What happened
Dallas city officials and FIFA representatives announced the choice during a March 5 press conference inside Dallas City Hall.
“Being selected as host city of the FIFA World Cup 2026 International Broadcast Centre is a monumental win for Dallas and a testament to our global appeal and readiness to shine on the world stage,” Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson said in a March 5 FIFA news release. “I am thrilled that the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center will serve as a hub to showcase our city, its rich culture and the hospitality of our community to millions of viewers around the globe.”
What it means
The International Broadcast Center, or IBC, acts as "the nerve center" for television, radio and other media before and during the World Cup games, said Amy Hopfinger, FIFA's chief business and strategy officer, during the press conference.
Approximately 2,000 media representatives will use the center "as a telecommunications hub" between January and August 2026 to cover both the build-up and the tournament itself, Hopfinger said.
The coverage from the IBC is expected to reach billions of World Cup fans worldwide, according to the release.
Dallas City Manager Kimberly Tolbert said securing the broadcast center will allow the city to “step into the global stage” even more. The Dallas-Fort Worth area will also host nine of the matches, including one semifinal.
This is Dallas’ second time hosting the IBC. The first was during the 1994 World Cup.
Monica Paul, president of the North Texas FIFA World Cup 2026 Organizing Committee, said people still talk about hosting the broadcast center in 1994 and hopes the city takes advantage of the new opportunity.
"Securing the International Broadcast Centre firmly places the city of Dallas and our North Texas region at the centre of the world’s attention during FIFA World Cup 2026,” Paul said in the release.
The opening World Cup match will be held June 11 in Mexico City. Combined, the FIFA World Cup 2026 will feature:
- 104 matches
- 48 teams
- 16 host cities
- 9 Dallas area-hosted matches
- 3 countries
The city of Frisco is currently in the running to be chosen as a basecamp to host one of the participating World Cup teams. A final decision should come in early 2026.
What else?
The center will offer multiple services to meet the needs of the people using it, including:
- A 24-hour cafeteria
- A lounge
- Concession stands
- A convenience store
- Express shipping, banking and dry-cleaning
