Dallas Named a Host City for FIFA World Cup 2026™: A Global Stage for the Beautiful Game
Dallas has officially been named one of the 16 host cities for the FIFA World Cup 2026™, marking a significant milestone in the city’s storied history with sports. The announcement, made by FIFA in a live broadcast from New York City, positions Dallas as a key player in the upcoming tournament, which will feature 48 teams across three countries: the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
A Major Win for Dallas
Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson celebrated the news, stating, “This is yet another huge win for Dallas. We are thrilled to be selected, and we are absolutely ready to help host the biggest sporting event in the world. Now, I look forward to working to bring as much of the action to the City of Dallas—the best sports city in the United States—as possible.”
T.C. Broadnax, City Manager of Dallas, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the city’s passion for soccer and the diverse communities that will be welcomed during the tournament. “Dallas is a city with a strong passion for soccer, and we are looking forward to receiving the diverse communities from all over the world. We are grateful for this opportunity and looking forward to the economic impact and job opportunities it will bring to our residents,” Broadnax said.
Dallas: A Legacy of Soccer Excellence
The AT&T Stadium in Arlington, known for its world-class facilities, will be one of the primary venues for the tournament. A crowd of enthusiastic fans gathered at the AT&T Discovery District in downtown Dallas to watch the live announcement, celebrating this historic moment for the city. This marks the first time since 1994 that Dallas will host World Cup matches, a legacy that has continued to grow in the city ever since.
“This is a big day for the city of Dallas,” said Monica Paul, Executive Director of the Dallas Sports Commission. “Being named as a host city for FIFA World Cup 2026™ provides a once-in-a-generation opportunity to create a legacy for North Texas through the most popular sport in the world. From infrastructure and arts to top-level training facilities and a world-class venue in AT&T Stadium, Dallas offers everything that the committee could have wanted in a host city.”
A Global Soccer Hub
The 2026 World Cup will be the first to be hosted by three nations and promises to be an unparalleled spectacle. Dallas is set to be a hub for fans, teams, and media from around the world, with its rich soccer culture and state-of-the-art facilities.
Dan Hunt, Dallas 2026 Host City Bid Chairman and President of FC Dallas, emphasized the significance of this selection, saying, “There is no greater sporting event in the world than the FIFA World Cup. We are thrilled that FIFA has selected Dallas as a host city for the North American bid, and FC Dallas is proud to play an important part in this process.”
Looking Ahead to 2026
The economic and cultural impact of hosting the World Cup will be profound, not just for Dallas but for the entire region. Jerry Jones, Owner, President, and General Manager of the Dallas Cowboys, expressed his excitement about welcoming the World Cup to AT&T Stadium. “Our region is known for delivering a world-class sports experience, and FIFA World Cup 2026™ will fit perfectly within that framework. AT&T Stadium is one of the world’s premier sports venues, an elite facility worthy of hosting FIFA World Cup 2026™. I couldn’t be prouder to welcome one of the world’s most popular sports inside the home of the Dallas Cowboys, and I am confident our fan base will respond with an energy befitting ‘The Beautiful Game,’” Jones said.
As Dallas prepares to host the world in 2026, the city is set to leave an indelible mark on the history of soccer, providing fans and players alike with an unforgettable experience.
