Dallas Opens Volunteer Center for FIFA World Cup 2026
North Texas is buzzing with excitement as the official FIFA World Cup 2026 Volunteer Center grand opened at Fair Park this week. This pivotal center marks the beginning of a massive recruitment drive to find thousands of dedicated individuals who will help host the global football spectacle coming to our region next summer.
Your Opportunity to Volunteer for a Global Event
The city of Dallas officially launched its volunteer recruitment efforts for the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Tuesday, November 18, 2025. This dedicated center at Fair Park is more than just an office; it’s the gateway for thousands of future volunteers who will be integral to the success of this monumental event. From now until January, recruitment will be in full swing, with organizers aiming to enlist approximately 6,000 volunteers from an impressive pool of 33,000 initial applicants.
The Heart of Volunteer Operations at Fair Park
Fair Park was chosen as the location for the volunteer center due to its excellent accessibility, particularly its proximity to the DART Rail System, making it convenient for volunteers across the metroplex. Monica Paul, president of the North Texas FIFA World Cup organizing committee, emphasized the critical role volunteers play, stating, “Volunteers are the backbone of any major sporting event that we do.”
Starting in January, the center will transform into a comprehensive training facility where selected volunteers will receive their uniforms, specific role assignments, and essential training. The facility currently features an exhibition room showcasing World Cup memorabilia, a video room playing a 10-minute highlight reel, and 40 conversation pods for participant discussions, all designed to engage and prepare potential volunteers.
What Volunteers Can Expect
Volunteers are the welcoming face of the World Cup in Dallas, taking on diverse roles ranging from hosting fans at the downtown festival to greeting international visitors at their hotels. Their mission is to ensure a seamless operation and infuse the games with energy and excitement.
Stephanie Crookham, volunteers operations manager, highlighted the inclusivity of the call for volunteers: “We are looking for anyone who is just willing to help, willing to just be a part of this amazing opportunity that we have.” Plano native Ed Olvera, a potential volunteer, shared his enthusiasm after completing the questionnaire and tryout invitation, looking forward to a “new experience.”
A Massive Economic Boost for North Texas
The 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, will see Dallas and ten other U.S. cities welcome teams and fans from around the globe. The tournament will kick off on June 11 at the iconic Cotton Bowl, an event local leaders predict will significantly boost the local economy and support small businesses.
Monica Paul estimates a massive influx of international visitors, projecting over 54% of attendees will be from abroad. This influx is expected to generate an astounding $1.5 to $2.1 billion in economic impact for North Texas. Local venues and businesses interested in vendor opportunities for the World Cup can register at DallasFWC26.com. This is a prime chance for local businesses to showcase their offerings to a global audience.
Dallas’s World Cup Journey: Then and Now
It’s been 32 years since Dallas last hosted the World Cup in 1994, when the city proudly held six matches at the Cotton Bowl Stadium. The 2026 event promises to be on an even grander scale, bringing unprecedented attention and economic benefits to our community.
| Aspect | 1994 FIFA World Cup (Dallas) | 2026 FIFA World Cup (Dallas) |
|---|---|---|
| Last Hosted Event | Yes | First time since ’94 |
| Matches in Dallas | 6 (Cotton Bowl Stadium) | Tournament Kick-off + additional matches |
| Volunteer Target | (Not specified in article) | Approximately 6,000 |
| Economic Impact | (Not specified in article) | Projected $1.5 – $2.1 Billion |
| Volunteer Headquarters | (Not specified) | Fair Park Volunteer Center |
Frequently Asked Questions About World Cup Volunteering
- Where is the Volunteer Center located?
The FIFA World Cup 2026 Volunteer Center is located at Fair Park in Dallas. - When does volunteer recruitment take place?
Recruitment and tryouts are ongoing now until January 2026. - What kind of tasks will volunteers perform?
Tasks will vary, including hosting fans at the downtown festival, welcoming visitors at hotels, and ensuring smooth operations for various event facets. - How many volunteers are needed?
The organizing committee aims to recruit around 6,000 volunteers from 33,000 applicants. - What is the projected economic impact for North Texas?
The World Cup is projected to generate between $1.5 to $2.1 billion in economic impact for the region.
The FIFA World Cup 2026 is a truly rare, generational event for Dallas, offering an unparalleled chance to contribute to a global celebration. Whether you volunteer, support local businesses, or simply soak in the festive atmosphere, prepare for an unforgettable summer in North Texas.
Dallas Opens Volunteer Center for FIFA World Cup
