Now that the teams have been drawn and the schedule released, the countdown to the 2026 FIFA World Cup is closing in on North Texas leaders, who will oversee the most number of games out of any other location in the world. “We truly are the epicenter of World Cup 2026. Period,” said Dan Hunt , North Texas FWC Organizing Committee co-president. The biggest challenges, moving forward? “Working on base camps,” said Hunt, who is hoping to nab big teams to set up base at one of the region’s five facilities. “Working with each of [the teams] to see if we can fulfill what they want is probably our biggest immediate challenge,” he said. He explained teams are looking at weight rooms, turf, and other aspects of each facility. Hunt said several teams were out on Monday for more walk-throughs. “We hope that we don’t just fill them, but we fill them with global powerhouses,” he said, adding that having Argentina would be a huge honor. A map showing key locations in DFW for the World Cup, including the possible sites for training base camps. (Courtesy: Dallas FWC 26) Monica Paul, North Texas FWC Organizing Committee co-president, said another big challenge is reconvening the safety, security, and transportation teams to shore up plans. “To be able to mobilize the spectators and fans. What those routes will be, what that timing looks like,” she explained. For ATT Stadium preps, Chad Estis said preparing the pitch is a primary focus. “Obviously, when you install temporary pitches in indoor venues, there’s a lot to consider,” said Estis, who is part of the FWC organizing committee and also the Executive Vice President of Business Operations of Dallas Cowboys/ATT Stadium. “We’ve been putting grass pitches in the building for years, but when you’re doing that over a gold cup or a weekend, you’re in essence installing turf over the cement. And, as we all know, that’s not the best result. It’s not world-class,” he said. “So, obviously, hosting a World Cup, the approach is completely different and what you’ll see here this summer is really years in the making.” Estis said currently, the pitch for ATT Stadium is being grown on a farm in Colorado, but stadium managers will have to use their green thumbs, too. “We have an irrigation system that’s being installed, we have grow lights that’ll hang from the roof and be lowered. I think it’s rather unique, we’re going to grow grass for nine matches in an indoor stadium over two months,” he said. He said stadium managers are working closely with FIFA officials. “When it comes to the pitch, FIFA has brought in the greatest experts in the world on how to develop a playing surface,” Estis said. Several suites in each corner of the stadium will also have to be removed to widen the pitch, then put back before the Cowboys’ preseason games begin, again. Estis said that the construction project won’t begin until they clear all the Cowboys’ games and other events, which won’t be until closer to the World Cup games in June. Work on the pitch is separate from another $300 million improvement project that’s been taking place over two years, he said, which includes updating floors and furniture. Expected impact– in numbers, and beyond Paul said, according to a study done by FIFA and Deloitte, North Texas is estimated to rake in $1.5 – $2.1 billion from the World Cup. Leaders hope the ripple effects are far-reaching. “I hope that businesses want to move here because they see what a dynamic community this is. I hope that our international visitors think that this might be a great place to relocate to,” Hunt said. He said he also hopes the Cup “lifts all soccer.” Paul got emotional when asked about the possible impact of the World Cup, compared to other events she’s worked on. “So many major sporting events that take shape here, but this one, you feel the energy, the passion, the opportunity to share your message with the world and continue to elevate your city, your region,” she said. She added that the cultural impact could be great, as well. “The opportunity for those young kids to be able to potentially see their idol play, and what we can truly do through this World Cup for legacy in the sport of soccer, but for our region, for the overall sports environment here locally,” Paul said. “It’s hard to kind of put into words of the magnitude of this.” ...read more read less