When Joe Flores saw that the 2026 FIFA World Cup would have nine matches in Arlington — just 30 minutes away — he knew he and his service dog, Kiki, needed to be a part of it.
The two threw their hat in the ring and became key members in FIFA’s Starting Lineup volunteer team, which sets up World Cup festivities almost a year in advance and helps interview volunteers for the actual event. Flores, 49, said much of his time with his black Labrador mix has been educating others on her purpose as a service dog, and he knows the World Cup won’t be any different.
“One of the most important things that we do is educate people about what they do,” Flores said, gesturing over to Kiki. “This opportunity is perfect for that.”
Monica Paul, the president of the North Texas FWC Organizing Committee, shared that having a diverse group of volunteers was essential in the World Cup experience, especially with visitors from all over the world.
“Volunteers are usually the first people that many may see upon arrival,” Paul said. “We want to make sure that we are inclusive for everybody to have the opportunity not only to volunteer, but to attend matches.”
Eight years ago, Flores adopted Kiki from a shelter in Grand Prairie, emphasizing that the two bonded almost immediately.
Kiki was originally brought back to the shelter by her original owner, who claimed she was too hyper and untrainable. However, after the proper love and care, she was able to fly through service animal training and help monitor Flores’ severe sleep apnea and walking issues.
Kiki can detect if Flores’ heart rate is too fast and can alert him to take breaks when needed. Additionally, due to a pinched nerve, every step Flores takes is a risk, and if he were to step a certain way, he could collapse. Kiki is also trained to seek help if that were to ever be the case.
“She’s a lifesaver to me. She really is, and she proves it every day,” Flores said, “I read her energy, and she reads mine.”
Before needing a service animal, Flores was a referee for the American Youth Soccer Organization and had always loved the beautiful game. He shared that his favorite part of the game was that almost everyone could enjoy it, something he felt was also reflected in the volunteer pool.
Joe Flores and service dog Kiki in Dallas on June 2, 2026. The pair will be volunteers at VIP guest services at AT&T Stadium during the FIFA World Cup. (Nicole Williams Quezada | Fort Worth Report)
When he was approved a few months after filing an application alongside Kiki, Flores was ecstatic.
“Everybody at FIFA and the (North Texas) Sports Commission have been so amazing; they’ve adopted her as a mascot,” Flores said. “Basically, they just love Kiki.”
However, Flores knew he would have to educate fellow volunteers and attendees on what Kiki does, and remind them that she is actually working.
Ed Olvera, another member of the Starting Lineup team, shared that he and his teammates were in awe when Kiki declined their treats.
“I said, ‘Joe, I tried to offer your dog a sausage from my pizza, and she wouldn’t take it.’ And he goes, ‘That’s right, she’s not supposed to take any treats,’” Olvera said. “I’ve never, never met a dog that won’t take anything. That impressed me.”
Flores emphasized that patience and understanding have been key in having a service animal.
The two will be volunteering at VIP guest services, helping ensure guests in VIP lounge areas and private suites are able to enjoy each match.
Through the role, Flores hopes to be a vehicle of education to the droves of international visitors coming to Arlington.
This <a target=”_blank” href=”https://fortworthreport.org/2026/06/11/disabled-fifa-volunteer-hopes-to-spread-service-animal-awareness-during-world-cup/”>article</a> first appeared on <a target=”_blank” href=”https://fortworthreport.org”>Arlington Report</a> and is republished here under a <a target=”_blank” href=”https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/”>Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License</a>.<img src=”https://i0.wp.com/fortworthreport.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/cropped-favicon.png?resize=150%2C150&ssl=1″ style=”width:1em;height:1em;margin-left:10px;”>
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