Public transportation across Dallas Fort Worth is about to get a major boost in the form of $10-million in federal grant money.
The money is headed to North Texas to be put to use for the FIFA World Cup.
"The 2026 World Cup is just around the corner, which will bring millions of fans to North Texas in need of a safe mode of transportation to seamlessly travel to and from stadiums," said Senator John Cornyn whose office announced the funding on Thursday.
The news comes the same week that Dallas organizers marked 100 days out from the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
FC Dallas President Dan Hunt spoke at a Frisco event about the significance of Dallas' role and what matches could be played at AT&T Stadium on top of what's already known in the Group Stage.
"The chance to have the United States national team here in July, if they finish second in their group, we'll have them July 3rd," Hunt said.
Hunt said that what we already know will happen in North Texas makes Dallas the epicenter of the entire World Cup.
"Nobody has more soccer-related activity for the World Cup than Dallas Fort Worth," Hunt said.
The federal grant money will support planning and operating expenses for matches and other public events.
"I'm grateful these resources will enhance public transit to help meet the expected surge in demand and create memorable experiences for players, teams, and fans," Senator Cornyn said.
Dallas and North Texas is home to the International Broadcast Center, two base camps in Frisco and Mansfield, and more matches in Arlington than any other host city.