North Texas is gearing up for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with just 17 days left until the global tournament kicks off on June 11. The region is buzzing as cities and neighborhoods transform public spaces into vibrant celebrations of the world’s most watched sporting event.
A colossal tribute to the beautiful game
A 150‑foot‑tall mural unveiled in Dallas stretches 250 feet across the skyline, overlooking the Trinity River. Created by local artists Audrey Decker, Rosalie de Graaf and Alex Boyer, the artwork depicts four children playing soccer, each clutching a flag from Argentina, the Netherlands, Japan and England. The piece was commissioned by the nonprofit Street Art for Mankind and has quickly become a focal point for fans counting down to the competition.
The presence of the mural coincides with preparations at AT&T Stadium, which will be branded as Dallas Stadium during the World Cup to comply with FIFA’s strict advertising regulations. The change underscores how the tournament’s commercial rules shape even the most iconic venues.
Watch parties and street‑level festivities
In Fort Worth, Sundance Square will host watch parties for all 104 matches on massive screens, pairing the games with food trucks and live entertainment. The square’s organizers expect thousands of supporters to gather each evening, turning the public space into a communal viewing lounge.
Official FIFA merchandise vending machines have been installed in Southlake Town Square and Plano, giving residents easy access to licensed gear. Meanwhile, the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center is decked out in World Cup signage, and Deep Ellum has hung nearly 200 banners representing all 48 participating nations, adding a splash of color to the neighborhood’s streets.
The tournament’s first match on North Texas soil is scheduled for Sunday, June 14, when Japan takes on the Netherlands. As the countdown continues, local communities are leveraging art, commerce and public venues to turn the global event into a hometown experience.