Dallas police provided an update Wednesday morning on the department’s preparations ahead of the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup.
“We are excited to welcome the world to Dallas for this historic international event,” police Chief Daniel Comeaux said during a news conference at DPD headquarters. “This moment is not just for our city, but for our entire region to showcase who we are.”
The federal government awarded more than $51.5 million to support World Cup planning and operations, Comeaux said.
The award, announced last week, is part of a $625 million federal grant program for the 11 U.S. host cities. According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the money will help state and local officials prepare for the tournament through security drills, background checks, stronger cybersecurity and increased police and emergency response at FIFA venues.
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From left, Senator John Cornyn (R-TX), Dallas Police Chief Daniel Comeaux, and Mayor Eric Johnson, take part in a roundtable discussion about briefing from law enforcement on security preparations for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup in North Texas, on Thursday, Jan. 22, 2026, at Dallas Police Department.
Shafkat Anowar / Staff Photographer
Comeaux confirmed that unmanned aerial systems, or drones, will be a cornerstone of the security strategy.
“We are going to work with all our fellow partners, but our main thing is keeping everyone safe,” Comeaux said.
The updates comes as North Texas prepares to host nine matches at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, including a semifinal. Dallas will host the official FIFA Fan Festival at Fair Park and serve as home to the tournament’s International Broadcast Center and Tournament Operations Center at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center.
Staff writer Chase Rogers contributed to this report. This is a developing story and will be updated.