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Content Dallas Sports Commission • Dallas Sports Commission • Dallas Sport
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inside Dallas 2026: F I FA Wo r l d C u p P r o g r e s s & Highlights
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T h e G r e e n Wa l l C o m e s H o m e : OpTic Hosts CDL Major I in Dallas
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Pros at Home
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Latest from the Commission
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Upcoming Events
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Vo l u n t e e r V i c t o r i e s - D a l l a s Open Unveils New Title Partner
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Building Skills and Bridges: Dallas Elite Athletics Develops Future Leaders
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s Commission • Dallas Sports Commission • Dallas Sports Commission •
JANUARY
inside Dallas 2026: FIFA World Cup Progress & Highlights When the clock struck midnight on January 1st, it became official: the FIFA World Cup 26™ is happening this year. As we progress further into 2026, more pieces will fall into place in this oncein-a-generation tournament, and each month will bring a host of new excitement and updates. From now until the games begin, the beginning of the Behind the Banner Newsletter will be reserved for the latest and greatest updates regarding the FIFA World Cup.
This January, Dallas’ own Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center began the transformation into the International Broadcast Centre (IBC), the primary hub for broadcast media from around the world. The space will serve as a miniature city, with a range of services and amenities, including a 24-hour cafeteria, dry cleaning, and international express shipping services, available to the 2,000+ press representatives that will call the IBC home for seven months.
In December, the official draw took place: a ceremony that determined the exact teams competing in each of the tournament’s group stage matches. With nine matches - the most of any city - Dallas will be host to eight soccer superpowers in the World Cup’s early rounds. These include pivotal matchups between England and Croatia, Argentina and Austria, and finally Japan and the Netherlands. Also visiting Dallas will be World Cup first-timers, Jordan, and the winner of Path B of March’s European Play-off. This only represents the Group Stage, however. Dallas Stadium will also house two round-of-32 matches, one round-of-16 match, and a tournament semifinal. Each later-stage matchup will be determined as the World Cup progresses and teams advance or are eliminated. With each team’s visit and match appearances, thousands of international fans will travel to North Texas, as many as an estimated 100,000 visitors daily.
Finally, the first FIFA World Cup 26™ Volunteer Role Offers were extended to volunteer candidates in January. Thousands of potential volunteers participated in Volunteer Team Tryouts throughout the fall and winter, and many have now been selected to join the team. Role Offers will continue to be extended through the coming months, and soon the volunteer team will begin preparing to welcome the world with training and bonding opportunities. With each passing day, this monumental display of international togetherness approaches, and many more milestones will come through the first half of 2026. Stay tuned for more big updates and announcements as this historic moment draws closer and closer!
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Volunteer Milestone The FIFA World Cup 26 Dallas Volunteer Center hit a major milestone this winter: The five-thousandth Volunteer Team Tryout took place at the Fair Park Volunteer Center in mid-December! Each volunteer represents an everyday person who has chosen to give their time, skills, and passion to support the beautiful game, and we are incredibly proud to have more than five thousand here in our beautiful city. Volunteer Team Tryouts will continue through the end of January, and Volunteer Role Offers will be extended from now until March. Stay tuned for more updates on the Dallas volunteer program!
Legacy Program Kickoff We are proud to share that the North Texas FWC Organizing Committee, in partnership with The National Soccer Roots, the U.S. Soccer Foundation, and the City of Lake Dallas, officially opened the first FIFA World Cup 26 legacy mini-pitch! Located in Lake Dallas, the pitch is a lighted, enclosed, hard-surface court that is roughly a quarter of the size of a regulation field. The mini pitch will serve as a community gathering spot and will be open to programming for local soccer teams, schools, community groups, and more. This investment in soccer’s future in North Texas is just the first of six projects planned by the North Texas FWC Legacy Program. They are currently in the planning and development stage for five additional mini-pitches across Dallas, Fort Worth, Arlington, and Garland. Interested in sponsoring a mini pitch? Click below to learn more!
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THE GREEN WALL COMES HOME: OPTIC HOSTS CDL MAJOR I IN DALLAS
By: Ben Harbuck
Dallas Sports Commission • Dallas Sports Commission • Dallas Sport
By late January, Dallas will hum with a familiar kind of anticipation, the kind that fills the air before something big happens. This time, it’s not the Cowboys, Stars, Wings, or Mavs setting the stage. It’s OpTic Gaming, one of the most recognizable names in esports, bringing the Call of Duty League Major I to Moody Coliseum on SMU’s campus. For four days, the focus of the gaming world will land right here in Dallas. And if you think “competitive gaming” sounds niche, look inside one of these events. You’ll find packed seats, bright lights, chants, and a passionate crowd of all ages that roars louder than most stadiums. It’s sports in a new language, one built on reflexes, precision, and team chemistry instead of turf and timeouts. The 2026 Call of Duty League (CDL) season begins with Major I, the first stop in a yearlong competition that travels the world. Each Major crowns a champion, sets the early tone for the standings, and offers fans something that’s
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become rare in modern sports: access. Players meet fans. Gamers mingle with pros. The line between participant and spectator blurs. But for OpTic, this event means more than points or rankings. This time, they are at home. OpTic Gaming’s humble beginnings started in Chicago and moved to Texas. The organization’s roots go back nearly two decades, when Call of Duty competition was more hobby than career. Over time, they grew into a dynasty, a community brand with fans who call themselves the #GREENWALL and travel across the country to support the team. Finally, that energy is coming home to Dallas. This season’s roster features a powerful mix of experience and youth: Dashy, Shotzzy, Huke, and 2025 CDL Grand Finals MVP Mercules. Led by head coach Damon “Karma” Barlow, widely regarded as one of the greatest Call of Duty players of all time, amassing 5 World Championships in his career as well as JP Krez,
s Commission • Dallas Sports Commission • Dallas Sports Commission •
2 time World Champ as head coach. Together, they form a lineup built on chemistry and winning pedigree that’s hard to find anywhere else.
predictions and memories. You’ll see parents bringing their kids, or sometimes the other way around, to witness what the future of competition looks like.
That pedigree is no exaggeration. OpTic enters the 2026 season as the back-to-back CDL World champs. The first Call of Duty Team to ever win back to back championships. Their most recent triumph came last June in a thrilling eightmap Grand Final against the Vancouver Surge, cementing their legacy.
And that’s the thing about esports: once you see it live, you get it. The communication between players. The reaction time that borders on impossible. The mix of strategy, instinct, and emotion all unfold in real time. It’s not about understanding every detail of the game; it’s about recognizing that same human drive to win that exists in every sport.
The setting only adds to the moment. Moody Coliseum, typically home to college basketball and volleyball, will be transformed into a fullscale esports arena—screens glowing, sound echoing, adrenaline filling every corner of the building. For OpTic leadership, the venue represents more than just a place to compete; it’s a chance to connect community, players, and fans in a meaningful way. “Partnering with the Dallas Sports Commission and SMU to host Major I at Moody Coliseum is something we’re genuinely excited about. It’s a special venue and a great opportunity to bring fans, players, and the Dallas community together for an unforgettable experience,” said HECZ (Hector Rodriguez), CEO of OpTic Gaming. Fans from all over the country will line up hours early, draped in OpTic green, trading
For Dallas, hosting Major I marks another step in the city’s growing role as an esports hub. North Texas has become a familiar stop for major competitive gaming events, and bringing the first Major of the 2026 season here feels less like a coincidence. “The Dallas–Fort Worth region has embraced esports in a big way, and the energy and turnout at these events continue to prove how passionate this community really is,” HECZ added. Whether you’ve followed OpTic for years or just want to experience something new, Call of Duty League OpTic Texas Major I tickets are available now through Tixr. Claim your frontrow seat while you can. The lights, the sound, the tension are all there, just click the link below to learn more.
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PROS AT HOME IN
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THE COMMISSION
Monica Paul, Executive Director of the Dallas Sports Commission and President of the North Texas FWC Organizing Committee, was recently featured as a guest on the DLC Drop Podcast. Check out Monica’s conversation with host John Davidson as they talk about the upcoming FIFA World Cup 26, sports tourism and economic development within Dallas, and more. Listen to the episode on the DLC Drop website or wherever you stream podcasts.
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Feel the pulse Dallas’ newest professional team has kicked off their inaugural season! The Dallas Pulse, the newest team in Major League Volleyball, had their first game in early January. Fans can become a part of Dallas sports history and catch a game at Comerica Center from now until May 2026!
Get Your Tickets Today!
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CALL OF DUTY LEAGUE OPTIC TEXAS MAJOR I JANUARY 29 - FEBRUARY 1 MOODY COLISEUM AT SMU
TEXAS TOUGH INVITATIONAL JANUARY 30 - FEBRUARY 1 FAIR PARK DALLAS
NRG DANCE - DALLAS FEBRUARY 6 - 8 HYATT REGENCY DFW
ECNL TEXAS FEBRUARY 14 - 16 MONEYGRAM SOCCER PARK/TOYOTA SOCCER CENTER
AMERICAN VOLLEYBALL CHALLENGE TOURNAMENT FEBRUARY 13 - 15 RYSE ENERGY STARCENTER
ARTISTS SIMPLY HUMAN DALLAS FEBRUARY 27 - MARCH 1 RENAISSANCE DALLAS RICHARDSON HOTEL
DALLAS TRINITY FC VS. HOUSTON DASH: THE I-45 TEXAS SHOWDOWN FEBRUARY 28 COTTON BOWL STADIUM
GAAM NATIONAL VOLLEYBALL TOURNAMENT FEBRUARY 28 DALLAS MARKET HALL
UPCOMING VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES: Interested in becoming a part of some of the world’s biggest sporting events from right here in our backyard? Register to volunteer with the Dallas Sports Commission today! Some upcoming volunteer opportunities include: •
Dallas Trinity FC Home Games; August 2025 - May 2026
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Dallas Open Unveils New Title Partner The Dallas Open is entering an exciting new chapter. Nexo, the leading global wealth platform for digital assets, will become the tournament’s first-ever title partner that reflects a shared commitment to growth, innovation, and community investment. The partnership was introduced at Hattie R. Moore Park Tennis Courts at the Anita Martinez Recreation Center, where the newly named Nexo Dallas Open was revealed alongside two newly resurfaced public courts.
Learn More Vo l u n t e e r V i c t o r i e s - C o t t o n B o w l C l a s s i c | 1 1
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BUILDING SKILLS AND BRIDGES DALLAS ELITE ATHLETICS DEVELOPS FUTURE LEADERS By: Peyton Lawrence
Dallas Sports Commission • Dallas Sports Commission • Dallas Sports
Dallas Elite Athletics is more than a youth sports organization- it is a community built on mentorship, discipline, and leadership. Founded in 2018, the organization has become a powerful force in shaping young athletes into skilled competitors and confident leaders prepared to succeed far beyond the court or field. Through intentional coaching, personal development, and a strong commitment to the community, Dallas Elite Athletics continues to serve as an example for youth sports programs throughout the Dallas region. Dallas Elite Athletics was founded by Chris and Clarissa Martinez, both former athletes. Originally from Laredo, Texas, the pair competed at both the high school and collegiate levels in volleyball and basketball respectively. The Martinezes had great success: breaking scoring records, winning championships, and being named to all-star teams.
Throughout university, the duo began to discover their passion for leading and teaching youth in Laredo, and post-graduation, the couple returned to their hometown to teach and coach full-time for the local school district. Several years later, the pair decided to move to Dallas with their young son. What started as informal training sessions with family and close friends at a local park quickly gained momentum. By September 2018, Dallas Elite Athletics was officially established, turning a family passion into a growing organization dedicated to youth development. The organization began with a basketball league, but now extends to club volleyball and football, with year-round skills camps offered to participants. Coaches and leadership have proven successful coaching track records for their respective sports, whether at the club, K-12, or college level. Despite
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Dallas Sports Commission • Dallas Sports Commission • Dallas Sports
this growth, the organization has remained grounded in its original mission: to develop elite athletes while nurturing strong character and leadership. From the beginning, the Martinezes envisioned more than just athletic instruction. They believed sports could be a tool for teaching life lessons- resilience, teamwork, discipline, and confidence- especially for young people navigating the challenges of adolescence. What sets Dallas Elite Athletics apart is its approach to youth development. While athletic performance is a priority, equal emphasis is placed on mental strength, personal accountability, and self-confidence. Coaches are not just instructors; they serve as mentors who invest in the growth of each athlete. According to founder Chris Martinez, Leagues and skills camps are intentionally designed to challenge athletes both physically and mentally, teaching them how to handle adversity and carry themselves with confidence and integrity. The impact of this approach extends well beyond games and tournaments, however. Young athletes learn the importance of showing up prepared, respecting teammates and opponents, and taking responsibility for their actions. These lessons translate into leadership skills that follow them into classrooms, social environments, and future careers. At its core, Dallas Elite Athletics views sports as an important way to shape future leaders. While competition and achievement are celebrated, they are not the primary focus. Athletes are taught that true success lies in character, consistency, and how they uplift those around them.
Community is at the heart of Dallas Elite Athletics. The organization fosters a sense of belonging among athletes and families, creating a supportive environment where relationships matter. Programs welcome athletes from diverse backgrounds and skill levels and provide them with individualized attention and team-building opportunities. Dallas Elite Athletics ensures that every participant feels seen, valued, and challenged to grow. Through these initiatives, Dallas Elite Athletics extends its mission of empowerment and leadership to communities beyond just the young leaders who participate. As Dallas Elite Athletics continues to grow, its mission will continue to center young athletes and the community that surrounds them. Plans for expansion include increased programming, more community partnerships, and continued opportunities for youth development. Yet even as the organization evolves, its commitment to mentoring young athletes and strengthening communities remains. Through its consistent focus on character, leadership, and community engagement, Dallas Elite Athletics stands as a testament to the power of sports in young lives. By investing in the whole athlete, the organization is building more than champions. It is shaping confident, disciplined, and compassionate leaders who are prepared to make a lasting impact both on and off the court. Learn more about Dallas Elite Athletics’ programming or register for a league at dallaseliteathletics.com!
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