The City of Dallas is in the midst of preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, set to take place from June 11 to July 19, 2026. While the majority of matches will occur at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Dallas will play a crucial role by hosting the International Broadcast Center, the FIFA Fan Festival at Fair Park, and various training sites.
During a session on Monday, the Dallas Public Safety Committee discussed measures to ensure safety and security for the expected influx of visitors. An estimated 35,000 people per day are anticipated to attend the Fan Festival at Fair Park, making effective crowd management essential. Additionally, the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center will serve as the global hub for around 2,000 journalists covering the event.
Addressing Major Safety Concerns
Safety concerns have been a focal point of the planning discussions. With the extreme summer heat typical of Texas, officials are particularly worried about medical emergencies among visitors unaccustomed to high temperatures.
Travis Houston, deputy director of emergency management, emphasized the need to prepare for potential medical surges: “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. Basically, the scale is unlike anything we’ve hosted in North Texas.”
In addition to weather-related challenges, the committee is also considering crowd control strategies. Jesse Moreno, chairman of the Dallas Public Safety Committee, raised concerns about the absence of permanent barriers in entertainment districts that will likely see a significant rise in pedestrian traffic.
“We are looking at that. It is a concern in the entertainment districts how we protect people. I can guarantee you we will have a robust plan to protect pedestrian safety,” said Mark Villarreal from the Dallas Police Department.
Logistical Planning and Timelines
Logistical arrangements for the International Broadcast Center will commence on January 14, 2026, and the exclusive use of the convention center for FIFA’s operations will continue until August 24, 2026. Further details regarding which countries will play matches in North Texas will be revealed during the draw scheduled for December 5, 2023.
As the event approaches, teams will also be assigned base camps for training. Locations include the FC Dallas Stadium in Frisco, the University of North Texas in Denton, Mansfield Multipurpose Stadium, and Texas Christian University in Fort Worth.
The City of Dallas is taking significant steps to ensure a successful and secure experience for both fans and participants during this global sporting event. As preparations continue, officials are focused on creating a safe environment that promotes enjoyment and excitement for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
