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Content Dallas Sports Commission • Dallas Sports Commission • Dallas Sport
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Inside Dallas 2026: flags, chants, and world cup fever headed for north texas
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S u r f C u p Te x a s A d d s t o N o r t h Te x a s ’ Yo u t h S o c c e r M o m e n t u m
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Pros At Home
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The FIFA Fan Festival Dallas™ concert lineup - Buy A Brick
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Momentous Institute Squeezes The Day with the CJ Cup Byron Nelson
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inside Dallas 2026: flags, chants, and world cup fever headed for north texas When the FIFA World Cup 26™ arrives in North Texas, the action won’t be limited to the pitch. Dallas Stadium will host nine matches featuring some of the world’s best players and national teams. However, the real magic of the tournament often happens outside the stadium gates. Every World Cup brings unique traditions, traveling supporters, and cultural celebrations that transform host cities into international gathering places, and North Texas is about to experience that firsthand.
into seas of orange. Before major matches, Dutch fans often participate in organized supporter marches and celebrations. One of their most recognizable traditions is the famous Dutch supporters’ bus, which travels with fans throughout major tournaments and often serves as the centerpiece of pre-match celebrations. Their energy, creativity, and passion have made them one of the most recognizable fan groups in international soccer and will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression on North Texas.
One of the biggest attractions will be Argentina and its legendary fanbase. Led by global superstar Lionel Messi, the reigning World Cup champions are expected to draw tens of thousands of supporters to Arlington. Argentine fans are famous for turning entire city blocks into celebrations filled with songs, flags, drums, and nonstop chanting hours before kickoff. With many viewing this as Messi’s final World Cup, anticipation surrounding Argentina’s matches will be among the highest of the tournament, creating an atmosphere unlike anything seen before.
Japan brings a different but equally admired fan culture. Japanese supporters have earned international respect for their organization, enthusiasm, and sportsmanship. In recent World Cups, fans from Japan made global headlines for helping clean stadium sections after matches, regardless of the result. Combined with the team’s exciting style of play and growing international profile, Japan’s presence will bring another unique experience to North Texas.
England will bring its own traditions to the region. Along with one of the tournament’s most recognizable teams, English supporters are known for traveling in large numbers and creating matchday atmospheres built around decades-old chants and songs. One unique tradition is the England Supporters Band, a dedicated brass band that has followed the national team to major tournaments around the world for nearly 30 years. Their tunes and matchday anthems have become a signature part of England’s World Cup experience. The Netherlands may provide some of the tournament’s most visually striking scenes. Dutch supporters are known worldwide as the “Orange Army,” arriving in bright orange shirts, hats, wigs, and costumes that turn entire streets
Many other nations will be heading to Arlington, bringing with them their own compelling stories. Austria is expected to emerge as a rising force on the international stage, while Jordan represents one of the tournament’s most exciting underdog stories after qualifying for its first FIFA World Cup™. These teams showcase what makes the World Cup special. Beyond the matches themselves, fans can expect to see national team colors filling restaurants, hotels, entertainment districts, and public spaces throughout the region. To learn more about the Dallas group stage matches, stadium information, parking, and match day festivities visit the link below.
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How to experience the world cup without a match ticket You don’t need a match ticket to be part of the FIFA World Cup 26™ in Dallas. From watch parties and the official FIFA Fan Festival™ to soccer pubs and immersive viewing experiences, North Texas will offer countless ways for fans to experience the world’s biggest sporting event. Whether you’re visiting or a local looking to get involved in the community, our region will become a month-long celebration of the world and soccer. The heart of the action will be the FIFA Fan Festival™ at Fair Park. Open 34 days throughout the tournament, the FIFA Fan Festival™ will serve as the city’s central gathering place for fans, broadcasting World Cup matches live from giant screens at the Fair Park Pavilion (Matches that kick off after 10 p.m. Central will not be aired). Fans can expect international food vendors, entertainment, and interactive soccer experiences. The event is free to attend and will be the hub for soccer fans from around the globe. Visitors can expect activations from Host City Supporters, including Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages, UT Southwestern, the Dallas Cowboys, the North Texas Sports Foundation, and additional partners throughout the tournament. Fans will also have access to premium experiences, including GA+ and Legend passes that offer upgraded viewing areas, premium entry lanes, lounge access, reserved seating, and other exclusive amenities. Getting there will be easy thanks to the Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART). The DART Green Line provides direct access to Fair Park Station, located just steps from the Fan Festival grounds. Visitors can use the GoPass app to purchase tickets, plan routes, and navigate transit throughout North Texas. While Fair Park will be the official hub, there will be plenty of World Cup experiences happening across North Texas. For fans looking for an authentic soccer atmosphere, The Londoner in Addison and Dallas has long been considered one of Dallas’s authentic British pubs. Known for opening early for
international matches and hosting passionate supporters of clubs and national teams from around the world, it is expected to be one of the region’s most popular World Cup viewing destinations. For those looking for a larger-scale viewing experience, Happiest Hour near the American Airlines Center features one of the largest patios in Dallas and stunning downtown skyline views, making it an ideal location for watch parties. Harwood Arms is another downtown gem known as a popular gathering spot for soccer fans, operating as a Chelsea F.C. and Bayern Munich Bar throughout the club season. Beyond Dallas, ‘Texas Live!’ in Arlington is expected to deliver one of the closest things to a stadium atmosphere outside of the Stadium itself and FIFA Fan Festival. Located right next to where all nine World Cup matches will be played, the venue will be packed with international fans before, during, and after matches, creating a high-energy gathering place in the heart of the action. Meanwhile, north of the Metroplex in The Colony, Cosm at Grandscape offers one of the most unique viewing experiences in the country, using immersive technology that allows fans to feel as though they are inside the stadium, pitchside during live matches. The World Cup experience won’t stop at the FIFA Fan Festival™ or sports bars. Throughout the tournament, fans can expect special events, community celebrations, pop-up activations, and international visitors to fill up restaurants, hotels, and entertainment districts across the region. With matches at Dallas Stadium, the FIFA Fan Festival™ at Fair Park, watch parties across the region, and viewing experiences from Arlington to The Colony, there will be no shortage of ways to be part of the World Cup in Dallas. For more information on events, matchday experiences, and how to experience the beautiful game in North Texas, visit the link below.
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SURF CUP TEXAS ADDS TO NORTH TEXAS’ YOUTH SOCCER MOMENTUM By: Ben Harbuck
Dallas Sports Commission • Dallas Sports Commission • Dallas Sport
With the inaugural Surf Cup Texas wrapping up over Memorial Day weekend, Dallas Soccer Park has now been in tournament mode for more than a month. Tiger Tournaments and Next Generation Cup brought back-to-back weekends of youth soccer to the North Dallas complex this May, filling the fields with teams, families, coaches, and college scouts. Surf Cup Texas added another major weekend to that run, bringing one of the most respected names in youth soccer to a region where the sport already has a strong pulse. North Texas has long been part of the national youth soccer conversation. Dallas Cup has drawn elite international competition to the area for decades. The Sport Source Showcase has helped connect players with college programs year after year. Next Generation Cup and Tiger Tournaments have created more opportunities for clubs and athletes across the region. Now, Surf Cup Texas has joined that landscape with a specific purpose: to bring a nationally recognized platform, elite cross-league competition, and meaningful college exposure to the Central Region. These events continue to show the broader impact youth soccer has on Dallas and this region. Tournament weekends bring more than players to the field. They bring parents, relatives, siblings, coaches, scouts, and
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supporters as well; these visitors help fill our hotels, restaurants, and explore local attractions. Many teams travel from outside North Texas, with families coming in from neighboring states, and around the country for 3 or 4 days every weekend. More than 200 teams competed in the inaugural Surf Cup, bringing an estimated 10,000 players, coaches, family members, and fans to North Texas throughout the weekend. For Surf Sports, the decision to launch in Texas came from what the organization was already seeing across the state and the surrounding region. “Texas has become one of the premier hotbeds for elite youth soccer in the U.S., producing top clubs and high-level talent across every major platform,” said Brian Enge, COO of Surf Sports. “Surf Cup has long been recognized as one of the top events in youth soccer, and we saw a clear opportunity for Surf Sports to bring that same ‘Best of the Best’ standard to the Central Region.” Surf Cup has built its reputation on selectivity. According to Enge, hundreds of teams apply to Surf Cup events each year, and many are turned away. For the clubs accepted, the weekend carries weight. For col-
s Commission • Dallas Sports Commission • Dallas Sports Commission • lege coaches, it creates confidence that they can see strong players in competitive games without having to bounce between separate league events across the country. “Teams know they are a top team if accepted; college scouts know they’ll see top talent,” Enge said. “It’s truly the ‘Best of the Best’ where the fields become the ‘Proving Grounds.’” That idea was central to Surf Cup Texas. The event was designed to put top teams from Texas and surrounding states into games they may not get during a regular league schedule. Clubs from ECNL, MLS NEXT, Girls Academy, Elite Academy, DPL, and other platforms could all be part of the same weekend, creating matchups that feel different from the usual rhythm of the season. Familiar opponents can bring out good soccer, but unfamiliar opponents reveal different things. A team may have to adjust to a faster striker, a more physical midfield, a deeper defensive block, or a pressing style it has not seen in months. Players have to solve problems in real time. Coaches get to see who can adapt. It also matters for recruiting. For players in the U15 through U19 age groups, Surf Cup Texas gave them a chance to compete in front of college coaches from NCAA Division I, II, III, and NAIA programs. Enge said the value comes from putting those players in meaningful, high-level games where coaches can evaluate more than a highlight clip. “College coaches have finite recruiting opportunities, so efficiency matters,” Enge said. “Surf Cup Texas gives them access to elite talent from multiple top leagues all in one location over a single weekend.” The recruiting piece is important, but the event is also about the full youth soccer experience. Enge said Surf Cup wanted to bring the same quality and competitiveness that define its flagship event in San Diego while building something with its own Texas identity. That
means strong teams, organized travel, quality fields, and an atmosphere that feels memorable for players and families from the moment they arrive. That full experience extends beyond the games themselves. For many families, a tournament weekend becomes a chance to experience Dallas while supporting their athlete. Between matches, families spend time together across the city, creating the kind of sports travel experience that turns a youth tournament into a memorable weekend for everyone involved. What makes Surf Cup Texas so valuable is that a player can chase exposure, compete for a result, grow with their team, and still leave with a better understanding of where their game stands. Enge pointed to former Surf Cup athletes such as Catarina Macario, Trinity Rodman, and Diego Luna, who went on to collegiate and professional success. Those names are not the expectation for every player who steps on the field, but they are part of the reason their name carries weight. That is where Surf Cup Texas fits into North Texas’ larger soccer story. The region already has the clubs, the events, the families, and the competitive culture. This event added another piece to that calendar, built around cross-league games, college visibility, and a tournament environment that asked players to prove themselves against new competition. For Dallas, weekends like this continue to reinforce the value of youth sports tourism. Events like Surf Cup Texas, Dallas Cup, Next Generation Cup, Tiger Tournaments, and The Sport Source Showcase bring people into the region again and again, introducing new families to the city while supporting the hotels, restaurants, venues, and local businesses that help make those events possible. To learn more about Surf Cup Texas, visit their website below.
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Are You The Ultimate FÚtbol Fan? Soccer passion runs deep across Texas, and now it’s time to find the fan who represents it best. The Ultimate Fútbol Fan Contest is your chance to share your story, showcase your love for the beautiful game, and win an unforgettable prize package built for true soccer supporters. One deserving winner will be crowned The Ultimate Fútbol Fan and receive 4 VIP tickets to the FIFA Fan Festival at Fair Park, a FIFA World Cup Dallas swag bag, complimentary tickets to a future Dallas Trinity FC and FC Dallas match, and more.
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Dallas Pulse MLV Champions CONGRATULATIONS, DALLAS PULSE 2026 MAJOR LEAGUE VOLLEYBALL CHAMPIONS In their inaugural season, the Dallas Pulse gave North Texas a team to rally behind and delivered a championship moment our city will not forget. From the first serve to the final point, the players, coaches, and entire organization represented Dallas with grit, talent, and pride, setting a new standard for professional volleyball and professional sports in our region. Congratulations to the players, coaches, staff, and fans on an unforgettable first season and a wellearned MLV Championship!
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RED BULL CODED CLEATS JUNE 5-6 AT&T DISCOVERY DISTRICT
FIFA WORLD CUP NETHERLANDS VS JAPAN JUNE 14 DALLAS STADIUM
FIFA WORLD CUP ENGLAND VS CROATIA JUNE 17 DALLAS STADIUM
FIFA WORLD CUP ARGENTINA VS AUSTRIA JUNE 22 DALLAS STADIUM
FIFA WORLD CUP JAPAN VS SWEDEN JUNE 25 DALLAS STADIUM
FIFA WORLD CUP JORDAN VS ARGENTINA JUNE 27 DALLAS STADIUM
FIFA WORLD CUP ROUND OF 32 JUNE 30 DALLAS STADIUM
FIFA WORLD CUP ROUND OF 32 JULY 3 DALLAS STADIUM
FIFA WORLD CUP ROUND OF 16 JULY 6 DALLAS STADIUM
FIFA WORLD CUP SEMI-FINAL JULY 14 DALLAS STADIUM
TICKETS ON SALE NOW The FIFA Fan Festival Dallas™ concert lineup has officially dropped! Latin Legacy Tour, Turnpike Troubadours, and Major Lazer are bringing the party to Fair Park this summer. Live music, unforgettable moments, and a lineup built for a summer on the world’s biggest stage. BUY TICKETS
BUY A BRICK As North Texas prepares to welcome the FIFA World Cup 2026™, the Dallas Sports Commission is proud to support a community project that will leave a lasting mark beyond the tournament. The Texan Golden Boot in Arlington will be a permanent public art landmark, with engraved bricks recognizing the people and organizations helping create long-term impact across North Texas. Be part of the legacy by purchasing a brick.
The FIFA Fan Festival Dallas™ Concert Lineup - Buy A Brick | 11
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MOMENTOUS INSTITUTE SQUEEZES THE DAY WITH THE CJ CUP BYRON NELSON By: Ben Harbuck
Dallas Sports Commission • Dallas Sports Commission • Dallas Sports
Dr. Jessica Gomez was in the middle of a serious interview, cameras, lights and the whole setup, when a line of kindergartners passed through the hallway at Momentous Institute.
Texas. For more than 100 years, the organization has worked with young people and the adults in their lives through education, therapy, training and community-based resources.
Then the line stopped. One little boy stepped out, walked over to Gomez and whispered a reminder most adults could use more often. “Don’t forget to breathe.”
During May, which is Mental Health Awareness Month, Momentous Institute expanded that work through its “Squeeze the Day” campaign, a public invitation to make mental health part of everyday life.
Then he asked if he could give her a hug, ran back to his class and kept moving. For Gomez, the executive director of Momentous Institute, that moment says more about the organization’s work than any statistic ever could. It is one thing to talk about mental health. It is another to see a child name it, practice it and offer it to someone else in real time.
The idea was approachable by design. Take a walk. Get outside. Call a friend. Breathe. Hydrate. Move. Check in with yourself before the pressure builds.
“That’s what I’m talking about, bringing it to life,” Gomez said. “That’s the hope.”
“Every single day you can do something for your mental health, and it doesn’t have to be this large thing,” Gomez said. “It can be me calling up a friend and saying, ‘Hey, let’s meet up for coffee,’ or spending 10 minutes outside drinking my coffee instead of inside.”
That hope is at the center of Momentous Institute’s mission, supporting the mental health of children, families and communities across North
That message was on display throughout the CJ Cup Byron Nelson, where golf, community and purpose have long shared the same fairways.
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Since 1968, the tournament has supported the work of the Salesmanship Club of Dallas, with proceeds benefiting Momentous Institute and its mental health programs. For Jon Drago, tournament director of the CJ Cup Byron Nelson and a member of the Salesmanship Club, the connection to Momentous Institute remains the foundation of the event. “Our why’s been the same since we started in 1968,” Drago said. “And that’s to raise money and raise awareness for the mental health programs at Momentous.” This year’s tournament helped carry that message to fans across the course. During a week built around being outside, walking the grounds, watching golf and gathering with friends and family, reminders about mental health were woven into the experience.
CJ also leaned into the mission. Drago said the title sponsor donated $1,000 to Momentous Institute’s mental health programs for every birdie made on hole 17, turning moments of competition into direct support for children and families. For Gomez, that kind of visibility matters because mental health should be part of everyday conversation. “If we’re going to save lives, we have to bring mental health out of the shadows,” Gomez said. “It’s time to stop separating your physical from your mental health. We’re one whole person.” That belief guides Momentous Institute well beyond tournament week. The organization offers resources for families, schools, workplaces and community partners, and its team provides training for groups across North Texas. Gomez said the goal is to help people build mental health into the places where life already happens. “We can come to you as well,” Gomez said. “If you want to build mental health into your workplace or into your school or home or community, we train.” The CJ Cup Byron Nelson helped amplify that invitation. Some fans came for the golf. Some came for a day outside. Some may have noticed a green ribbon, a message on a caddie vest or a reminder to breathe. The hope is that those small reminders did not stay on the course.
On Saturday, the tournament turned green in recognition of mental health awareness. Even the caddie vests became conversation starters. Players were asked how they care for their own mental health, and those answers appeared on the backs of caddies’ vests. Simple phrases like listening to music, calling a loved one or going for a run helped bring the message into view. “Wonder why does that say music on his back?” Drago said. “And then that gets you talking about it.”
For Momentous Institute, change often begins in those simple daily practices that become part of how families, classrooms, workplaces and communities care for one another. “Every day you can do something,” Gomez said. At this year’s CJ Cup Byron Nelson, that message was out in the open. It was on the course, in the crowd and in the quiet reminder from a kindergartner who already understands what so many people are still learning: don’t forget to breathe. To learn more about Momentous Institute visit their website below. LEARN MORE
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