Dallas, Texas, February 2, 2026
With the FIFA World Cup approaching, Dallas officials are ramping up preparations, targeting transportation coordination, Fair Park activities, and local business engagement. A comprehensive transit plan in collaboration with DART aims to connect event venues, while local firms are encouraged to participate through the North Texas Business Connect Program. As part of the initiative, Fair Park is envisioned to host various community-oriented activities to enhance the overall experience for visitors and residents throughout the event.
Dallas Optimizes World Cup Preparations, Focusing on Transit and Local Engagement
Dallas, Texas – With just four months remaining before the FIFA World Cup 2026 arrives in North Texas, Dallas officials are intensifying efforts to ensure a seamless experience for visitors and residents alike. Key areas of focus include transportation coordination, Fair Park activations, and engagement with local businesses.
Transportation Coordination
Assistant City Manager Robin Bentley announced that the city is collaborating with regional partners and Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) to develop a comprehensive transportation plan for the World Cup. This plan aims to connect Arlington matches with Dallas events, such as the Fair Park Fan Festival, through pedestrian routes and alternative mobility options. A regional transportation plan is scheduled to be submitted to FIFA by the end of March.
Fair Park Activations
City officials are exploring various World Cup-related activities at Fair Park and nearby South Dallas areas, with a focus on maximizing community benefits and economic opportunities. Plans include utilizing additional spaces within Fair Park, such as the Midway, and collaborating with existing tenants to enhance the event experience.
Engagement with Local Businesses
The city has shared a list of Dallas-area businesses and advocacy groups with FIFA to connect local firms to tournament-related work. Additionally, the North Texas FIFA World Cup Organizing Committee has established the North Texas Business Connect Program aimed at engaging with local suppliers and maximizing procurement opportunities for goods and services. To qualify, businesses must operate and maintain a physical office in one of several specified counties and be the direct source of the goods and services represented in their bid. More information is available through the North Texas Business Connect Program.
Background Context
In April 2025, Dallas city leaders emphasized the importance of involving residents and small businesses in the 2026 FIFA World Cup festivities. The City Council highlighted concerns such as volunteer opportunities, transportation challenges, and safety measures. The Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center is set to serve as the official broadcast hub for the tournament, and Fair Park will host FIFA’s fan festival during the event. City officials are working diligently to ensure that the southern part of Dallas and small businesses are included in the World Cup activities.
As the World Cup approaches, Dallas continues to prioritize collaboration and preparation to deliver a memorable and efficient experience for all involved.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the North Texas Business Connect Program?
The North Texas Business Connect Program is an initiative by the North Texas FIFA World Cup Organizing Committee to engage with local suppliers and maximize procurement opportunities for goods and services in preparation for the FIFA World Cup 2026. Businesses can learn about contracts, receive notifications about vendor opportunities, and get involved in future events through this program.
How can local businesses qualify for the North Texas Business Connect Program?
To qualify, businesses must operate and maintain a physical office in one of the following counties: Dallas, Tarrant, Collin, Denton, Kaufman, Parker, Johnson, Ellis, Rockwall, Hood, Parker, or Wise. They must also be the direct source of the goods and services represented in their bid and be in good standing and eligible to do business within the state of Texas. Detailed information is provided within each Request for Proposal (RFP) issued.
What is the Fair Park Fan Festival?
The Fair Park Fan Festival is Dallas’ official Fan Festival during the FIFA World Cup 2026. It will be held at Fair Park, home of the State Fair of Texas and a DART Rail stop (Green Line to Fair Park Station). The festival will feature live match broadcasts on giant screens, headline music performances, interactive sponsor activations, youth programming, and cultural showcases highlighting Dallas’ vibrancy.
How can local businesses become vendors for the FIFA Fan Festival?
The FIFA Fan Festival does not have vendors, other than local restaurants. An RFP will be posted in Q1 of 2026 for local restaurants who wish to have a food stall at FIFA Fan Festival.
Key Features of Dallas’ World Cup Preparations
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Transportation Coordination | Collaboration with regional partners and DART to develop a comprehensive transportation plan connecting Arlington matches with Dallas events, including the Fair Park Fan Festival. A regional transportation plan is scheduled to be submitted to FIFA by the end of March. |
| Fair Park Activations | Exploration of various World Cup-related activities at Fair Park and nearby South Dallas areas, focusing on community benefits and economic opportunities. Plans include utilizing additional spaces within Fair Park, such as the Midway, and collaborating with existing tenants to enhance the event experience. |
| Engagement with Local Businesses | Sharing a list of Dallas-area businesses and advocacy groups with FIFA to connect local firms to tournament-related work. Establishment of the North Texas Business Connect Program to engage with local suppliers and maximize procurement opportunities for goods and services. |
| Fan Festival | Hosting Dallas’ official Fan Festival at Fair Park during the FIFA World Cup 2026, featuring live match broadcasts, music performances, and cultural showcases. The event is expected to draw more than 1 million visitors over 39 event days, averaging over 35,000 attendees per day. |
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Author: STAFF HERE DALLAS WRITER
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