North Texas volunteers are preparing to welcome fans from around the world as the 2026 FIFA World Cup arrives in Arlington this month, including one woman who is returning to the experience more than three decades later. Eunice Doehring still has the souvenirs from her time as a FIFA World Cup vo lunteer 32 years ago, including a book full of venue trading pins from around the world, vintage uniforms and photo albums packed with memories and old credentials. “They’re a little aged now, 32 years later,” Doehring said. World Cup pins from 1994 collected by Eunice Doehring. When FIFA put out the call for North Texas volunteers for this summer’s World Cup, Doehring said she knew she had to try to be part of it again. “It’s 2.0 for me,” Doehring said. “Being selected to become a FIFA volunteer is kind of like winning the iconic FIFA World Cup trophy. Seriously, a very competitive process.” There were 30,000 applicants, with only 15,000 interviewed. Doehring is now one of just over 5,000 volunteers serving this summer. “Once I got the confirmation, it was so exciting,” Doehring said. With the games only days away, Doehring said the prep work is ramping up quickly. Volunteers will be stationed across North Texas. Doehring will be based at DFW Airport from midday to about 7 p.m., four to five days a week. “I’m going to have to start my walking routine and hit the bicycle because I’m going to need it,” Doehring said. In addition to preparing for long days, volunteers have undergone hours of training on where to be, safety, security and other responsibilities. “It’s going to be a lot because I’m going to be there to help the ones who have not done this before,” Doehring said. Eunice Doehring prepares to volunteer at the 2026 World Cup in Arlington. Doehring is one of four captains on her team and is already making new memories for the photo album. She said volunteers will help set the tone for fans traveling from around the world. “It’s everything for them. You know, that’s life for them, they love the sport, their country,” Doehring said. “It’s going to be a lot of fun.” Doehring begins her volunteer shifts on Thursday, June 11. The first of nine matches to be played in Arlington is scheduled for three days later on Sunday, June 14. Be sure to say hello to her if you see her out there. World Cup 2026 World Cup 8 hours ago Can you spot an offside play? Take our quiz to find out! 2026 World Cup 6 hours ago Many soccer fans will be drinking alcohol and watching the World Cup. In heat, doing that is risky 2026 World Cup 22 hours ago Will you get the alert? Emergency warnings expand in North Texas ahead of World Cup This story was originally reported for broadcast by NBC DFW. AI tools helped convert the story into a digital article, and an NBC DFW journalist edited it again before publication. ...read more read less