North Texas has reached the one-year mark ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup that will play across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
The economic benefit projected for the North Texas region alone could be anywhere from $1.5 to $2.1 billion.
Those numbers were released Wednesday at a news conference at the National Soccer Hall of Fame in Frisco by the North Texas FIFA World Cup Organizing Committee.
“It puts a little added pressure for us to ensure that we are putting on the best World Cup to date,” said committee President Monica Paul. “This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity.”
North Texas should find out in December what countries will be playing in the group stage.
Early next year, North Texas will also find out what countries will be using the region as a “base camp,” to use various university facilities.
“We have to be prepared to welcome them as well,” Paul said.
“I think in December once that draw takes place, it will give us a better idea of what teams will be here.”
Like during the World Cup in 1994, North Texas is home to the International Broadcasting Center. One major difference is the location.
Instead of Fair Park, it will be at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Downtown Dallas.