Arlington Formalizes FIFA Agreement for 2026 World Cup Costs
Published on February 26, 2026
By Cynthia Lemus, Office of Communication
On February 24, 2026, the Arlington City Council approved a resolution authorizing the execution of an event agreement with the North Texas FIFA World Cup Organizing Committee. The agreement outlines the event plan and financial responsibilities for all parties involved to ensure the safety and success of hosting nine World Cup matches at AT&T Stadium this summer. Event funding and reimbursements are provided through federal and state programs, in addition to event and local partnerships.
“This agreement reflects Arlington’s commitment to hosting world-class events responsibly,” said Deputy City Manager, Jennifer Wichmann. “We are preparing to welcome a global audience while protecting our taxpayers and ensuring the financial impact of this event is managed strategically and transparently.”
Under the agreement, the City is seeking reimbursement for estimated expenses not to exceed $8.1 million to cover local operational needs tied to hosting matches and related activities, including:
- Public safety coordination
- Traffic management and transportation planning
- Event operations and logistics
To support event planning and operations, Arlington will contribute $1 million to the local host committee. The resolution approved by Council allocated a contribution of $850,000 in support of the event, funded through the City’s Event Trust Fund. The Arlington Convention & Visitors Bureau will provide the additional $150,000.
The City’s Event Trust Fund is funded through state and local sales, alcohol, hotel occupancy, and car rental taxes estimated increase due to a major event in the City. These are tourism and activity based revenues, largely generated by visitors and economic activity related to an event.
More than 1 million visitors are expected to travel to North Texas for the 2026 FIFA World Cup matches, generating an estimated economic impact between $1.5 billion and $2 billion across the region. On match days alone, Arlington could welcome as many as 100,000 visitors per day, reflecting the scale of activity surrounding each game.
City officials emphasized that public safety services in Arlington will not be reduced due to World Cup operations. Dedicated event planning, reimbursement mechanisms and coordinated regional resources will ensure police, fire and emergency response services for residents will remain fully staffed and uninterrupted throughout the tournament.
As preparations continue, City departments are coordinating across public safety, transportation, infrastructure and community services to ensure residents experience minimal disruption and maximum benefit from this historic event.
For updates on Arlington’s preparations for the FIFA World Cup 2026™, visit ArlingtonTX.gov/worldcup.