As preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup intensify, the City of Arlington is making significant strides in ensuring the event runs smoothly.
Deputy City Manager Jennifer Wichmann, along with Monica Paul, Executive Director of the Dallas Sports Commission, provided the first overview of the City’s ongoing preparations to the Arlington City Council on Tuesday, Dec. 10.
The North Texas Region is scheduled to host nine matches from June 14 to July 14, 2026, including a semi-final. The City is working with a wide range of partners, including the Dallas Cowboys, Texas Rangers, The University of Texas at Arlington and the Dallas Sports Commission to create a welcoming environment for fans and participants alike.
"We've hosted the Super Bowl, Final Fours, and other major events, but they have all been single occurrences. Having these nine events within 31 days is something we haven't done before, and we want to ensure our team has everything they need to do the work and provide the best possible experience for fans and everyone involved," said Wichmann.
Wichmann’s presentation highlighted the progress Arlington has made in preparing for the event, including collaborations with local and regional partners to ensure a successful and memorable FIFA World Cup.
The City’s preparation efforts are centered on transportation, safety, and community engagement. These efforts include:
- Participation with North Central Texas Council of Governments and regional stakeholders to develop a transportation plan that includes a circulating shuttle service from the Centreport TRE train station in Fort Worth to AT&T Stadium.
- A comprehensive communication strategy to keep residents, businesses and visitors apprised of important information leading up to and during the event.
- Arlington’s Clean Arlington initiative and other beautification projects will also enhance the city’s appeal.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is expected to bring a significant boost to the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington area, attracting an estimated 3.8 million visitors, including 100,000 international fans per day, according to the Dallas Sports Commission. Additionally, thousands of international media representatives are expected to be in the market, further enhancing DFW's global visibility.
"It’s an exciting time for us here in the North Texas area, as we prepare for the FIFA World Cup 2026. This event is not just a major sporting occasion, but an incredible opportunity for our community to showcase what we are on a global stage,” said Paul.
As part of the ongoing preparations, the City is working on outreach efforts to businesses, with a targeted focus starting in 2025. Volunteers will also be needed, and residents can register to assist with the event at https://www.dallasfwc26.com/volunteer/.
Arlington staff have been meeting monthly with key partnershas met monthly since 2023, focusing on issues such as safety, heat mitigation, sustainability, and operational logistics. The planning efforts are robust, with ongoing discussions among stakeholders to address all facets of the high-profile international event.
Invest in our Economy, Entertainment District
News, City Council, Headlines