UPDATE: The City of Dallas is urgently preparing for the FIFA World Cup 2026, just seven months away. A comprehensive security plan was presented to the Dallas Public Safety Committee on Monday, focusing on managing extreme heat and the influx of fans during the tournament.
While the action will take place at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Dallas will be a pivotal hub, hosting the International Broadcast Center and the vibrant FIFA Fan Festival at Fair Park. The festival is expected to draw 35,000 visitors daily from June 11 to July 19, 2026, making it essential for the city to ensure safety and security.
The Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center will serve as the global media center for 2,000 journalists covering the event. Additionally, training sites will be established at Southern Methodist University and The Cotton Bowl, with a fan zone at Klyde Warren Park.
As preparations ramp up, officials are particularly concerned about potential medical emergencies due to the extreme summer heat. Deputy Director of Emergency Management Travis Houston highlighted the need for adequate medical resources, stating, “We have to plan for the normal things; extreme summer heat, medical surge.” Houston also noted the history of severe storms in the area during June, prompting a call for robust planning.
Public Safety Committee Chairman Jesse Moreno expressed concerns about pedestrian safety in entertainment districts, citing the need for permanent barriers to protect large crowds. He stated, “One thing I haven’t seen and am a little troubled by is the lack of permanent ballads in our entertainment districts.” In response, Mark Villarreal of the Dallas Police Department assured the committee that a thorough plan will be implemented to enhance pedestrian safety.
Setup for the International Broadcast Center is scheduled to commence on January 14, 2026, with exclusive use of the convention center lasting until August 24. The tournament will feature matches involving various countries, with specific team details to be revealed at the draw on December 5.
Dallas is also preparing base camps at FC Dallas Stadium in Frisco, the University of North Texas in Denton, Mansfield Multipurpose Stadium, and TCU in Fort Worth, ensuring ample facilities for teams participating in this global event.
As the clock ticks down to the World Cup, the need for effective planning and rapid response measures has never been more urgent. The Dallas community is gearing up for an unprecedented influx of visitors, with officials committed to ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone involved.
Stay tuned for further updates as more details unfold leading up to this historic sporting event.
