FROM THE PITCH FROM THE PITCH
FROMTHEPRESIDENT
As we enter the final days of the FIFA World Cup, I find myself reflecting on just how extraordinary this journey has been for North Texas
Over the past month, we have welcomed fans from around the world, experienced unforgettable moments and watched our region come alive with the energy and excitement of the beautiful game I have especially enjoyed experiencing the excitement at FIFA Fan Festival, where thousands of fans have gathered to watch matches, celebrate their countries and cultures, and share in this historic moment together Seeing the incredible energy and success of the festival firsthand has been one of the many highlights of this tournament
Now, only one match remains in North Texas: the 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-final Reaching this moment has taken years of planning and the dedication of countless cities, partners, volunteers, stakeholders and community members I could not be more grateful to everyone who helped make this historic experience possible
Our impact will also extend far beyond the tournament Through the North Texas Sports Foundation, we have continued investing in our communities, including the recent opening of three new mini-pitches in Dallas and Arlington, with more to come These spaces represent the lasting legacy we set out to create from the very beginning
As we prepare for our ninth and final match, I am incredibly proud of what North Texas has accomplished together. We are ready to finish strong, celebrate this remarkable moment and ensure the legacy of FIFA World Cup continues long after the final whistle
Cheers,
Monica Paul, NTFWCOC President
Monica Paul (President, NTFWCOC), Andrew H Giuliani (Executive Director of FWC White House Task Force)
CELEBRATINGCOMMUNITYATFIFAFAN FESTIVAL™DALLAS
FIFA Fan Festival™ Dallas Community Days shine a spotlight on the people and organizations working every day to make North Texas stronger Throughout the festival, local nonprofits are being celebrated for their dedication to supporting youth, strengthening neighborhoods, expanding opportunities and creating positive change across our region Each participating organization receives special recognition on the festival screens and joins fellow community leaders for a group photo, creating a memorable moment of unity and celebration on a global stage Together, these organizations represent the heart of North Texas and the lasting legacy of the FIFA World Cup 2026™.
July 6
TX Youth Voter Project
National Breast Cancer Foundation
Deep Vellum Music/Literature Festival
Brandon Foster Foundation
One Unified Resource Foundation
Men About the Culture
July 7
Boys and Girls Clubs of Collin County
Diamond Hill North Side Youth Association
Southside Hornets Athletic Association
Math Kangaroo USA
July 9
All Stars Project of Dallas
UTD Laksh
Single Parents Advocate
July 10
Youth Guidance Dallas
MHMR Foundation
Pasos for Oak Cliff
July 14
City Year Dallas
Goats n Boats
Cannenta Center
MaaPaa
North Texas Disability Chamber
July 15
Irving Cares
Migrante Sin Fronteras
SDFP Innovation Center
Cedar Hill Board of Trustees
July 18
Be the Difference Foundation
6 Stones Mission Network
Somos Tejas
Be an Angel Fund
Hispanic Women's Network
Big Brothers Big Sisters Lone Star
The African Think Tank
THENORTHTEXASFWCORGANIZING COMMITTEESOCCEREXPERIENCE
By Kevin Utz
I was trying to understand why my eyes were hurting during the opening minutes of Netherlands vs Japan My realization wasn’t pain, however, but rather how wide my eyes were opened as I experienced the wonderful atmosphere created by the fans at Dallas Stadium
The distinct Netherlands orange was spotted throughout the stadium among the blue Japan jerseys The stadium was split by the two nation’s supporters, and they had been there since I saw them walking to the stadium four hours before the game.
As the start time came closer, the stadium grew louder as the Japan fans began chanting Vama Nippon, translating to “Let’s go, Japan”
The words were in perfect unison because of the beat created by the large bass drum The chant lasted through the first half until the halftime break and resumed for the exciting second half
The chant grew louder with each Japan goal as Japan responded to both of Netherlands’ goals to lead to a 2-2 draw.
THE NORTH TEXAS FWC ORGANIZING COMMITTEE SOCCER EXPERIENCE
The atmosphere created by the Japan fans and the thrilling second half with four goals scored caused me to drive in silence from the stadium, causing me to question myself if what just happened was actually reality
There were no words to describe all the emotions I was experiencing after witnessing the first FIFA World Cup match played in Dallas since 1994
I had the same exact feeling after watching Argentina vs Jordan The stadium was predominantly Argentina fans, but Jordan was well represented too. Many of the Argentina jerseys had the signature number 10 for Lionel Messi, of course.
Every time Messi was shown on screen, the Argentina fans cheered for the living legend It grew louder when he started warming up to enter the match in the second half I fixated on the sidelines as I waited for Messi to check into the game
Despite my lack of Spanish, the Argentina fans and I experienced the same feelings when we saw Messi score in the 80th minute with a beautiful free kick The Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni doubled down on that moment as well about watching Messi live and in person, because as he said in the press conference, the Argentina team also sees and feels the same things as we do when watching Messi and his incredible soccer greatness each and every time he graces the pitch
I have found myself losing a sense of time for the matches FIFA World Cup 2026™ matches at Dallas stadium as I become enamored with each matchup. Though the atmosphere is a a special one at Dallas Stadium, the FIFA World Cup 2026™ experience also exists at the FIFA Fan Festival™ Dallas
The FIFA Fan Festival™ Dallas can only be described as a big soccer party filled with all the unique cultures of each national team that is playing during the tournament
My experiences at FIFA Fan Festival™ Dallas located at the iconic Fair Park have been the best one can find in Dallas outside of the stadium itself
When I attended FIFA Fan Festival™ Dallas, I arrived at Fair Park just in time to see Qatar score an equalizer against Switzerland. Then, I experienced a similar atmosphere of fan enthusiasm with a crowd of Brazil fans on the grass at the main stage of the FIFA Fan Festival™ Dallas With a full house in the main stage, other fans spilled over to the accompanying lawn and the large group shared the same reactions to the scoring chances throughout the game
After witnessing another 1-1 draw, I quickly went to the concession stands to choose from the variety menu It varied from Birria tacos to cheesesteaks and cheeseburgers, to even local takes on Cuban and Ghanian fare
THE NORTH TEXAS FWC ORGANIZING COMMITTEE SOCCER EXPERIENCE
I also walked the nearly one million square feet of the footprint of FIFA Fan Festival™ Dallas, marveling at the countless and creative activations, a huge FIFA Fan Store and even a Playground where the youth and “ young at heart” all played along on smaller pitches
My experience once again had me completely lose track of time because of the fun and interactive soccer atmosphere created by the N
Altogether, my experiences together – whether at the stadium or at Fair Park – were some made for a lifetime, and I cannot wait for North Texas soccer fans, and those visiting, to experience the same feeling as well
More information on everything created by the North Texas FWC Organizing Committee can be found online at: DallasFWC26com
WHEREGLOBALFOOTBALLMOMENTS BECOMELOCALCOMMUNITYLEGACY
For many young people in North Texas, the FIFA World Cup has been more than a match It has been the first time they stepped into a worldclass stadium, the first time they felt part of something global, and the first time they believed an extraordinary experience could belong to them, too
That opportunity did not happen by chance. Through North Texas Sports Foundation’s Ticket Giveback Program, 17 nonprofit organizations were selected to receive tickets to matches for the young people and families they serve
One young person who attended said, “I am so thankful for this” Another shared, “This really means a lot to me I’m grateful for the opportunities and support you ’ ve given me ” One partner told us the day gave the boys they serve more than tickets it gave them memories they will carry for a lifetime and reminded them they are seen, valued, and worthy of extraordinary experiences
This is the kind of legacy North Texas Sports Foundation is building: not just special moments, but lasting opportunity
In Dallas County, more than 110,000 children are living in poverty, and families now spend around $1,000 a year on one child’s primary sport costs that push many young people to the sidelines instead of onto the field. At the same time, there are reports of shortages of volunteer coaches and safe facilities, making it even harder for kids in under‐resourced neighborhoods to participate consistently
NTXSF is investing in more than events Through mini-pitch launches across North Texas, communities are gaining new safe places to play, gather, and grow together These spaces are more than places to kick a ball They are visible investments in health, belonging, confidence, and connection for children and families
WHERE GLOBAL FOOTBALL MOMENTS BECOME LOCAL
As part of our legacy initiatives, three new minipitches have been installed in North Texas communities, creating safe, accessible places for children to play, learn and connect through the game. Each pitch is more than a place to kick a ball. It is an investment in confidence, teamwork, wellness and opportunity.
Years from now, a child may step onto a minipitch for the first time A neighborhood may be transformed through art and investment A young athlete may discover confidence, belonging or a dream they did not know was possible all because of our efforts
A gift to North Texas Sports Foundation helps turn the excitement of the World Cup into something that stays here
Your donation helps:
Send youth and families to major sporting events they never imagined they would attend.
Create safe, accessible mini-pitches where children can play, families can gather, and neighborhoods can connect Strengthen nonprofit organizations that provide caring adults, coaching, encouragement, and consistent support around these opportunities
Invest in public spaces and community landmarks that reflect the cultures, pride, and aspirations of North Texas
For a limited time during the Texan Golden Boot Brick Plaza campaign, your gift can do something more: it can leave your mark on what comes next for our region With a qualifying donation, you can inscribe your name, your family’s name, your organization’s name, or a short message on a commemorative brick in the Texan Golden Boot Plaza Your donation supports the Foundation’s work, and in return, your inscription becomes part of a permanent public gathering space that honors this historic World Cup moment and the people who chose to invest in North Texas communities
Located in the Arlington Entertainment District, the Texan Golden Boot will stand as a permanent public art landmark celebrating the global spirit of fútbol and the pride of Texas heritage Crafted from locally sourced reclaimed Texas metals, the one-of-a-kind sculpture fuses the iconic Golden Boot with the Texas Spur.
Created by internationally recognized sculptor Steve Ekpenisi and curated by Street Art for Mankind, the installation symbolizes unity, culture, and community impact.
With a donation, your name, message, or logo can become part of the physical space surrounding the sculpture and part of the story this region will tell for years to come about the FIFA World Cup 2026™.
