FROM THE PITCH FROM THE PITCH
Photo: Nancy White and Bobby Hammond, 1994 FIFA World Cup
Photo: Pelé, 1994 FIFA World Cup
FROMTHEPRESIDENT
As we move one month closer to next summer ’ s FIFA World Cup 26™, August holds special significance since it marks the official kickoff of the FIFA Volunteer Program Registration is now open, and you can begin the process of becoming a volunteer in any of the 16 Host Cities, including right here in Dallas
Volunteers are the heart and soul of the FIFA World Cup 26™, especially here in our Dallas Host City and throughout the North Texas region. More than 65,000 volunteers will support the tournament across all Host Cities, and we're proud to be recruiting over 6,000 right here in North Texas. Every single volunteer will play a vital role in creating an unforgettable experience for guests, ensuring the spirit of hospitality shines through at every moment of the tournament
We invite our fellow North Texas residents to help spread the word and encourage as many local volunteers as possible to get involved This is our chance to show visitors the true meaning of Texas hospitality, ensuring they leave the World Cup with unforgettable memories and every reason to return to North Texas in the near future
We appreciate your support and look forward to continuing to share the latest updates and content from the North Texas FIFA World Cup 26™ Organizing Committee
Cheers,
Monica Paul, NTFWCOC President
THEHEARTBEATOFTHEFIFAWORLD CUP–ITSVOLUNTEERS
by Jon Arnold
No one was hurt, and everyone ’ s soul was safe for the moment, but he had received an urgent request: Romário wanted to be blessed before playing in Brazil’s 1994 World Cup quarterfinal at the Cotton Bowl
A religious man himself, though evangelical rather than Catholic, Balyeat set out to see what he could do in an era before cell phones and GPS were common After finding a nearby church and being told where to find the priest, the volunteer joined Brazil's team doctor, a security officer and watched as the pious star sprinkled holy water on his head, then stepped back and adorned both his feet
David Balyeat needed a priest - and fast
Bobby Hammond (left) and Cynthia Williams, Volunteer Services Manager (right) 1994 FIFA World Cup
Romário would go on to score the opening goal in a 3-2 Brazil victory over the Netherlands in Dallas Then he harnessed whatever divine energy he had left to score again in the semifinal and convert his penalty in the final as Brazil became the world champions
Balyeat’s work wasn’t done after his friar-finding duties After the match at the Cotton Bowl, he helped Brazil pack up for the trip to Los Angeles, fueled by a meal gifted to him from the team cook The next morning, he was surprised to find himself driving the rented truck to the airport that he also helped unload It was all part of a remarkable experience Balyeat had volunteering during the 1994 World Cup.
“It’s phenomenal to be exposed to the game, but not only the game but the people from all over the world There’s no animosity It’s joyful,” he said “There’s a lot of learning that goes on, and in my case, it exceeded my wildest dreams It went from shagging balls at Germany practice or carrying a bag for South Korea, but then it was getting to meet players, talking to them when they were not in session”
Members of the North Texas community have the chance to chip for a FIFA World Cup once again, with the region hosting a tournamenthigh nine matches next summer Assistance is needed, with volunteers helping visiting teams, executives and fans from the moment they touch down at the airport until the moment they’re sent off again
Thousands of volunteers will come away with World Cup stories of their own next summer that will still be worth sharing three decades from now Bilingual in English and Spanish, Balyeat leveraged his willingness to do anything, his language skills and his passion for soccer to do a bit of everything for many of the teams that came through the region
Beginning with the official launch of the FIFA Volunteer Program set to commence on August 11, this World Cup will see the biggest volunteer program ever with 65,000 people mobilizing across the 16 FIFA World Cup 26™ Host Cities across the United States, Mexico and Canada in various roles and capacities
“It won’t let you down”
1994 FIFA World Cup Volunteer Service certificate for David Balyeat
David Balyeat (middle) with Team Brazil players Leonardo (left) and Jorginho (right) by the Brazil team plane 1994 FIFA World Cup
You don’t need any sort of special skills to be a volunteer, said Nina Vaca, Co-Chair of the North Texas FWC Organizing Committee
“Volunteers will be the heartbeat of the World Cup, and we’ll need thousands of them from all backgrounds and abilities here in Dallas and the North Texas region,” Vaca said “There are about 18 functional areas, such as media operations, hospitality and guest operations Volunteers will help provide support at tournament-related sites, such as stadiums, airports, fan zones, fan fest and transportation hubs They'll be all over the North Texas community”
In addition to the memories, stories and new skills acquired, Vaca said volunteers will receive the Adidas volunteer uniform that includes a number of pieces, plus other exclusive rewards
While everyone is talking about the FIFA World Cup 26™ and the opportunities it will bring, Bobby Hammond remembers there being less fanfare leading into the 1994 tournament.
He had a head-start on volunteering, working at the 1993 Gold Cup that was run by the 1994 World Cup Organizing Committee After that experience, he hung around the offices enough that “They had pity on me and actually started paying me ” as the assistant manager of volunteer services
Hammond still works in soccer to this day, now serving as the Senior Vice President of Player Personnel for the NC Courage He said he wouldn’t be working in soccer were it not for his volunteer experience.
“It was a launching pad for me, honestly,” Hammond said “That opened my eyes, like, ‘Hey, this could actually be a career!’ For the next several months, I put all my focus on using my connections from the Gold Cup and World Cup to land a position with FC Dallas. I was there for 18 years. ”
Some of the relationships he made in 1994 have endured even longer than that
“So many friends and connections, even before social media, were made during the World Cup You were meeting people from all over the world,” he said “They were experiences you never would have had anywhere else, to experience different cultures and welcome them It was the reverse as well: they were experiencing North Texas and opening up to how friendly the Texans were ”
The biggest benefit, though, as Balyeat, Hammond and many others can attest, is being the face of the DFW community.
“1994 for me was an eye-opening as to what the game does,” Balyeat said “The game does connect the world”
Whether it be a future world champion in need of a priest or just a traveling fan hoping to learn more about North Texas while watching their team, volunteers will serve as the world’s connection to North Texas And that process begins now
For more information about the FIFA World Cup 26™ Volunteer Program, please visit fifaworldcup.com/volunteers to apply to become a volunteer now!
VOLUNTEERFAQ
Q: How do I apply to volunteer at the FIFA World Cup 26™?
A: If you are interested in applying, you must first sign up to the FIFA Volunteer Community Once you ’ re a member of the FIFA Volunteer Community, take a moment to read and understand the program ’ s requirements, then fill out the application form and complete the online assessment, which is when you’ll tell us why you’d make a great addition to the volunteer team
Q: What does the FIFA volunteer journey involve?
A: The volunteer journey at a FIFA event is exciting! It involves applying and completing a brief online assessment, attending Volunteer Team Tryouts, accepting your role, completing your training, picking up your accreditation pass and uniform and being part of delivering a world-class event Please note that if you are offered a role, you will need to complete and pass a background review
Q: How many volunteers will be selected?
A: Host City Dallas is looking to welcome more than 6,000 volunteers We anticipate that the interest and demand will be much greater than the number of volunteer roles available We encourage you to complete the application form and online assessment as soon as possible
Q: How are volunteers selected?
A: The volunteer selection process is handled by the FIFA World Cup 26™ Volunteer Team. The team carefully reviews each application, online assessment and the Volunteer Team Tryouts to match volunteers with the roles that best fit their profiles.
Q: Do I need previous volunteering experience?
A: No prior experience is needed! If you ’ re excited about being part of a FIFA event, we invite you to apply
Q: Does FIFA cover any expenses for volunteers?
A: Volunteering-related expenses are not covered by FIFA Volunteers will need to arrange their own travel to the host country and Host City, as well as accommodation, and cover any other related costs Volunteers will receive meals and refreshments during their shifts Information about local transportation during tournament time will be shared with volunteers in due course
Q: Does FIFA help volunteers obtain visas?
A: FIFA is unable to help volunteers obtain visas Volunteers must follow the entry requirements of the host country in question
Q: What happens after I apply?
A: Once you have completed the application form and online assessment, your application will be reviewed by the FIFA World Cup 26™ Volunteer Management Team If your application is successful, you’ll be invited to continue your volunteer journey and attend the in-person Volunteer Team Tryouts in the Host City you indicated on your application!
REQUIREMENTS PERKS
WHERETHEBEAUTIFULGAMEMEETS
PURPOSE:DALLASADVANCESHUMAN RIGHTSFORFIFAWORLDCUP26™
As Host City Dallas prepares to welcome th world for FIFA World Cup 26™, our commitmen to human rights remains strong and action driven While the full Human Rights Action Plan aligned with FIFA’s requirements, will now b published in December 2025 instead of Augus important progress is already underway. Th plan addresses all 21 mandated issue areas an outlines nearly 100 specific tactics, several o which are already in motion From trainings o human trafficking and accessibility to worke protections, free speech resources and inclusiv community partnerships, the followin snapshot highlights just a few of the man efforts already taking shape
TRAININGS
Training on human trafficking, LGBTQIA+ sensitivity and accessibility is being developed for delivery across key sectors and groups, including law enforcement and private security, transportation, volunteers and the hospitality industry Sessions will be scheduled from January through May 2026, with final logistics still in progress
WORKER RIGHTS AND HUMAN TRAFFICKING
A Responsible Contracting Policy, supported by detailed processes, is now in effect to reinforce worker protections and proactively address the risks of labor exploitation and human trafficking in our supply chain
In support of this policy, we are planning to operationalize a dedicated Worker Center at the FIFA Fan Festival This space will provide workers with a place to file grievances All services and materials will be available in both English and Spanish to ensure accessibility for all workers
We have also joined with a leading international partner to prepare a broad social media campaign, using our soccer-focused platform to highlight issues such as gender-based violence and buyer awareness The campaign will run from May to July 2026
ACCESSIBILITY
Stakeholders requested an assessment of accessibility options for rideshare services Both Uber and Lyft already provide wheelchair-accessible rides, accommodate mobility devices and maintain clear policies permitting service animals Uber is introducing new features aimed at reducing discrimination against visually impaired riders, while Lyft supports screen readers and offers assisted ride services. The FIFA Fan Festival will be an accessible event, with more than 20 accessibility integrations planned Additional details will be shared in May 2026
FREE SPEECH
We are developing a Free Speech Toolkit to help demonstrators understand the scope of constitutionally protected free speech, with particular emphasis on time, place and manner restrictions The goal is to support lawful expression and encourage peaceful protest
INCLUSION
In addition to our many existing working groups, we have launched an Interfaith Working Group to help promote social and religious cohesion This group brings together diverse faith and community leaders
For more on the human rights action plan, go to dallasfwc26.com/dallas-2026/human-rights/.
HOST CITY MERCH
When FIFA World Cup™ comes to North America next year, don’t just watch it from the stands
Experience it in grand style with a hospitality package
Enjoy premium amenities that extend far beyond the pitch Indulge in exquisite cuisine, have dedicated access to the stadium, and immerse yourself in exclusive experiences alongside other fans With a hospitality package, you get none of the game-day hassle and all of the comfort
A hospitality package is the best way to guarantee access and luxury to the world’s greatest sporting event
