From The Pitch - Jan 2026

FROM THE PITCH FROM THE PITCH

FROMTHEPRESIDENT

Happy New Year, North Texas!

We are excited to officially enter the year of the FIFA World Cup 2026™ As we closed out the 2025 holiday season, we did so with strong momentum and a renewed focus on the work ahead Preparations for this summer continue!

We had a few key milestones in December, including the Official FIFA World Cup 2026™ Final Draw in Washington, DC, which revealed the group stage matchups and brought clarity to the tournament schedule That momentum carried to Fort Worth during the Official Draw Party Experience at Billy Bob’s Texas where more than 2,000 fans from across North Texas came together to watch the draw unfold

In addition, we reached an important legacy milestone with the unveiling of our first community mini-pitch at Lake Dallas City Park. Launched in partnership with The National Soccer Roots, the U.S. Soccer Foundation, and the City of Lake Dallas, the mini-pitch will expand community access to the game and ensure the World Cup’s impact extends well beyond 2026.

With the turn of the calendar to 2026, we are so much closer to matches kicking off at Dallas Stadium this summer – and we cannot wait to share these exciting times with you all!

Cheers,

COMINGTOTOWN: NORTHTEXAS'DREAM DRAWBRINGSTHRILLING WORLDCUPMATCHUPS

By Jon Arnold

provided by FIFA

The FIFA World Cup 2026™ Final Draw produces a range of emotions Some coaches smile Others keep it cool on the outside, even if their internal monologue has them screaming “Nooooooooooooo!” as they see a difficult team pop up in their group

But there was no need for North Texas’ representatives at the Draw in Washington D.C., or fans at the watch party at Billy Bob’s Texas in Fort Worth, to hide sorrow or joy Everyone was smiling about the intriguing slate of World Cup contests coming to the region

Fans will get to witness storied teams like the Netherlands and England, along with nations like Japan and Austria that are packed with rising stars Even defending World Cup champions Argentina, which has won the title two times, will play in North Texas

North Texas’ long-awaited World Cup party begins June 14 with what promises to be an ultra-competitive match between the Netherlands and Japan, two teams vying to top Group F as they seek deep runs in the tournament

COMING TO TOWN

After making the quarterfinals in 2022, a Dutch team, which mixes veterans like Virgil van Dijk and Memphis Depay with up-and-comers like Jurrien Timber and Xavi Simons, wants to go a few steps further Japan is the class of Asia, losing just once in World Cup qualification (And that loss came after the Pacific nation already qualified) Ritsu Doan and Takefusa Kubo are among the exciting attackers who may become household names this summer

The second match in North Texas, set for June 17, pits a pair of European teams against one another: England and Croatia. There will be a rematch of the memorable 2018 semifinal when the Three Lions took an early lead in Moscow only to see Croatia equalize thanks to a goal from Ivan Perišić An extra-time winner from Mario Mandžukić put Croatia into the 2018 final England got a measure of revenge with a win over Croatia in the group stage of Euro 2020, but another World Cup meeting will have a special meaning, especially for players like Harry Kane and John Stones who played in that game and still are key contributors for England

The 2022 World Cup champions visit North Texas on June 22 when Lionel Messi and Argentina play their first of two group games in Dallas Stadium against Austria Messi lifted the trophy in Doha and will likely close his international career with a title defense.

While some of his old friends have moved on, Inter Miami teammate Rodrigo De Paul should be present, as will players like Thiago Almada, an Atlanta United alumnus now at Atlético Madrid, and Como standout Nico Paz These two are trying to take up Messi’s mantle and show Argentina fans that the country can still find success when one of the greatest players of all time does decide to hang up the boots Austria also leans on a few legendary veterans, anchored by Real Madrid defender David Alaba and ex-Inter Milan forward Marko Arnautović.

Fans get another chance to see Japan in North Texas on June 25 when their clever attackers, plus defensive pillars Ko Itakura and Shogo Taniguchi, face off against the winners of the European playoff path that features Poland, Sweden, Ukraine, and Albania Poland, with Barcelona star Robert Lewandowski up top, and Ukraine, which was drawn with France in the final round of qualification, are the favorites to advance – though any of the four may move through in March

Argentina will again take the pitch on June 27 to close out the group slate in Arlington That match pits them against Jordan, which is making its first appearance in the region The World Cup debutants depend largely on players based in the Middle East, but will hope their strong team dynamics and tactics will allow them to spring a few shocks in the World Cup like they did in Asian qualification

It is not just the group matches that has soccer fans in North Texas counting down the days until the World Cup After the draw, four win-orgo-home matches await in Dallas Stadium in the knockout round Those games, too, look like they will produce thrilling matchups

The first of two Round of 32 matches taking place at Dallas Stadium on June 30 pits the runner up from Group E against the secondplace finishers in Group I Experts will likely project Ecuador as the second-place team in Group E, with La Tri alongside group favorites Germany, African power Ivory Coast, and debutants Curacao Group I is one of the most difficult groups on paper France will be joined by Senegal, plus Norway and the winner of the intercontinental playoff’s second path – either Iraq, Suriname, or Bolivia, which was a 2024 visitor to North Texas for the Copa América

The outcome of that match could lead to an African showdown with Ivory Coast and Senegal meeting in one of the continent’s most important World Cup matches ever Such a game would certainly offer an interesting flavor for neutrals in North Texas A different outcome could have mega-star Erling Haaland leading his Norway team to a first ever knockout round

The next knockout game coming to the region pits the runners-up of Groups D and G against each other on July 3 While most US fans are hoping the Stars and Stripes top the group, a second-place finish would see them getting home support from fans in the Dallas metroplex Should US Head Coach Mauricio Pochettino’s squad take care of business and win Group D, Paraguay, Australia, or the UEFA Path C playoff team would be taking that place

They’d then meet the second-place team from an open Group G. Belgium is the slight favorite to win the group, meaning it likely would be Egypt or Iran taking second place – though New Zealand may have to say something about that A regional rivalry match between Australia against New Zealand is possible, or Iran could play neighbor Turkey should it advance from the UEFA playoff

The penultimate regional knockout match takes place on July 6 It could feature the winner of Group H – widely projected to be Spain, one of the World Cup favorites – squaring off with the team that comes out of the Round of 32 contest that pits the runners-up of Groups K and L against each other. This scenario may mean Portugal legend Cristiano Ronaldo passes through North Texas. We also could see James Rodriguez and Colombia return to town after visiting as part of the Mextour matches in 2025

It is probably too early to game out who might be in a World Cup semifinal since the possibilities are nearly infinite They are also exciting A clash of European titans France and Spain? The United States on a dream run meeting past champions Germany? A shock semifinal between Egypt and Brazil? It is all on the table.

As we look into 2026, the year that will bring nine World Cup matches to the region, everything seems possible But what feels certain is the teams and games coming to the region are the best of the best

THENORTHTEXASFWCORGANIZINGCOMMITTEE, THENATIONALSOCCERROOTS,U.S.SOCCER FOUNDATIONANDTHECITYOFLAKEDALLASUNVEIL

MINI-PITCHATLAKEDALLASCITYPARK

DALLAS (December 18, 2025) - The North Texas FWC Organizing Committee, in partnership with The National Soccer Roots, the U.S. Soccer Foundation and The City of Lake Dallas, today unveiled its first mini-pitch at Lake Dallas City Park The donation of the mini-pitch is the first of six during the first phase that is planned across North Texas before, during and after FIFA World Cup 2026™ as part of the North Texas FWC Organizing Committee’s Legacy initiatives The North Texas FWC Organizing Committee has plans to create five additional mini-pitches spread across Dallas, Fort Worth, Arlington and Garland

Lake Dallas City leaders, partners and community members gathered today to celebrate the unveiling of the mini-pitch at Lake Dallas City Park, which also included a ribboncutting ceremony and the “first kick” on the mini-pitch with local participating youth

“It’s such an honor to partner with The City of Lake Dallas, The National Soccer Roots and the U.S. Soccer Foundation and commemorate a special day for the youth of North Texas with the unveiling of our first mini-pitch,” said Monica Paul, President of the North Texas FWC Organizing Committee “Through our legacy and fundraising initiatives during and after FIFA World Cup 2026, we are aiming to create additional mini-pitches spread across the North Texas region to bring the sport of soccer to underserved youth in our local communities”

The Lake Dallas City Park mini-pitch will provide local children and families a high-quality facility and space to equal soccer and play for all youth in the surrounding area.

“The unveiling of this mini-pitch at Lake Dallas City Park is a proud moment for our city and a meaningful investment in our young people,” said Kristy Bleau, Mayor of Lake Dallas

“By partnering with the North Texas FWC Organizing Committee, The National Soccer Roots and the U.S. Soccer Foundation, we are creating a welcoming space that promotes health, teamwork and opportunity for our families This mini-pitch represents more than a place to play – it reflects our commitment to building a stronger, more connected community for generations to come ”

“We are thrilled to welcome the North Texas FWC Organizing Committee and this incredible legacy project to our community, as the launch of this mini-pitch represents far more than a field,” said Bobbie Mitchell, Denton County Commissioner “It is an investment in our youth, our neighborhoods, and the future of soccer in North Texas. We are proud to partner in an effort that will inspire young people and serve our youth for generations to come This project reflects the power of partnership and the lasting impact we can create when we invest in our children, our families, and the joy of the game We are excited for what this means for Lake Dallas and all of North Texas”

A mini-pitch is a hard-surface soccer court, roughly a quarter of the size of a regulationsized soccer field, designed for small-sided matches and informal pick-up games, usually enclosed by fencing or low barriers Mini-pitches serve as vibrant gathering spaces, are typically open to community access and are usually owned and maintained by schools, parks or nonprofits while providing equity in play that eliminates barriers of cost and travel for families.

“Soccer isn’t just a game – it’s a bridge A ball builds futures, and a pitch builds unity,” said Jim Wagner, President / Co-Founder, The National Soccer Roots “It’s an honor to partner on this mini-pitch with the North Texas FWC Organizing Committee, the US Soccer Foundation and The City of Lake Dallas who all share our vision of championing initiatives that prioritize human rights, inclusivity and youth development that will lay the groundwork for organizations like ours to thrive”

“This mini-pitch represents the heart of our mission – to ensure every child has a place to play and grow through the game of soccer, and a place to connect with a caring and trained coach-mentor,” said Ed Foster-Simeon, President & CEO of the US Soccer Foundation “We’re honored to partner with the North Texas FWC Organizing Committee, The National Soccer Roots, The City of Lake Dallas to ensure the tournament has a positive impact for generations to come across the region”

The North Texas FWC Organizing Committee is actively raising funds for multiple mini-pitches to be built across the region Mini-pitches will carry the legacy of the FIFA World Cup 2026™, embedding its impact into the fabric of North Texas communities for decades to come. Each pitch creates a “Soccer For All” space that encourages movement, builds friendships and offers every child a safe place to play and grow These lasting spaces stand as visible tributes to the partners, donors and sponsors whose support make this legacy possible

COMMUNITYENGAGEMENTPLAYBOOK–YOURGUIDETOTHEFIFAWORLDCUP26™

GETINTOTHESPIR

The excitement is building as North Texas ready to welcome the world for the FIFA W Cup 2026™! Now’s your chance to show hometown pride and gear up for celebration by purchasing official Dallas Host City merchandise

From t-shirts and hats to scarves collectibles, the collection lets you repre your city in true World Cup fashion. Wear Dallas gear to The Official Draw Experience on December 5 at Billy Bob’s T in Fort Worth, and be part of the big celebration in Texas as the world disc which teams will take the pitch right he North Texas

Get your gear today! Shop the collectio clicking here

The Community Engagement Playbook is your go-to guide for everything as North Texas prepares to host the FIFA World Cup 2026™ Inside, you will find inspiration and practical tools to help you prepare, participate, and make an impact This guide will help you get involved and be part of something extraordinary

This living document will continue to evolve with new opportunities, updates, and creative ways to participate Explore the Playbook today as we