One sure big winner from World Cup: North Texas small businesses | Opinion
This summer, the FIFA World Cup 2026 will bring millions of fans to the United States, and for small businesses in North Texas, it’s a once-in-a-generation opportunity.
Many don’t realize that this kind of traffic is life-changing for mom-and-pop shops, retailers and hotels in our communities. It can be the difference between a slow year and one that changes a business’s trajectory.
Fighting for Main Street is at the forefront of our work on the House Committee on Small Business. On May 4, we’re hosting a roundtable in Fort Worth to help our community better understand how North Texas can take full advantage of the business opportunities the World Cup offers.
The nine matches we’re hosting in Dallas are expected to have a direct economic impact of more than $400 million, with total regional effects exceeding $1 billion.
Nationwide, the tournament is projected to generate $30.5 billion in economic output, contribute $17.2 billion to GDP and support roughly 185,000 jobs, many of which are tied directly to the industries that power Main Street.
Visitors from across the globe are expected to spend hundreds of dollars per day on lodging, dining and entertainment, fueling businesses across Arlington, Dallas and the surrounding communities. For a small restaurant owner, a packed house for five straight weeks isn’t just a good stretch; it can be a turning point.
That demand is only expected to grow as global stars take the field. Matches featuring international powerhouses, such as Argentina, the 2022 World Cup winners, are driving ticket demand and travel interest, with resale prices for tickets to some games exceeding $2,000. Local leaders have noted that the presence of marquee teams could further boost economic impact estimates.
But the real story isn’t just a short-term surge. New stadiums, mixed-use developments and expanded training facilities are set to create year-round tourism well after the championship trophy is raised. Additionally, local businesses are stepping up by increasing hiring, expanding hours, and investing in inventory to meet the upcoming demand.
These aren’t just temporary upgrades; they’re the foundation for the next generation of local restaurants, retailers, hotels, and service providers for years to come.
Since the World Cup last came to the area in 1994, Dallas has been building the infrastructure, culture, and love of the game needed to host a moment like this. From the pioneers who helped bring professional soccer to America to the more than 200,000 youth soccer athletes who call North Texas home today, this city has secured its position on the world stage.
Major tournaments like the Dallas Cup — which contribute more than $40 million annually to the North Texas economy — already bring hundreds of teams and thousands of families in year-round, filling hotels, restaurants, and local businesses week after week.
The World Cup builds on the foundation that our community has already started, but at an entirely different scale.
Dallas has already earned recognition as the No. 1 City for Sports Business by the Sports Business Journal, with more than 130,000 hotel rooms and 87.9 million annual passengers moving through DFW International Airport and Love Field. The infrastructure is in place to support a global influx of visitors and direct them to local storefronts.
When the world comes to Texas this summer, they won’t just see great soccer — they’ll see Main Street at its best. And that’s a win far bigger than the final score.
Rep. Roger Williams, a Willow Park Republican, represents the 25th Congressional District and serves as chairman of the House Small Business Committee. Rep. Beth Van Duyne, R-Irving, represents the 24th District and is a member of the committee.
