How Mesquite Businesses Can Prepare for the FIFA World Cup 2026
The FIFA World Cup is coming to North Texas – and it’s not your average sporting event. It is a once-in-a-generation opportunity for local businesses and organizations to reach a global audience, generate new revenue, and showcase what makes our community unique.
The World Cup will take place June 11 through July 19, 2026
Why Mesquite Matters During FIFA 2026
International visitors traveling to Texas for the World Cup are expecting to experience cowboy culture and authentic Texas Traditions. As the Rodeo Capital of Texas, Mesquite offers exactly the kind of experience global fans are looking for. Visit Mesquite is pitching our community, and our namesake attractions like the Mesquite Championship Rodeo, to FIFA fans from around the world. Our close proximity to FIFA sites and Dallas make us a prime location for visitors to experience.
FIFA World Cup Schedule
Dallas will host multiple World Cup matches throughout the tournament, drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors to the region:
- June 14: Netherlands vs. Japan
- June 17: England vs. Croatia
- June 22: Argentina vs. Austria
- June 25: Japan vs. UEFA Playoff Winner
- June 27: Jordan vs. Argentina
- June 30: TBD
- July 3: TBD
- July 6: TBD
- July 14: TBD
What to Expect: Visitor Volume & Economic Impact
The numbers behind FIFA 2026 are significant:
- 100,000 visitors per day expected in DFW region
- Average stay: approximately 9 days
- Total expected visitors to Dallas: 4 million
- Estimated economic impact: $1.5 billion-$2.1 billion for North Texas
This scale of visitation means restaurants, hotels, retailers, attractions, and service-based businesses in Mesquite should begin preparing now to maximize participation.
Major FIFA Activity Near Mesquite
Several key FIFA operations and fan experiences will be located just minutes from Mesquite:
International Broadcast Center
- Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center will serve as the International Broadcast Center and will be home to 5,000 members of international media throughout the tournament.
Official FIFA Fan Festival at Fair Park
- 39 days of activation
- Free and open to the public
- Expected attendance:
- 100,000 on game days
- 35,000 on non-game days
- Projected to be the largest FIFA Fan Festival in the United States
This proximity to Mesquite creates enormous opportunities for local businesses to attract visitors before and after games and festival activities.
Who Will Be Visiting?
Knowing who is coming helps businesses prepare effectively:
- Only 41% of visitors speak English
- Visit Mesquite recommends preparing to assist guests in: Spanish, Japanese and Arabic
- 63% of fans are male
- 32% of fans do not have a credit or debit card
- Expect a significant increase in cash transactions
- Cashless businesses are encouraged to make temporary accommodations
- This is especially important for hotels, which may normally require a card on file for reservations and incidentals
Small operational adjustments can make a major difference in customer experience – and revenue.
Register Your Business: North Texas Business Connect
Mesquite businesses are strongly encouraged to register with the North Texas Business Connect Program, the official sourcing registry used by FIFA and its partners.
This program connects local businesses to FIFA-related needs, including:
- Hospitality services
- Transportation
- Equipment rentals
- Staffing and professional services
- Food and beverage suppliers
- And more!
All businesses are encouraged to register, regardless of size or service, you never know what FIFA may be looking for.
Get Engaged: Community & Cultural Opportunities
FIFA 2026 is about more than soccer – it’s about culture, community, and global connection. Mesquite organizations and business can get involved in several ways:
- Perform at the FIFA Fan Festival (dance teams, mariachi groups, bands, ballet folklorico etc)
- Showcase your restaurant, venue or attraction
- Apply for a mini-pitch (small soccer field installation)
These opportunities allow Mesquite to be seen – and remembered – during and after the World Cup.
Learn more and apply below.
How Visit Mesquite Can Help Businesses Prepare for FIFA 2026
Visit Mesquite is committed to helping our local business community prepare for and benefit from the FIFA World Cup. Our role is to support, promote, and connect Mesquite businesses with the tools and opportunities needed to welcome international visitors and maximize economic impact.
“Kickin’ It in Mesquite” Marketing Campaign
Visit Mesquite is launching Kickin’ It in Mesquite, a community-wide marketing campaign designed to position mesquite as the leading place to experience real Texas culture during the World Cup.
This campaign will be targeted to international and domestic visitors traveling to North Texas and will highlight:
- The Mesquite Championship Rodeo as the anchor attraction for guest to experience true Texas culture.
- Authentic cowboy culture and Texas traditions
- Restaurants, attractions, and unique experiences in Mesquite
- Things to do before and after rodeo nights
- Day-trip and evening itineraries for World Cup fans staying in the region
If you are hosting a special event, activation, or unique experience during FIFA 2026 that would like to be featured on Visit Mesquite’s website or included in our marketing efforts, please contact: Violet Rivera, violet@visitmesquitetx.com
Free FIFA Business Virtual Workshops
Visit Mesquite will host free FIFA Business Workshops to help local businesses understand what to expect and how to prepare.
First Workshop: Wednesday, February 4, at 12 pm. Register to receive the link by emailing info@visitmesquitetx.com.
Topics will include:
- Understanding FIFA visitor demographics
- Preparing for international guests
- Cash readiness and operational considerations
- Marketing and promotional opportunities
- How Visit Mesquite can support your business
FIFA-Friendly Business Designation
Visit Mesquite is introducing a designation program for businesses (Kickin’ It in Mesquite Destination) to help visitors easily identify businesses that are prepared to welcome World Cup guests.
What Participating Businesses Receive:
Participation Requirements:
Visit Mesquite can also provide assistance to apply for special event permits for businesses interested in hosting FIFA-related events or activations.
Start Preparing Now
FIFA World Cup 2026 is a historic moment for North Texas, and Mesquite is uniquely positioned to benefit. Early preparation will help local businesses capture new customers, increase revenue and showcase the authentic Texas experiences visitors are seeking.
Visit Mesquite will continue to share updates, resources, and opportunities as we move closer to kickoff.
Get ready to score big in the Rodeo Capital of Texas!
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