Countdown starts for the World Cup: Preparations underway in Arlington and North Texas
In the States, MLS came into existence thanks to the 1994 World Cup. Today, it boasts 30 teams, including FC Dallas in Frisco. Next year, FIFA organizers aim to replicate the tournament's impact, but on a more local scale, particularly for underserved communities.
Monica Paul, the Dallas Sports Commission's executive director, envisions the 2026 FIFA World Cup's legacy as a chance to open new doors for disadvantaged neighborhoods to enjoy soccer. Expect to see equipment, education, and increased nonprofit interest in supplying soccer opportunities to underprivileged children.
There are some challenges, though. Travel restrictions from the Trump administration have raised concerns that supporters from certain countries might be unable to attend. Countries like Iran, which have qualified for the World Cup, are on the list of restricted nations. It seems FIFA's government relations are discussing travel restrictions with the White House, but there's no clear answer yet on what impact this might have on spectators or if US Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers would be involved in security for the tournament.
As for Mexican fans, they're expected to flock to Dallas no matter what, according to Mexican Consul Francisco de la Torre. The region should brace for droves of Mexican soccer enthusiasts, regardless of whether the Mexican team plays any matches in Arlington.
The name of the stadium has been set as Dallas Stadium. However, Paul and others have requested FIFA to add Arlington to the name. They're still waiting on a response.
The event is expected to generate a staggering economic impact of around $2 billion for North Texas. This doesn't take into account additional costs like facility improvements, new programs, and equipment that will stay in the region after the World Cup ends.
Preparing for the World Cup (and the Arlington Grand Prix the following year) has been in the works for quite a while. Improvements like AI traffic sensors in the Arlington Entertainment District, upgraded pedestrian traffic control, street upgrades, and sidewalk improvements are either underway or already complete. However, larger transportation plans are still in development.
Arlington isn't known for traditional public transit options like buses or light rails; instead, it relies on the subsidized rideshare service, Via. Arlington leaders have been working with FIFA, DART, and Trinity Metro to identify routes from hotels, airports, stadiums, base camps, training facilities, and other destinations.
The plan now is to have DART and Trinity Metro transport visitors to Centreport Station, where they can then take a Via to the entertainment district. The fate of these plans was up in the air for a while when the Texas legislature was considering a bill to slash DART funding, but the bill eventually failed to make it out of committee.
Parking shouldn't be an issue when considering lots for the Texas Rangers and local entertainment district businesses. FIFA will handle some parking, including VIP parking close to the stadium.
Some public safety plans are already in place, and collaboration with local law enforcement, police K-9s, public safety inspectors, and other support has been arranged. Efforts to protect human rights, such as addressing concerns about labor rights, LGBTQ+ rights, caring for unhoused populations, and ensuring that companies working with the World Cup meet ethical standards, are also underway.
Arlington wants to make sure residents and businesses are ready for the World Cup through a marketing campaign. The aim is to boost the city's global profile, stimulate the economy, foster community pride, create a memorable experience for visitors, and keep Arlington residents informed. The World Cup could catapult Arlington into becoming an internationally recognized destination.
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- The 2026 FIFA World Cup, scheduled to take place in North Texas, is anticipated to boost the local economy, with a projected economic impact of around $2 billion.
- The Dallas Sports Commission's executive director, Monica Paul, is hoping for the tournament to provide opportunities for disadvantaged communities, such as supplying soccer equipment and education to underprivileged children.
- The event organizers are addressing concerns related to travel restrictions, particularly for fans from countries like Iran, which have qualified for the World Cup but are on the list of restricted nations.
- The stadium will be named Dallas Stadium, but requests have been made to FIFA to include Arlington in the name.
- Preparations for the World Cup and the Arlington Grand Prix include upgrading transportation systems, with plans for DART, Trinity Metro, and Via to transport visitors to the entertainment district from Centreport Station.
- Arlington is also focusing on public safety measures, collaborating with local law enforcement, police K-9s, public safety inspectors, and ensuring companies working with the World Cup meet ethical standards to address concerns about labor rights, LGBTQ+ rights, caring for homeless populations, and human rights protection.
