UPDATE: With just seven months until the FIFA World Cup 2026, the City of Dallas is ramping up preparations to ensure safety and security for thousands of fans. At a recent meeting, the Dallas Public Safety Committee outlined critical plans to address the unique challenges posed by the massive influx of visitors and extreme summer heat.
While the nine matches will unfold at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Dallas will play a vital role as the host of the International Broadcast Center and the FIFA Fan Festival at Fair Park. Over the course of the tournament, which runs from June 11 to July 19, 2026, an estimated 35,000 fans are expected to flock to Fair Park daily. The Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center will serve as the global hub for approximately 2,000 journalists covering the event.
MAJOR SAFETY CONCERNS: Officials have expressed urgent concerns about the potential for medical emergencies due to extreme heat. “We have to plan for the normal things; extreme summer heat, medical surge,” stated Travis Houston, deputy director of emergency management. He emphasized that this event’s scale is unprecedented for North Texas.
In addition to weather-related issues, the committee discussed the need for enhanced crowd control measures in entertainment districts. “One thing I haven’t seen and am a little troubled by is the lack of permanent barricades in our entertainment districts where we are going to have even higher numbers of crowds and pedestrians,” said Jesse Moreno, chairman of the Dallas Public Safety Committee. Mark Villarreal from the Dallas Police Department assured, “We will have a robust plan to protect pedestrian safety.”
TIMELINE AND LOGISTICS: Setup for the International Broadcast Center will commence on January 14, 2026, with exclusive use of the convention center running until August 24, 2026. The public will learn which countries will play in North Texas at the draw scheduled for December 5, 2025. Training sites will include locations such as SMU and the Cotton Bowl, with additional base camps at venues across the region, including FC Dallas Stadium in Frisco and TCU in Fort Worth.
As Dallas prepares to welcome the world, the emphasis on safety and effective crowd management is paramount. The coming months will see further updates as officials finalize logistics and safety protocols, ensuring that the city is ready for the influx of international fans and media.
Stay tuned for more developments as Dallas gears up for this monumental event, which promises to leave a lasting impact on the city and its residents.
