Zurich: FIFA has officially designated the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in downtown Dallas as the primary location for the FIFA World Cup 26™ International Broadcast Centre (IBC).
This advanced facility will function as the central hub for global broadcast operations during the transformative tournament, which is scheduled to occur across 16 Host Cities in Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
From January through the end of July 2026, the IBC will serve as the operational core for television, radio, and new media activities, encompassing an impressive area of 45,000 square metres (485,000 square feet). As the telecommunications centre for both national and international media, the IBC will facilitate uninterrupted coverage of the tournament, reaching billions of fans around the globe.
This marks the second occasion that Dallas has been entrusted with this esteemed role, having previously hosted the IBC during the 1994 FIFA World Cup USA.
The IBC will leverage the exceptional expertise of Host Broadcast Services (HBS), FIFA’s designated Host Broadcaster for the FIFA World Cup 26. HBS has a proven track record, having successfully provided services for the last six editions of the FIFA World Cup, ensuring top-tier operations and state-of-the-art technology.
“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-classfacility that will provide top‑tier services for media professionals from around the globe,” said FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafström.
“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 compellingstorytelling 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 is set to accommodate around 2,000 representatives from the broadcast media for a duration of seven months, encompassing both the preparations and the tournament itself. Additionally, it will function as the central hub for FIFA’s Host Broadcaster, Media Partners, Content Production Department, and the Football Technology and Innovation Department.
“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.
“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 provide an array of services designed to cater to the extensive group of experts, specialists, and personnel involved in bringing the innovative 23rd edition of the FIFA World Cup to more than 200 countries around the globe. These services will encompass a round-the-clock cafeteria, a lounge area, concession stands, a convenience store, a gift shop, express shipping, banking facilities, and dry cleaning services. This all-encompassing arrangement will enable members of the international broadcast media team to concentrate on delivering outstanding coverage of 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.”
The announcement comes after the Dallas City Council unanimously approved the plans on December 11, 2024. This project is expected to create substantial economic opportunities for local and minority businesses, enabling them to compete for contracts associated with the operations of the convention center.
