ARLINGTON, Texas \u2014 As Arlington prepares to host nine matches during the FIFA World Cup 2026\u2122, public safety officials emphasize that years of planning and regional collaboration are key to ensuring a safe experience for residents and visitors.<\/p>\n
In the latest episode of “Arlington Welcomes the World,” leaders from the Arlington Police Department and Arlington Fire Department discussed their strategies for managing one of the world’s largest sporting events while maintaining normal service levels for the community. Deputy Chief Leo Daniels explained that the Arlington Police Department (APD) has developed a staffing model to support World Cup operations without affecting neighborhood patrols or emergency response. \u201cWe have our folks who are going to be ready to work the streets, and then we have a different team that’s going to be working in the stadium and all of the venues,\u201d Daniels said. \u201cWe are staffed up. We’re ready to go.\u201d<\/p>\n
Visitors can expect a strong law enforcement presence throughout the Entertainment District, supported by local, state, and federal partners. \u201cWe have over 70 local agencies who, in some capacity, may be working with us,\u201d Daniels added.<\/p>\n
The Arlington Fire Department has also expanded staffing and emergency response resources to accommodate the anticipated influx of visitors. Division Chief Jon Padilla noted that the department has increased coverage throughout the Entertainment District and strategically positioned resources to respond quickly to emergencies. \u201cWe’ve expanded our coverage to capture our public safety efforts for the Entertainment District because we know we’re going to have an abundance of international attendees and local visitors,\u201d Padilla said.<\/p>\n
With summer temperatures expected during the tournament, the department is implementing a heat mitigation strategy that includes cooling areas, hydration support, and medical teams stationed throughout the district. \u201cWe have resources that are pre-positioned throughout the Entertainment District\u201d to provide cooling and hydration assistance, Padilla stated. He encouraged visitors to begin hydrating before arriving and to prepare for large crowds and extended periods outdoors. \u201cDon’t wait until the day of the event,\u201d Padilla advised. \u201cYou should be preloading those hydration supplements well in advance.\u201d<\/p>\n
To support World Cup operations, the City is seeking reimbursement for estimated expenses not to exceed $8.1 million for public safety coordination, traffic management and transportation planning, event operations, and logistics. City officials emphasized that police, fire, and emergency response services for residents will remain fully staffed and uninterrupted throughout the tournament.<\/p>\n