As World Cup excitement continues to build in North Texas, fans are lining up for everything from free collectible bracelets to official FIFA merchandise.
At FIFA Fan Festival in Dallas, one of the most popular attractions isn’t a match or a display — it’s a bracelet giveaway that has drawn long lines from eager fans.
Many attendees arrived well before the gates opened to secure one of the customizable fan bands.
“As soon as the gates opened, we ran, we ran straight to over here,” Natalia Bautista said.
Others planned ahead, arriving early to improve their chances of getting one.
“We came like one hour before the opening to get the Bank of America bracelets. It’s a really nice, cool giveaway,” Evgeny Persky said.
The bracelets can be personalized with a wide variety of charms representing sports, countries and Dallas-themed designs.
“So over 140 different charms. And there’s everything from numbers, so you can put your sports team number, things specific to Dallas or different emblems and logos for each country represented,” Jennifer Chandler, Bank of America Dallas President, said.
Bank of America, the official bank sponsor of FIFA World Cup 26, is behind the giveaway. The company says it has distributed millions of fan bands as excitement around the tournament continues to grow.
Chandler said the popularity of the bracelets has surpassed expectations.
“We have had so much momentum and excitement around FIFA to begin with. We’ve been planning for this for years, but I have to say the bracelets themselves have exceeded our expectations. They’ve been so much fun to see the fans waiting in line to get one. And I think it’s because I want to remember this important moment that the World Cup came to the United States,” Chandler said.
Some fans say social media has fueled demand for the bracelets.
“Obviously, you know how social media works. It went viral. Everyone’s posting it. Everyone needs to get their own bracelet, custom made. Everyone likes free stuff,” Jan Valle said.
Fans hoping to get one should be prepared to wait. Lines at the Fan Festival have stretched for hours.
For those looking for more traditional souvenirs, official FIFA World Cup merchandise is also available at retailers across North Texas, including CVS stores and a dedicated shop at Galleria Dallas.
Shoppers at the Galleria Dallas location are purchasing jerseys, hats, keychains, magnets and pins as they look to take home a piece of the tournament.
One customer said the atmosphere surrounding the World Cup is part of the appeal.
“I love it. I really do. Am I as knowledgeable as most people? No, but I love to watch. I love the hubbub of it all,” Carla Franklin said.
The merchandise is attracting both casual fans and longtime soccer supporters.
“I’ve been a big soccer fan since I was little, I mean my favorite team is Manchester United,” Cameron Garcia said.
The Galleria Dallas store also offers exclusive patch customization for jerseys and shirts.
Garcia said the tournament is bringing benefits beyond soccer.
“I think it’s great. It’s good for the community that Dallas is getting a huge boost. So a lot of people from different countries coming in to experience Texas, experience our culture, and see what we bring to Texas,” Garcia said.
Galleria Dallas officials say sales typically increase on days before and after matches at Dallas Stadium, with demand sometimes becoming so strong that lines form outside the store.
This story was originally reported for broadcast by NBC DFW. AI tools helped convert the story into a digital article, and an NBC DFW journalist edited it again before publication.