cruz Show will continue providing special coverage, interviews, and updates as North Texas prepares to welcome the world for one of the most historic moments in the region’s modern history.
Photo Credit: © North Texas FWC Organizing Committee