The world's biggest sporting event is coming to North Texas in 2026. But the festivities officially begin in December.
Billy Bob’s Texas in Fort Worth will host the Official FIFA World Cup 26 Draw Party Experience on Friday, Dec. 5, giving local fans a front-row seat to the live reveal of the 48 national teams set to compete in next summer’s tournament across the United States, Mexico and Canada. Doors open at 10 a.m., with the draw kicking off at 11 a.m. Fans 18 and older are invited to join the celebration.
While the official draw takes place at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., attendees at Billy Bob’s can enjoy a Texas-sized viewing experience with live music, giveaways, appearances from soccer personalities and exclusive merchandise. The draw will divide the 48 teams into 12 groups of four, charting the path for each nation’s journey in the first phase of the tournament. Forty-two teams have already qualified, including traditional powerhouses like Argentina, Brazil, France, Germany and England, alongside emerging underdogs such as Curacao and Morocco.
For North Texas fans, AT&T Stadium in Arlington takes center stage: nine matches, including a semifinal showdown, will be hosted at the Dallas Cowboys’ home, the most of any venue. And for many local soccer enthusiasts, the highlight will be cheering on the hometown team, USA, as the draw reveals which teams they’ll face in the opening rounds.
Tickets are available now, including special Bank of America offers.