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![\"Articles](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/articles-arlington-welcomes-the-world-first-episode.jpg\" "\\"Articles")
<\/p>\nPublished on February 20, 2026<\/p>\n
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By Office of Communication<\/p>\n
As Arlington prepares to host nine matches during the FIFA World Cup 2026\u2122, City departments are working together to ensure residents continue to receive the services they rely on every day while welcoming hundreds of thousands of visitors to the community.<\/p>\n
In the first episode of Arlington Welcomes the World, Deputy City Manager Jennifer Wichmann said preparations have been underway for several years and are focused on infrastructure, mobility and public safety improvements that will benefit residents long after the tournament ends.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s important that we get people safely here through a transportation plan and a pedestrian mobility plan,\u201d Wichmann said. \u201cWe also have to make sure people are safe while they\u2019re here.\u201d<\/p>\n
Recent efforts include expanded sidewalks and walkability upgrades in the Entertainment District, improved overhead traffic message boards and the creation of a new Traffic Management Center to help manage traffic during major events. These improvements are designed to make it easier for both visitors and residents to move safely throughout the area.<\/p>\n
Wichmann also reassured residents that public safety services in neighborhoods will not be impacted during the tournament.<\/p>\n
\u201cNone of those will be taken and instead deployed to the World Cup matches,\u201d she said. \u201cWe have a full deployment of fire, police and ambulance resources ready to support the city throughout that time.\u201d<\/p>\n
From a tourism and community experience perspective, Arlington Sports Commission Executive Director Matt Wilson said the city\u2019s ability to host major events safely and efficiently played a key role in securing nine matches \u2014 more than any other U.S. host city. He added that preparations are also focused on making the experience accessible for residents, even for those who may not attend a match inside the stadium.<\/p>\n
\u201cEven if you don\u2019t have a ticket into the game, people want to be where the action is,\u201d Wilson said. \u201cWe\u2019ll have activities throughout the Entertainment District so residents can still be part of it.\u201d<\/p>\n
Wilson noted that Arlington\u2019s amenities \u2014 including AT&T Stadium, Globe Life Field, Choctaw Stadium and the Esports Stadium \u2014 all within walking distance, will help create opportunities for fans and residents alike to engage with the global event.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe want people to walk away saying no one\u2019s ever done it better,\u201d Wilson said.<\/p>\n