NORTH TEXAS FWC ORGANIZING COMMITTEE
JUNE 2025
FROM THE PITCH
DALLASFWC26.COM
TABLE OF CONTENTS 02 From the President
03 Volunteering
04 Calendar of Events
06 Community Donation Drive
07 Host Cities Gather and Plan
09 North Texas FWC Organizing Committee
11 Sonic ID by Grammy Award Winner, Tre Nagella
13 Official Host City Poster by Matt Cliff
15 North Texas Sustainability Efforts
DALLASFWC26.COM
FROM THE PRESIDENT Hello Soccer Fans! On behalf of the North Texas FWC Organizing Committee, welcome to our first newsletter! In just one year, the North Texas region will welcome the world as Dallas will serve as an official Host City for FIFA World Cup 2026™. With nine matches and a semi-final set to take place in Arlington, and numerous events being planned across the region, the energy is building fast - and North Texas is ready to shine! We are excited to begin sharing all that you need to know as we build towards FIFA World Cup 2026™. Our board and committee have been hard at work planning and preparing for “the beautiful game” to descend upon our great region next summer, and this monthly newsletter will show all of the great progress that is being made. Beginning this month, each newsletter will aim to bring you all the latest information, events and updates to get you World Cup ready for 2026! This is more than a tournament – it’s a global celebration that will need all of you to help showcase our Texas hospitality for the world to see...so let’s kick this off! Cheers,
Monica Paul, NTFWCOC President
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VOLUNTEER
VOLUNTEER In 2026, the world comes to North Texas. And this time — you can be at the heart of it! Volunteer applications will open in August, but in the meantime, join the FIFA Volunteer Community and tell us where you want to volunteer in 2026. Click Here To Register Your Interest.
Official FIFA World Cup 26™ volunteer uniform
Exclusive reward and recognition items
Meals and refreshments during your shift
Volunteer certificate
Lasting friendships and a oncein-a-generation experience
Skills-based learning opportunities
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CALENDAR OF EVENTS
JUNE 11
One Year To Go Countdown to FIFA World Cup 2026™
JUNE 13
Volunteer Opportunity: Lake Arlington Clean Up
JUNE 14
June 11 - June 30: Community Soccer Equipment, Cleats & Shoe Drive at participating Kroger’s & YMCAS
FIFA Club World Cup 2025TM
JUNE 18
Concacaf Gold Cup @ AT&T Stadium
Costa Rica vs. Dominican Republic Mexico vs. Suriname
JUNE 22
Concacaf Gold Cup @ AT&T Stadium
United States vs. Haiti Dominican Republic vs. Suriname
JUNE 25 JUNE 28
FOLLOW @FWC26DALLAS FOR MORE 04
DOWNLOAD
PURCHASE
SONIC ID
DALLAS POSTER
The 2026 FIFA World Cup™ introduced Sonic IDs for each Host City, blending local sound with global spirit. Dallas’ Sonic ID, produced by Grammy winner Tre Nagella, celebrates the city’s musical diversity and will feature prominently throughout the tournament.
Dallas unveiled its Official FIFA World Cup 26™ Host City Poster in April, designed by Fort Worth artist Matt Cliff. His bold artwork blends Dallas’ urban energy and cowboy heritage, symbolizing North Texas’ passion for soccer and cultural identity.
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GET INVOLVED
JUNE 11 - 30
COMMUNITY SOCCER EQUIPMENT, CLEATS, & SHOE DRIVE North Texas rallies together for the beautiful game—and for a great cause. In celebration of the countdown to the FIFA World Cup 2026™, you’re invited to donate new or gently used soccer equipment, cleats, and/or shoes to support youth and families across our region and beyond. Drop off any of the following items at participating Kroger’s and YMCA’s locations across North Texas (for a complete list, visit the website). Items could include: soccer balls, shin guards, new socks, cleats (new or gently used), training equipment (cones, vests, bags, etc.) and/or shoes (all types and sizes). Soccer equipment and cleats will be distributed to local nonprofits supporting underserved youth. Shoes will be collected and distributed by Soles4Souls, to support individuals and communities in need to help fight poverty and support global sustainability efforts. It’s more than a donation—it’s a chance to give back, create access to sport, and be part of a region united by the power of play. Participating drop off locations:
Kroger, 4241 Capitol Ave, Dallas, TX 75204 Kroger, 752 Wynnewood Dr, Dallas, TX 75224 Kroger, 2580 E Arkansas Ln, Arlington, TX 76014 Kroger, 3120 S University Dr, Fort Worth, TX 76109 Kroger, 3205 Main Street, Frisco, TX 75034 Kroger, 7500 Preston Rd, Frisco, TX 75034 Kroger, 313 E Pioneer Pkwy, Grand Prairie, TX 75051 Kroger, 3612 N Belt Line Rd, Irving, TX 75062 Kroger, 7505 N MacArthur Blvd, Irving, TX 75063 Kroger, 4620 SH 121, Lewisville, TX 75056 Kroger, 2671 Little Elm Park, Little Elm, TX 75068 Kroger, 2721 Sam Rayburn Highway, Melissa, TX 75454 Kroger, 525 N Galloway Ave, Mesquite, TX 75149 Kroger, 9617 Coit Rd, Plano, TX 75025 Kroger, 1250 N. Preston Rd, Prosper, TX 75078 T. Boone Pickens YMCA, 601 N Akard Street, Dallas, TX 75201 Moody Family YMCA, 6000 Preston Road, Dallas, TX 75205
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NORTH TEXAS FWC ORGANIZING COMMITTEE
HOST CITIES
HOST CITIES GATHER FOR ONE YEAR TO GO MILESTONE To commemorate the “One Year to Go” milestone for the FIFA World Cup 26™, Host City leaders gathered on June 9 at the Paley Center for Media in New York City for a national media event. North Texas FWC President Monica Paul participated in a panel discussion and addressed questions from the press alongside fellow Host City CEOs.
From left: Monica Paul, Dallas; Pam Kramer, Kansas City; Dan Corso, Atlanta; Alex Lasry, NY/NJ; Zaileen Janmohamed, Bay Area; Alina Hudak, Miami; Meg Kane, Philadelphia; April Putney, Seattle; Chris Canetti, Houston; Jason Krutzsch, Los Angeles; Mike Loynd, Boston.
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NORTH TEXAS FWC ORGANIZING COMMITTEE
TEXAS UNITES
HOST CITIES ADVANCE WORLD CUP 2026™ PLANNING Both Texas FIFA World Cup 26™ Host Cities visited the state capitol in Austin on May 12, as Monica Paul joined Chris Canetti and Ryan Clark from the Houston Host Committee for an opportunity to engage with state legislative delegates and their staff, the office of economic development and the event trust program team for World Cup planning efforts.
Monica Paul joined the other U.S. Host Committees for a trip to Capitol Hill to engage with key legislators, share updates on ongoing FIFA World Cup 26™ preparations, and reinforce the need for federal support and coordination. The group had the opportunity to meet with Andrew Giuliani, the White House Task Force on World Cup Executive Director, and other senior administration officials to thank them for their support and shared commitment to hosting a safe and successful tournament. Alongside the other U.S. Host Committees, we are working collaboratively with the administration on these priorities and are excited to welcome the world next summer.
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NORTH TEXAS FWC ORGANIZING COMMITTEE
THE NORTH TEXAS FIFA WORLD CUP ORGANIZING COMMITTEE Looking one year into the future from now - it’s mid-June of 2026 in North Texas, and the FIFA Fan Festival is spilling over with soccer passion. It’s happening elsewhere, too, at equally jubilant watch parties around the Dallas-Fort Worth area. At nearby training grounds, teams that qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup are sweating through the prep for their next gripping fixture in the 48-team, 104 match competition - the largest tournament to be played in FIFA World Cup history. Around them the region is adorned with banners, bus wraps and other messaging to promote the World Cup matches inside the Dallas Cowboys home stadium in Arlington. Carefully orchestrated security and transportation plans that have been in the works are in motion now as fans make their way into one of the nine World Cup matches set to be held in Arlington from June-July. Thousands of media from across the globe are gathering at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in downtown Dallas, where the FIFA World Cup 26™ International Broadcast Center will set up shop as the official hub for global broadcast media operations for the entirety of the tournament. Not too far away, ground is being broken on a mini-pitch, part of the World Cup legacy that will live beyond the high-profile events of summer 2026.
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And now in the present day - much of this being mentioned, and a lot more, is happening due to the work of a FIFA World Cup Host City, also known as a local organizing committee - an “LOC” in sporting event parlance. Around here that means the North Texas FWC Organizing Committee is responsible for assembling and executing the massive, original FIFA World Cup bid document that set the table for all of these events that was put together years ago for these very moments. That meticulously crafted bid helped land the North Texas region nine matches - including a semi-final - for the FIFA World Cup 2026™, more than any other of the tournament’s 16 Host Cities, and the International Broadcast Center. FIFA handles the competition aspects and certainly has a role in planning and execution of elements beyond the playing field and training grounds. But so much of the job of operational planning, logistical readiness, creating community engagement and executing promotional activities around FIFA World Cup 26™ falls on the organizing committee. It’s a big job considering such a colossal comingtogether of visitors, media, events, local businesses, community projects and promotional activities, all pointed toward an event with unmatched international impact. The coordination is critical, as hundreds of thousands of visitors from across the world are expected to sweep across the continent next summer, almost certainly more than past World Cups given the largest field yet of men’s national teams. They’ll drop in and out of 16 Host Cities for matches spread across the United States (11), Mexico (three) and Canada (two). In North Texas, there’s extra planning to be done as the tournament’s International Broadcast Center will operate from the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center. It is the second time the city has hosted the prestigious IBC, as Fair Park first hosted media in 1994. Now, more than 4,000 broadcasters and staff from around the world will base out of the downtown Dallas center through the entirety of the tournament.
Given the number of media and visitors en route, in addition to local enthusiasts, careful coordination with transportation authorities will ensure seamless travel to and from stadiums, airports, FIFA Fan Festival, watch party zones and hotels. Routes for teams, officials, media, and fans must be clearly planned, secured, and communicated between the cities, counties and agencies. This goes hand-in-hand with the North Central Texas Council of Governments who are working with the transit agencies of Trinity Metro, DART and Trinity Railway Express, amongst others, to ensure the best and most efficient travel experience during the tournament. Teams are in place to locate and coordinate training sites and training bases around the region that will be selected early next year by each qualifying national team. The organizing committee’s safety and security liaison is working with local, state and federal law enforcement agencies, drafting plans in coordination with FIFA. An accommodations liaison is working to ensure everyone has suitable places to stay. For fans without match tickets seeking an immersive World Cup experience, and for the thousands of regional visitors in town when matches aren’t scheduled locally, a teeming FIFA Fan Festival and other public watch parties will add flavor and communal feel. Creating and running the FIFA Fan Festival falls under the organizing committee’s umbrella. For the Fan Festivals, the organizing committee’s chief sustainability officer will help mitigate its environmental impact, minimizing waste, energy use and transportation impact, while also engaging vendors, staff, and attendees in eco-friendly procedures. The team’s chief human rights officer will help ensure standards of fair labor, accessibility, equity, safety, and inclusion for staff, vendors and attendees. North Texas’ organizing committee long ago began identifying suitable public spaces,
working with event operations elements, city officials, vendors, sponsors, and entertainment groups - all to create safe, engaging, culturally relevant and memorable experiences around the matches. Most of the North Texas organizing committee was in place by January of 2025, with plenty to keep everyone busy, even 17 months ahead of the World Cup 2026 opener. By then, the marketing team was busy creating campaigns to build awareness and excitement, with a view toward driving ticket sales and collaborations with local partners and influencers. A media team was in place to begin coordinating press coverage, crafting key messages, handling local media inquiries and driving online engagement across social media platforms. Of course, all of it needs funding. So a sales team was built out to secure revenue through sponsorships, hospitality packages and premium experiences including a unique chance for them to be one of only 10 Host City Supporters, who are given the unique ability and rights to use official FIFA World Cup 2026™ logos and marks with their brands throughout the tournament. An event manager will also help organize the activities and promotions, assisted by the organizing committee’s volunteer director. All of this work, although heavily coordinated by the North Texas FWC Organizing Committee, is not implemented without the combined efforts of the many city departments throughout the region working tirelessly together to ensure the best experience for all involved with FIFA World Cup 2026™. With one year to go, and more work to still do, North Texas - known for hosting some of the biggest sporting events in the world - is confident and ready to put on the biggest and best sports experience for FIFA World Cup 2026™!
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SONIC ID
FIFA WORLD CUP 26™
DALLAS SONIC ID BY TRE NAGELLA FIFA Partners with North Texas Native and Four-Time Grammy Award-Winning Producer Tre Nagella
An exciting new development for the 2026 FIFA World Cup™ was unveiled earlier in March with the release of Official FIFA World Cup 26™ Sonic ID - a groundbreaking music initiative that celebrates the city’s vibrant culture and dynamic energy. For the first time in FIFA World Cup™ history, the tournament introduced Official FIFA World Cup 26™ Sonic IDs, created by local producers in each of the 16 Host Cities across Canada, Mexico and the United States. Beginning on March 1 and running through March 16, each Host City had their own day to release their Official Host City Sonic ID that featured a unique producer to their city and region. This innovative and groundbreaking music initiative marked a milestone in the tournament’s legacy, blending global unity with local flavor through music. In Dallas, FIFA partnered with North Texas native and four-time Grammy Award-winning producer Tre Nagella to craft the 2026 FIFA World Cup™
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Dallas Sonic ID.
SONIC ID
Nagella is a four-time Grammy Award-winning studio engineer, record mixer, and music producer, who co-owns the premier recording studio, Luminous Sound, located in Dallas. He has worked with major record labels and independent music artists across a wide range of genres such as Lady Gaga, Blake Shelton, Travis Scott and Ed Sheeran. He is also a Governor on the Board of Texas Chapter of the Recording Academy. His versatility, experience and deep roots in Dallas made him an ideal candidate to produce Dallas’ Sonic ID - bridging the gap between local identity and global celebration. “It’s an exciting honor to be selected to create the official FIFA World Cup 2026™ Sonic ID for my hometown of Dallas, Texas,” said Tre Nagella. “It was my job to incorporate the original FIFA World Cup™ Theme with the identity and sound of the city, so I chose to integrate and blend together elements of country, hip-hop, R&B, modern and futuristic sounds to represent what the North Texas area is as a diverse metropolitan city.” Nagella’s remix of the World Cup theme captures the essence of Dallas' big music culture. With deep roots in the area, Nagella’s track offers a sonic tribute to his hometown, bringing together the energy and spirit of Dallas in an unforgettable remix. The Dallas Sonic ID will be prominently featured online, at in-person events leading up to the tournament and during the World Cup itself at in-stadium activations. “We’re proud of what Tre Nagella was able to produce for the Dallas Sonic ID, and believe through this sound it will showcase the perfect representation of the North Texas region to the rest of the globe during FIFA World Cup 2026,” said North Texas FIFA World Cup Organizing Committee President Monica Paul. The Dallas Sonic ID and accompanying visualizer are now available for fans to enjoy on YouTube and on FIFA’s official social channels. Fans can stream, download, and immerse themselves in the Dallas Sonic ID on platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube.
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HOST CITY POSTER
FIFA WORLD CUP 26™ DALLAS HOST CITY POSTER
LOCAL DFW ARTIST MATT CLIFF CHOSEN TO REPRESENT NORTH TEXAS Following the successful launch of the Official FIFA World Cup 26™ Dallas Sonic ID in March, the Official FIFA World Cup 26TM Dallas Host City Poster was revealed in April. FIFA World Cup 26™ sought out local artists in each of the 16 Host Cities in the United States, Canada and Mexico to create unique Host City Posters that reflected the distinctive spirit, vibrant culture and history of their respective city. Similar to the rollout of the FIFA World Cup 26™ Sonic ID, FIFA also unveiled each Official Host City Poster one-by-one, starting on March 18. On April 17, the North Texas FWC Organizing Committee revealed the final design of the Dallas Host City Poster, created by local Fort Worth illustrator and type artist, Matt Cliff, at an event at Klyde Warren Park in Dallas. Cliff submitted his winning bid for the Host City Poster during a contest that was voted on by judges with the local organizing committee. His winning design will be displayed across the DFW Metroplex throughout the entirety of FIFA World Cup 26™ and was even featured prominently on an over 100-foot banner that hung over 511 Akard Street in downtown Dallas. “When I was asked to come up with a concept for the Official FIFA World Cup 26™ Dallas Host City Poster, I wanted to approach the design in a personal way - in a way that was bold and impactful - while still thinking about what it is to be an actual Texan,” said Matt Cliff. “As a DallasFort Worth local, it was my responsibility to merge the history of the state with its current metropolitan feel, and turn them both into one cohesive, impactful design that truly represents our state and the area that we live in.”
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HOST CITY POSTER
Cliff’s use of bold colors, detailed artwork and knowledge of Texas enabled him to capture the diverse cultures and essence of the city of Dallas in his poster. His design incorporates both the bustling city landscape and the western, cowboy culture North Texas is known for. These contrasting cultures are connected by a soccer ball, symbolizing the passion North Texas has for the “beautiful game”. In his poster, Cliff successfully accomplished the goal of bridging soccer’s global impact with the local atmosphere of Dallas and the North Texas region.
Cliff was raised in Fort Worth, Texas and has a deep connection to the North Texas region. Cliff considers himself an illustrator who has worked with numerous artists and companies to develop their brands, merchandise and album artwork. He is best known for his work with musicians such as Post Malone, The Killers, Leon Bridges, Maren Morris and Midland, while also working with such brands as The Dallas Cowboys, The Dallas Mavericks, The Texas Rangers, Raising Cane’s and Psycho Bunny. In all, Cliff’s versatility and Texas roots made him the ideal artist for this project.
“We chose Matt Cliff for our Host City Poster because we felt his design best captured the energy and attitude of our incredible region,” said North Texas FWC Organizing Committee Chief Marketing Officer Noelle LeVeaux. “We want this poster to be a lasting image for soccer fans across the world capturing Dallas and our North Texas region as a thriving soccer community in 2026 and beyond, and we believe Matt accomplished that with his art.”
Fans can visit FIFAWorldCup.com to view the revealed posters and discover the story behind each artwork and the artists behind each design.
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SUSTAINABILITY
A GREENER GOAL
NORTH TEXAS SUSTAINABILITY EFFORTS FOR THE FIFA WORLD CUP 2026™ Sporting events like the FIFA World Cup are more than just thrilling displays of athleticism—they are powerful platforms for driving change. With billions of fans watching and millions attending, these events provide an unparalleled opportunity to model and inspire sustainable practices. As North Texas gears up to host the FIFA World Cup in 2026, the city is not only preparing to welcome the world but also setting a new benchmark for sustainability in global sporting events. Guided by FIFA’s Sustainability Strategy, Dallas has embraced the challenge of hosting this global event by weaving sustainability into every aspect of the World Cup—showcasing how cities can rise to the challenge of hosting large-scale events while minimizing environmental impacts and maximizing social and economic benefits. The FIFA Sustainability Strategy focuses on three pillars: environmental protection, social inclusion, and economic development. These principles are the foundation for a host of innovative programs and initiatives designed to leave a positive legacy for North Texas. From reducing carbon emissions to promoting biodiversity, conservation, and circular economy, this World Cup is set to be a gamechanger—not just for soccer, but for sustainability. This newsletter will continue to spotlight the programs that are bringing this vision to life. From green stadiums and sustainable transportation to community-driven initiatives, we’re diving into how the city, and its partners are working together to ensure that this World Cup is remembered not just for the goals on the field, but for the strides made toward a more sustainable future.
A GREENER GOAL
Green Venues and Infrastructure
Waste Reduction and Recycling
AT&T Stadium, referred to as "Dallas Stadium" during the tournament, is undergoing upgrades to achieve LEED certification, reflecting a commitment to sustainable construction and operations. Existing infrastructure will be utilized to minimize resource consumption.
A comprehensive waste management program will be in place throughout the tournament, focusing on recycling, composting, and reducing food waste. Efforts will also aim to minimize single-use plastics at stadiums and fan fest.
Sustainable Transportation Recognizing the importance of eco-friendly transit, the North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) has proposed a multifaceted transportation plan. This includes the introduction of electric buses and a "bus bridge" to supplement the Trinity Railway Express, facilitating efficient travel for fans between Dallas, Fort Worth, and Arlington.
Inclusive Economic Opportunities The North Texas Business Connect Program is engaging local, diverse suppliers to participate in the World Cup's supply chain. Businesses must comply with the FWC2026 Sustainable Sourcing Code and the Human Rights Framework, ensuring ethical and sustainable practices.
Community Engagement and Legacy The sustainability strategy extends beyond the event itself. Initiatives include environmental education programs, urban tree planting, lake and parks cleanup, symposium, and various outreach events. The goal is to foster long-term environmental awareness and benefits for local communities.
In the years following the World Cup, host cities often find themselves with new infrastructure, energized communities, and a strengthened global reputation. The key to this success is a commitment to embedding sustainability into every decision—from planning to execution to legacy-building. Dallas's approach to sustainability for the 2026 FIFA World Cup serves as a blueprint for future large-scale events. By integrating environmental responsibility, community engagement, and economic inclusion, the city is setting a new standard for hosting international tournaments. For more information on sustainability initiatives for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, visit the official website: DallasFWC26 Sustainability
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DALLASFWC26.COM