UPDATE: The City of Dallas is ramping up preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, just seven months away. The Dallas Public Safety Committee convened on Monday to outline critical safety and security measures as the city gears up to host the International Broadcast Center and the FIFA Fan Festival at Fair Park.
Although no matches will take place in Dallas, the city is set to become a bustling hub, attracting 35,000 visitors daily during the 39-day event from June 11 to July 19, 2026. The Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center will serve as the global media center for approximately 2,000 journalists covering the tournament.
As Dallas prepares for this unprecedented influx, major safety concerns are taking center stage. Officials are particularly focused on managing medical emergencies related to the extreme summer heat that can affect visitors not acclimated to Texas conditions. Deputy Director of Emergency Management, Travis Houston, emphasized the need for robust planning, stating, “We have to plan for the normal things; extreme summer heat, medical surge. We’ve had some of the biggest storms in my time here in June.”
Concerns about crowd control and public safety were also raised during the meeting. Chairman of the Dallas Public Safety Committee, Jesse Moreno, pointed out gaps in pedestrian safety measures in entertainment districts, particularly given the expected surge in crowds. “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,” Moreno said.
In response, Mark Villarreal from the Dallas Police Department assured, “We will have a robust plan to protect pedestrian safety.” The city is exploring collaborations with surrounding municipalities to enhance security and resource sharing.
Logistical preparations are already underway, with setup for the International Broadcast Center scheduled to begin on January 14, 2026. The convention center will exclusively host FIFA activities until August 24, 2026. Further details about which countries will compete in North Texas will emerge after the draw on December 5, 2025.
Training sites will include SMU and The Cotton Bowl, with additional base camps established at FC Dallas Stadium in Frisco, the University of North Texas in Denton, Mansfield Multipurpose Stadium, and TCU in Fort Worth.
As preparations accelerate, the urgency to ensure safety and security cannot be overstated. With the world’s attention poised on North Texas for this monumental event, officials are mobilizing rapidly to meet the challenges ahead. Stay tuned for more updates as the event approaches.
