UPDATE: The City of Dallas is ramping up security measures just seven months ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with critical safety plans unveiled at a public meeting on Monday. Although AT&T Stadium in Arlington will host the nine matches, Dallas is set to become a bustling hub for fans and media.
From June 11 to July 19, 2026, Dallas will serve as the site for the International Broadcast Center and the FIFA Fan Festival at Fair Park. City officials anticipate a staggering 35,000 visitors per day at the festival, underscoring the need for robust safety protocols.
The International Broadcast Center at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center will accommodate approximately 2,000 journalists from around the world. Additional training sites will include Southern Methodist University (SMU) and The Cotton Bowl. A dedicated fan zone will also be established at Klyde Warren Park.
As the fanfare builds, officials are expressing urgent concerns about safety amidst extreme summer heat. Travis Houston, deputy director of emergency management, emphasized the need for medical resources to address potential heat-related emergencies. He stated, “We have to plan for the normal things; extreme summer heat, medical surge.”
The city is also bracing for possible storms and crowd management challenges. “The scale is unlike anything we’ve hosted in North Texas,” Houston added, highlighting the unprecedented nature of the upcoming events.
Concerns regarding pedestrian safety in entertainment districts were voiced by Jesse Moreno, chairman of the Dallas Public Safety Committee. He noted, “One thing I haven’t seen and am a little troubled by is the lack of permanent barricades.” In response, Mark Villarreal from the Dallas Police Department assured that a comprehensive safety plan is in the works. “I can guarantee you we will have a robust plan to protect pedestrian safety,” Villarreal declared.
Preparations are already underway, with the setup for the International Broadcast Center scheduled to begin on January 14, 2026. The convention center will be exclusively used for FIFA until August 24, 2026. The draw for match placements will take place on December 5, 2025, providing crucial updates on which countries will compete in North Texas.
Additionally, base camps will be located at FC Dallas Stadium in Frisco, The University of North Texas in Denton, Mansfield Multipurpose Stadium, and TCU in Fort Worth.
As excitement builds, Dallas is dedicated to ensuring a secure environment for both visitors and residents. The next few months will be pivotal as officials finalize logistics and safety measures. Stay tuned for more updates as the World Cup draws closer.
