Arlington, Texas is moving forward with extensive plans to host matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and the city council has outlined how it intends to balance security, community engagement, and business opportunities during the tournament. With the event set to bring thousands of international visitors to North Texas, the city is bracing for what is expected to be one of its most significant sporting and cultural experiences in recent history.
Officials estimate that most international visitors will spend around ten days in the region, which means a major economic boost for the hospitality, retail, and service sectors. The City of Arlington is making it clear that local businesses should not expect direct contracts with FIFA, but they do have the opportunity to benefit from the influx of tourists. Restaurants, hotels, and entertainment venues are being encouraged to develop creative strategies to attract guests and showcase what the city has to offer. Arlington’s Deputy City Manager, Jennifer Wichmann, emphasized that this is the time for businesses to think broadly about how they can enhance experiences for visitors and position themselves to take advantage of the global exposure.
Security preparations are a central focus, given the size and international scope of the World Cup. Law enforcement agencies are planning to close off many of the streets surrounding AT&T Stadium both before and after matches. These measures are aimed at ensuring safety for fans, players, and officials, while also managing crowd control and logistics in a way that minimizes disruptions to the wider community. The security operations are expected to be extensive, requiring coordination between city, state, and federal agencies.
Another key component of the city’s preparation is volunteer recruitment. Applications for volunteers opened earlier in the year, and FIFA is now in the process of reviewing submissions. Every applicant is expected to be contacted by FIFA over the coming weeks. Those who are approved will be required to work several eight-hour shifts during the tournament. In return for their service, volunteers will receive FIFA-branded merchandise. The program is expected to attract thousands of participants, and the demand is especially high for individuals who speak multiple languages, as they can help bridge communication gaps with international visitors and delegations.
For Arlington, the World Cup is more than just a series of matches. It is also a chance to strengthen community pride and global connections. The city council has stressed that volunteers and local businesses alike will play a crucial role in shaping the overall experience for visitors. With the world watching, there is a concerted effort to make sure Arlington leaves a lasting impression as both a welcoming and well-organized host city.
Meanwhile, fans are also looking ahead to the tournament itself. The 2026 World Cup will feature an expanded roster of teams compared to previous editions. The competition will consist of 12 groups, each with four teams. As in past formats, every team in a group will face one another, with the top two advancing automatically to the knockout stage. Additionally, the eight best third-place finishers will also move forward, creating a round of 32 teams. From there, the tournament will proceed through the knockout rounds until the final, promising more matches, more opportunities for upsets, and greater excitement for fans worldwide.
Hosting the World Cup presents Arlington with both challenges and opportunities, from ensuring safety and efficient operations to maximizing the potential benefits for local businesses and residents. As preparations continue, the focus is on balancing security with hospitality, and structure with creativity. The city is determined to seize this moment not only to stage a world-class sporting event but also to highlight its culture, community spirit, and readiness to welcome visitors from every corner of the globe.
