This blog is a repost from the International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM) Bulletin originally published on May 26, 2026.
In summer 2026, the FIFA World Cup—the world’s biggest sporting event—will take over North America. With 48 teams, 16 host cities, and billions of viewers, the tournament will bring millions of fans, tourists, and media representatives to the United States. Out of the 104 matches planned, 78 will occur in 11 United States cities, creating unprecedented operational demands on the communities and first responders that live there.
Here in Texas, Arlington, and the greater Dallas–Fort Worth region, we will host nine matches to include a semifinal, more than any other FIFA World Cup 2026 Host City. As Arlington’s emergency management administrator, I’ve led planning for major events like the Super Bowl, the Final Four, the World Series, the NBA All-Star game, the College Football Championship, and the Major League Baseball All-Star Game, but the World Cup is on another level. Based on past lessons learned and planning efforts for FIFA World Cup 2026, there are three best practices I think every emergency manager should know as they prepare for this summer.
Plan for Scale and Duration, Not Just Game Day
Imagine hosting nine Super Bowls in four weeks — that’s the World Cup. Unlike single-day championships, this tournament spans weeks and requires sustained coordination across jurisdictions. Resources, personnel, and systems will be under pressure for months, not just match days.
In the North Central Texas region, the City of Dallas is hosting the International Broadcasting Center. That means we will have a sustained international presence before the tournament starts and even when games are outside our area. We also expect fans to move fluidly across jurisdictions, expanding our footprint beyond city limits. We’re partnering regionally with cities and counties, as well as with the state and federal government, to share resources and maintain situational awareness for the entire operational window. This includes sharing state and federal resources that are normally concentrated on one city for events we traditionally handle. In addition, we have broadened our coordination and planning to include information sharing with transportation authorities and airports across North Texas as visitors flood our area from around the world. With an expanded local effort, we can maximize our joint capabilities and diversify resources, spreading the pressure out and reducing resource fatigue.
Ensure Interoperable Communications Early
With thousands of responders and multiple agencies involved, communication failures are not an option. Unlike the Super Bowl, which concentrates federal resources in one city, the World Cup spreads assets across 11 U.S. locations — someÂtimes with simultaneous matches. Communities should ensure they have an interoperable communicaÂtions system in place — ideally one that offers data capabilities for more advanced response operations.
In Arlington, we’re using FirstNet, the nationwide public safety broadband network, for the event. We chose FirstNet because it offers reliable coverage in our area, prioritizes public safety communications over commercial traffic, and is backed by the federal government.
We have worked with the First Responder Network Authority — the federal agency that oversees FirstNet — for several months to plan, prepare, and practice for the World Cup. During these planning sessions, we discuss anticipated communications challenges and work to find solutions, such as on-site FirstNet deployable assets — mobile cell sites that will help strengthen the broadband signal and provide redundancy.
In the months ahead of the event, we are also training and exercising with our public safety partners. Our goal is to ensure seamless communications throughout the World Cup, and much of that depends on interoperable communications. With all of our partners on FirstNet, we know that we can communicate across devices. By training together, we ensure that the equipment works, the procedures are in place, and we can successfully communicate throughout the events.
Prepare for Global Fandom and Its Risks
Few events spark passion like the World Cup. Millions of international fans, including celebrities and dignitaries, bring cultural, linguistic, and geopolitical complexities. Rivalries can escalate tensions, and spontaneous celebrations or protests may occur. We are going to assess any risk factors that may affect our game-day experiences and prepare for the unique energy a global event like FIFA World Cup 2026 will bring to our city.
Coordination Is the Game Plan
The FIFA World Cup 2026 will challenge every aspect of emergency management — from planning and communications to public health and diplomacy. Success depends on early coordination, seamless communications, and flexible planning. Now is the time to prepare and strengthen relationships, test systems, and refine operations — so when the world comes to town, you’re ready.
