The road to hosting portions of the 2026 World Cup goes through Dallas, Texas. We, and when I say ‘we’ I mean the fabulous force that is the hosting committee for Dallas. It’s not actually me at all, but I am supporting them and ready to volunteer and help anyway that I can.
Last weekend, the DFW metroplex welcomed Victor Montagliani, FIFA Vice President and Concacaf President as well as Colin Smith, FIFA Chief Tournaments and Events Officer as they visited and vetted Dallas as a potential host site.
During FIFA’s much-anticipated Dallas site visit, the Dallas Sports Commission (Monica Paul, Executive Director), FC Dallas (Dan Hunt, FCD President), and AT&T stadium representatives (Stephen Jones, Dallas Cowboys Executive Vice President, CEO and Director of Player Personnel) joined the delegates to provide an update on the region’s united efforts to win the FIFA World Cup 2026™ bid and deliver a first-class experience for the world to see.
“We want the World Cup here in our community and we will deliver world class experiences,” said Monica Paul. She reminded the audience to remember the economic impact of $3M per match roughly.
FIFA’s Dallas visit is part of the second leg of its inspection tours of candidate host cities, following the first venue visits in September.
Dallas is one of 17 U.S. cities vying to be a host of the FIFA World Cup 2026™. During each visit, the FIFA delegation meets with local stakeholders and inspects essential infrastructure, including stadiums, training facilities and potential FIFA Fan Festival™ venues.
“This might be the first time when a stadium does not have to be built,” comments Victor Montagliani. He spoke about the “Star Power” of this area. And he wasn’t just referring to the Dallas Cowboys. In fact, he says it’s the star power of the Hunt family – the bedrock of soccer in America.
Dallas is prepared to host at the highest match level of Semifinal or Final and to host the International Broadcast Center, as it did in 1994.
More information will be announced in the spring of 2022 as far as which regions will get hosting honors. Details beyond that will follow.
