By: Alex Lattanzio
After 31 years, the FIFA World Cup is coming back to the Unites States, and Dallas is lucky enough to host 9 games in 2026. The FIFA World Cup will have 16 host cities in three countries between 48 national teams. The World Cup will bring significant changes to the city of Dallas, including updated transportation technology, new job opportunities and a large economic impact.
Mayor Eric Johnson wants to make Dallas “the best sports city in the United States” and hosting the biggest sporting event in the world will help to do just that. Back in 1994, Dallas was also chosen as a host city, and many memorable games in the tournament were played at the former home of the Dallas Cowboys, the Cotton Bowl. Three big matches from the 1994 Cup in Dallas were Nigeria vs. Bulgaria, Argentina vs. Bulgaria and the Netherlands vs. Brazil, all of which brought an electric atmosphere and showed an exhilarating display of sportsmanship.
No longer being housed at the Cotton Bowl, the World Cup 26 in Dallas will be held at the state-of-the-art AT&T Stadium. “We’re thrilled that the committee has selected Dallas as a host city and can’t wait to once again showcase our region on a global stage. AT&T Stadium is one of the world’s premier sports venues, an elite facility worthy of hosting the FIFA World Cup 2026”, said Dallas Cowboys Owner, President and General Manager Jerry Jones.
Fans are already starting to get excited, and a group gathered in downtown to celebrate the live announcement of Dallas hosting 9 games. “The legacy of the 1994 World Cup is a big reason why we’re here today”, said Dan Hunt, the president of FC Dallas. Many fans that were able to attend or watch the matches from the 1994 World Cup in Dallas are also gearing up for the games in 2026, including Ursuline’s own Ms. Nipp, who volunteered in the last Dallas World Cup in 1994. “As the league has grown, the appetite for elite-level soccer continues to flourish. There has never been a better moment in time to be involved in the beautiful game than right now”, said Hunt.
The World Cup is projected to bring a $2 billion economic impact to the North Texas region through tourism and potential tax dollars for Arlington and other cities across DFW. “We’ve done Super Bowls, we’ve done Final Fours, we’ve done all sort of things here, but they have been single events. Having these nine events within 31 days is a different event that we haven’t done in the past”, said Jennifer Wichmann deputy city manager of Arlington.
This year, Dallas will host the FIFA Fan Festival, which will have celebrations for 34 of the 39 days of the World Cup. The Fan Fest is projected to bring thousands of people to Dallas, which will greatly impact the city economically. However, hosting nine FIFA World Cup game isn’t cheap, but ax money from hotels, restaurants, and other opportunities will help pay the cost of being a host city. Also, FIFA allows each host city to have up to 10 sponsons approved by the soccer association and even more non-approved donors to help balance the costs.
Although the World Cup will bring changes to DFW, most will benefit the city as a whole, and bring new cultures and peoples to North Texas. The FIFA Fan Festival, watch parties and the new elite facility are just some of the ways that DFW is making use of their opportunity to host nine World Cup games and the fans can’t wait for the renowned competition to begin this summer!
THE BEAR FACTS 