UPDATE: With just seven months until the FIFA World Cup 2026 kicks off, Dallas is intensifying preparations to ensure the safety and security of thousands of visitors. The Dallas Public Safety Committee convened on Monday to unveil critical plans aimed at managing extreme heat and large crowds.
Although nine matches will take place at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Dallas is set to become a bustling hub for the event. The city will host the FIFA Fan Festival at Fair Park, alongside the International Broadcast Center at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center, which will serve as the global media center for 2,000 journalists covering the games.
The World Cup spans 39 days from June 11 to July 19, with Fair Park expecting an influx of 35,000 visitors daily for the Fan Festival. Additionally, training sites will be established at SMU and The Cotton Bowl. A fan zone is also planned for Klyde Warren Park.
MAJOR SAFETY CONCERNS: Officials highlighted significant risks associated with the extreme summer heat, which could lead to medical emergencies among attendees. Travis Houston, deputy director of emergency management, emphasized the need for adequate medical resources, stating, “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.”
Addressing pedestrian safety, Jesse Moreno, chairman of the Dallas Public Safety Committee, expressed concern over inadequate permanent barriers in entertainment districts expected to see higher crowd numbers. He stated, “We are looking at that. It is a concern in the entertainment districts how we protect people.”
In response, Mark Villarreal from the Dallas Police Department assured, “I can guarantee you we will have a robust plan to protect pedestrian safety.”
LOGISTICS AND TIMELINE: Setup for the International Broadcast Center is set to begin on January 14, with the exclusive use of the convention center for FIFA lasting until August 24. The draw on December 5 will reveal which countries will compete in North Texas, while spring will bring updates on which teams will practice and stay in the area.
Base camps will be established at several locations, including the FC Dallas stadium in Frisco, the University of North Texas in Denton, Mansfield multipurpose stadium, and TCU in Fort Worth.
As Dallas gears up for this monumental global event, the focus remains sharply on ensuring the safety and well-being of every visitor. With the clock ticking down, residents and officials alike are rallying to create an unforgettable experience for fans worldwide. Stay tuned for further updates as preparations unfold.
