Opinion: Why Dallas is the Best Choice for the FIFA World Cup 26 Final

Editor’s Note: FIFA will soon reveal its schedule for the 2026 World Cup in North America including a host city for the World Cup final, a race largely seen as between Dallas and NY/NJ. Below, Monica Paul of the Dallas Sports Commission makes her case for why Dallas should be the pick.

My enthusiasm, excitement and optimism remain the foundation of my belief that Dallas will shine in the global spotlight of FIFA World Cup 26. Dallas’ once-in-a-generation opportunity is creating a lasting and positive legacy for North Texas through the world’s most popular sport while showcasing the world’s greatest venue, AT&T Stadium, on the globe’s greatest stage. The world-class stadium is one of five reasons I believe Dallas is the ideal location to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final.

AT&T Stadium: Home of the NFL’s Dallas Cowboys, AT&T Stadium has established itself as one of the premier sports venues in the world, supplying first-class amenities and atmosphere. With abundant seat and suite offerings, AT&T Stadium has the ability to expand its capacity to over 90,000 fans. Massive and modern, AT&T Stadium’s climate-controlled, retractable roof prevents potential weather and heat issues when the FIFA World Cup Final is played on July 19, 2026. Adding to its allure, AT&T Stadium is located next to the Texas Live! entertainment district, Globe Life Field and Choctaw Stadium, which can combine to host an additional 100,000 people to participate in the World Cup experience at watch parties, concerts and fan-festivals.

Dallas Fort Worth International Airport: With over 73 million passengers passing through its terminals in 2022, Dallas Fort Worth International Airport stands as the world’s second busiest commercial airport. The traffic volume underscores the growth of the region and establishes DFW status as a top global hub prepared to accommodate large crowds and support the influx of tourists and fans flocking to the area. With its world-class airport and centralized location in the United States, Dallas is globally accessible, making it an ideal location to host the 2026 World Cup Final.

Big-Event Experience: Dallas is a thriving and electric sports community, establishing itself as a destination location for world-class events, including World Cup games in 1994, Super Bowl XLV in 2011 and the Final Four in 2014. Since its inception 10 years ago, the Dallas Sports Commission has secured major sporting events for the region, including the College Football Playoff National Championship in 2015, the NFL and NHL Drafts in 2018, WrestleMania in 2016 and 2022, and a pair of NCAA Women’s Final Fours in 2017 and 2023. With over 18.9 million viewers, the 2023 Women’s Final Four is the most-watched women’s college sporting event in history. Overall, since 2014, the Dallas Sports Commission has recruited and hosted over 570 events with more than 8.1 million attendees and an economic impact surpassing $4.3 billion.

Passionate Youth Soccer Community: The Dallas area is home to some of the best youth soccer programs in the nation, creating the foundation for a thriving and growing soccer community. Recognized as the best in the nation, FC Dallas Youth player development program allows young players to receive elite training opportunities from the FC Dallas coaching and front office staff. North Texas remains a hotbed for great soccer players and numerous nationally recognized club teams, including Solar Soccer Club, Dallas Texans and Sting Soccer Club, providing top-notch coaching and competitive teams that contend for titles in state, regional and national tournaments. The programs add to the growing fandom of soccer fans across the region.

Strong Economy: Dallas has set itself apart from other markets with a strong economy, a thriving business sector, a booming real estate market, and a low cost of living that make it an attractive destination for businesses and tourists alike. Named America’s top market for sports business by the Sports Business Journal, Dallas finished ahead of both New York City and Los Angeles for the honor. The city’s strong economy means that businesses, hotels, and other services are prepared to accommodate the influx of international tourists associated with the 2026 World Cup Final.

As the executive director for the Dallas Sports Commission, Monica Paul plays an essential role in implementing bid strategies and marketing programs that enhance Dallas’ acquisition of sports competitions and events, including solicitation of Olympic, professional, collegiate and amateur sports. Prior to joining Visit Dallas in 2008, Paul was the associate director of events at USA Volleyball, where she oversaw the international events for the USA Women’s and Men’s National Teams and served as director of competition for the 2007 National Senior Games in Louisville, Kentucky. Before that, Paul served as director of international and domestic events for USA Taekwondo, and director of events, marketing and sponsorships for the Junior Volleyball Association of Austin.