The Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in downtown Dallas has been selected as the official hub for the FIFA World Cup 2026 International Broadcast Centre (IBC). The IBC, operated by FIFA’s appointed Host Broadcaster Host Broadcast Services (HBS), will serve as the global operations center for the historic tournament, which spans 16 host cities across Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
Set to open in January 2026, the IBC will occupy 45,000 square meters (485,000 square feet) of space and house around 2,000 broadcast media representatives for seven months, providing state-of-the-art facilities for television, radio, and new media coverage. It will be the second time Dallas has hosted the IBC, having done so during the 1994 FIFA World Cup USA.
The facility will support the delivery of world-class coverage, benefiting from HBS’s cutting-edge technology and expertise. FIFA’s Secretary General Mattias Grafström expressed pride in Dallas’ selection, highlighting the city’s modern infrastructure and global appeal: “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.”
Dallas Mayor Eric L. Johnson emphasized the significance of the decision, calling it a monumental win for the city and an opportunity to showcase Dallas to millions of viewers worldwide: “Being selected as host city of the FIFA World Cup 2026 International Broadcast Center is a monumental win for Dallas and a testament to our global appeal and readiness to shine on the world stage.”
The IBC will offer a range of services for the media, including dining, shipping, and shopping facilities. The announcement follows approval from the Dallas City Council and is expected to bring significant economic opportunities to local businesses, including minority-owned enterprises, through contract bidding related to the event.
“Securing the International Broadcast Centre firmly places the city of Dallas and our North Texas region at the centre of the world’s attention during FIFA World Cup 2026,” said North Texas FIFA World Cup Organizing Committee President Monica Paul.
“It is a tremendous honour 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.”
