A regional surge in soccer enthusiasm
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be the first edition to span three nations, with matches scheduled across the United States, Canada and Mexico. In the Texoma corridor of northern Texas, the prospect of hosting games has sparked excitement among local soccer stakeholders.
Cameron Castro, who leads the Burkburnett boys’ soccer program, recalls the surge of curiosity that followed the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. “I saw a noticeable uptick in questions from students during that tournament,” he said, noting that the global showcase often serves as a gateway for youngsters to discover the sport.
Griffen Johnston, a forward on the same high school team, echoed the sentiment, describing how peers who normally keep to themselves have begun tracking World Cup fixtures. Johnston plans to attend the England versus Croatia clash on June 17, a match that will be held in Arlington’s AT&T Stadium.
Marcelo Campolino, coach of the Burkburnett girls’ soccer squad, draws parallels between the upcoming tournament and Brazil’s 1950 World Cup, which she believes catalyzed a nationwide boom in the game. “I hope we see a similar ripple effect here, encouraging more kids to join leagues and pursue the sport seriously,” she said.
Nine of the tournament’s 48 matches will be played at Arlington’s AT&T Stadium, including group‑stage fixtures and a semifinal. The venue’s capacity and infrastructure are being highlighted as a major draw for fans traveling from across the region.
Beyond the stadium, supporters have been able to watch national teams train at facilities scattered throughout the United States. Earlier this month, Castro observed Sweden’s preparation at Toyota Stadium in Dallas, a session that drew a modest but enthusiastic crowd of local fans.
With the World Cup on the horizon, coaches across Texoma are unanimous in their optimism. They believe the combination of high‑profile exposure, accessible training opportunities and the example set by players like Johnston will translate into stronger youth programs and a deeper talent pool for the sport.