Dallas has been officially selected as the host city for the FIFA World Cup 2026™ International Broadcast Centre (IBC), with the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center set to serve as the hub for global media operations. This prestigious facility will play a vital role in ensuring seamless broadcast coverage of the historic tournament, which will take place across 16 host cities in Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
The IBC will operate from January until the end of July 2026, spanning an impressive 45,000 square meters (485,000 square feet). It will function as the central telecommunications hub for national and international media, providing cutting-edge facilities to approximately 2,000 broadcast media representatives. The center will be managed by Host Broadcast Services (HBS), FIFA’s appointed Host Broadcaster, which has successfully delivered world-class operations for the last six editions of the FIFA World Cup™.
FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafström expressed confidence in Dallas’ capability to support the global football event, stating: “With the FIFA World Cup 2026 set to redefine the global football experience, we’re proud to have confirmed the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center Dallas as the International Broadcast Centre, because it is a world-class facility that will provide top-tier services for media professionals from around the globe.
This partnership highlights our dedication to maintaining the highest standards for broadcast operations. With its modern infrastructure and the expertise of our host broadcaster, HBS, the IBC will offer an optimal environment for broadcasters and media professionals to deliver compelling storytelling and coverage of this historic event. In addition, media representatives from around the world will have the opportunity to discover Dallas, a dynamic city that combines modern urban attractions with deep-rooted history and legendary sports teams that captivate fans across the globe.”
The IBC will serve as the headquarters for FIFA’s host broadcaster, media partners, content production department, and football technology and innovation department. To support the media workforce, the center will provide an array of amenities, including a 24-hour cafeteria, a lounge, concession stands, a convenience store, a gift shop, express shipping services, banking, and dry cleaning.
The selection of Dallas as the IBC host city marks the second time it has been entrusted with this prestigious role, having previously hosted the IBC during the 1994 FIFA World Cup USA™. Dallas Mayor Eric L. Johnson highlighted the significance of this achievement:
“Being selected as host city of the FIFA World Cup 2026 International Broadcast Centre is a monumental win for Dallas and a testament to our global appeal and readiness to shine on the world stage. I am thrilled that the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center will serve as a hub to showcase our city, its rich culture, and the hospitality of our community to millions of viewers around the globe.”
Monica Paul, President of the North Texas FIFA World Cup Organizing Committee, also emphasized the impact of this announcement:
“Securing the International Broadcast Center firmly places the city of Dallas and our North Texas region at the center of the world’s attention during FIFA World Cup 2026. It is a tremendous honor to host thousands of media professionals at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center, as they will highlight our city and region throughout the entirety of the tournament, once again showcasing our city and region’s ability to collaborate and deliver on a global scale.”
The Dallas City Council unanimously approved the plans on December 11, 2024, paving the way for significant economic opportunities for local and minority businesses, which will have the chance to bid for contracts related to the convention center’s operations.
As the world gears up for the FIFA World Cup 2026, Dallas stands poised to play a crucial role in delivering exceptional media coverage of the tournament to billions of football fans worldwide.
