It’s Official: FIFA World Cup 2026 IBC Will Be in Downtown Dallas

By Ken Kerschbaumer, Editorial Director Thursday, March 6, 2025 - 10:52 am Print This Story | Subscribe

FIFA has selected the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in downtown Dallas as the official hub for the FIFA World Cup 26 International Broadcast Center (IBC). The state-of-the-art facility will serve as the global broadcast-operations center for the game-changing tournament set to take place across 16 host cities in Canada, Mexico, and the U.S.

From January until the end of July 2026, the IBC will act as the nerve center for television, radio, and new-media operations, spanning an impressive 485,000 sq. ft. As the telecommunications hub for national and international media, the IBC will ensure seamless coverage of the tournament, reaching billions of fans worldwide.

The Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in downtown Dallas will be the IBC for the FIFA World Cup 2026.

It will be the second time that Dallas has served this function, having also hosted the IBC during the 1994 FIFA World Cup USA.

The IBC will benefit from the expertise of Host Broadcast Services (HBS), FIFA’s appointed host broadcaster for the event. HBS has delivered services for the six latest editions of the FIFA World Cup, providing world-class operations and cutting-edge technology.

“With the FIFA World Cup 2026 set to redefine the global football experience,” said FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafström in announcing the selection, “we’re proud to have confirmed the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center Dallas as the International Broadcast Center, because it is a world-class facility that will provide top‑tier services for media professionals from around the globe.

“This partnership,” he continued, “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 be home to approximately 2,000 broadcast-media representatives for seven months, including leading up to and during the tournament. It will also serve as headquarters for HBS and FIFA’s media partners, Content Production Department, and Football Technology and Innovation Department.

“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,” said Dallas Mayor Eric L. Johnson. “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.”

The IBC will offer a range of services to support the experts, specialists, and staff helping to take the groundbreaking 23rd edition of the FIFA World Cup to more than 200 countries worldwide. Services include a 24-hour cafeteria, a lounge, concession stands, a convenience store, a gift shop, express shipping, banking and dry cleaning. The comprehensive setup will ensure that members of the global broadcast-media workforce can focus on coverage of the tournament.

“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,” added North Texas FIFA World Cup Organizing Committee President Monica Paul. “It is a tremendous honor to host thousands of media professionals at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center. They will highlight our city and region throughout the tournament, once again showcasing our city and region’s ability to collaborate and deliver on a global scale.”

The announcement follows unanimous approval of the plans by the Dallas City Council on Dec. 11. The project will provide economic opportunities for local and minority businesses, which will be able to bid for contracts related to the convention center’s operations.