The countdown to the 2026 FIFA World Cup took another step forward this morning as the North Texas FIFA World Cup Organizing Committee unveiled the Official Dallas Host City Poster at Klyde Warren Park.
Dallas Steps into the Spotlight
Dallas is one of 16 host cities across the U.S., Mexico and Canada, each invited by FIFA to commission a poster that reflects its personality. The Dallas-themed design will appear across North Texas throughout the 2026 tournament, including during the nine matches at Arlington’s AT&T Stadium — more games than any other host city.
“We want this poster to be a lasting image for soccer fans across the world,” said Noelle LeVeaux, chief marketing officer of the North Texas FIFA World Cup Organizing Committee.
Created by Fort Worth-based illustrator and type artist Matt Cliff, the winning artwork was selected to represent Dallas on a global stage as part of FIFA’s international Host City Poster series.
Cliff’s poster — vibrant, detailed and unmistakably Texan — combines two sides of North Texas: the steel and skyline of the city, and the grit and spirit of cowboy country. Connecting them is a soccer ball, front and center. “It was my responsibility to merge the history of the state with its current metropolitan feel,” Cliff said at the reveal. “I wanted something personal, bold and impactful.”
A Local Touch with Global Reach
Cliff, a Fort Worth native, is no stranger to big names. His previous work includes branding and design for the Dallas Cowboys, the Mavericks, the Texas Rangers and musicians like Leon Bridges and Post Malone. His experience blending pop culture with Texas iconography made him a natural fit for the project.
The Dallas reveal was the last of all 16 host cities, a detail not lost on organizers. “We like to save the best for last,” one attendee quipped.
From Music to Murals: North Texas Makes Noise
The poster unveiling follows last month’s release of the Dallas Sonic ID — FIFA’s new tradition of custom city theme songs — created by four-time Grammy winner and Dallas native Tre Nagella. The track, which features subtle layers like stadium cheers, pedal steel guitar and even a ticking clock, is intended to represent the unique identity of Dallas and its place in the world’s most watched sporting event.
Both projects are part of a larger effort to showcase the culture and creativity of Dallas beyond the stadium.
Big Stage, Bigger Impact
In total, Dallas is preparing for more than just a few matches. The city will also host FIFA’s International Broadcast Center at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center, where over 2,000 media professionals will anchor coverage of the entire tournament. Upgrades to the venue are underway, funded by a $15 million package approved by the city council.
“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,” said Dallas Mayor Eric L. Johnson in an official statement.
The estimated economic impact for the Dallas-Fort Worth region? Up to $2.1 billion, according to the Dallas Sports Commission.
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