Officials in Dallas are preparing for extensive security operations ahead of the upcoming FIFA World Cup, which is scheduled to kick off in seven months.
The City’s emergency management police briefed council members earlier this week, highlighting the growing scope of security measures set to be put in place. The 39-day sporting event will bring visitors from around the world, including global media and high-profile dignitaries.
Travis Houston, deputy director of Emergency Management and Crisis Response for the City of Dallas, states that planning involves 25 local public safety agencies and state and federal partners. More than two dozen venues and event sites throughout the City may need public safety coverage.
“Dallas and AT&T are hosting nine matches, which positions us among the highest host city workloads in North America,” Houston said, per NBC.
Fan Fest at Fair Park is expected to draw 35,000 daily visitors. At the same time, the Kay Bailey Hutchinson Convention Center will serve as the official international broadcast hub for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, welcoming around 2,000 media representatives.
“With that come security needs, credentialing, cyber considerations, infrastructure planning needs, escort and dignitary and other VVIP presence,” Houston said.
Even the FBI will step in to help with the massive sporting event. The Bureau will lead a Joint Operations Center, coordinating between federal, state, and local agencies.
Dallas police are developing an evolving operations and emergency action plan, updating details as events, such as the team’s draw in December, are confirmed and scheduled.
“What are we doing currently to bring infrastructure, to address crowd control?” asked Councilmember Jesse Moreno of District 2.
“It is a concern of ours with the influx of people and these entertainment districts and how we protect that… But I can guarantee we’ll have a robust plan in place to address pedestrian safety,” said Assistant Chief Mark Villarreal of the Dallas Police Department.