Spain defender Pedro Porro listens to a question from the media before a training session at the Cotton Bowl stadium in Dallas, July 13, 2026. Spain is set to face France in a World Cup semifinal match Tuesday.

Spain defender Pedro Porro listens to a question from the media before a training session at the Cotton Bowl stadium in Dallas, July 13, 2026. Spain is set to face France in a World Cup semifinal match Tuesday.

Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning News

The World Cup semifinal between Spain and France on Tuesday at Dallas Stadium is more than a meeting of two elite national teams.

It is a collision of football identities, political histories, cultural pride and generational memory — a rivalry shaped by geography over decades, now renewed on American soil.

At the center of the match are two different protagonists: Kylian Mbappé, the global superstar whose name echoes across continents, and Pedro Porro, the Spanish defender whose assignment is as daunting as any in the world of football.

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Related: Predictions for Spain vs. France in World Cup semifinal at Dallas Stadium

Mbappé arrives in Dallas as one of the most feared forwards on the planet. His acceleration, finishing and presence are key assets that make him stand out on the field.

With eight goals — tied with Lionel Messi for the tournament lead — he has carried France to the brink of a third consecutive World Cup final.

He is a household name, even among casual fans. His face is on billboards, and at 27, his highlights dominate social media.

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On the other side stands Porro, Spain’s right back, a player whose name rarely appears in global headlines but whose role Tuesday may determine the fate of the semifinal.

Porro, 26, said he isn’t afraid of his assignment. After all, over the past year he has added plenty of experience to his résumé.

France soccer players run drills during a training session at SMU in University Park, July 13, 2026. France is set to face Spain in a World Cup semifinal match Tuesday.

France soccer players run drills during a training session at SMU in University Park, July 13, 2026. France is set to face Spain in a World Cup semifinal match Tuesday.

Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning NewsFrance Desire Doue (center, with arm in air) and his teammates stretch during a training session at SMU in University Park, July 13, 2026. France is set to face Spain in a World Cup semifinal match Tuesday.

France Desire Doue (center, with arm in air) and his teammates stretch during a training session at SMU in University Park, July 13, 2026. France is set to face Spain in a World Cup semifinal match Tuesday.

Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning NewsFrance goalkeeper Mike Maignan stops shots during a training session at SMU in University Park, July 13, 2026. France is set to face Spain in a World Cup semifinal match Tuesday.

France goalkeeper Mike Maignan stops shots during a training session at SMU in University Park, July 13, 2026. France is set to face Spain in a World Cup semifinal match Tuesday.

Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning NewsFrance goalkeeper Mike Maignan stops shots during a training session at SMU in University Park, July 13, 2026. France is set to face Spain in a World Cup semifinal match Tuesday.

France goalkeeper Mike Maignan stops shots during a training session at SMU in University Park, July 13, 2026. France is set to face Spain in a World Cup semifinal match Tuesday.

Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning NewsFrance forward Kylian Mbappé (left) runs sprints with his teammates during a training session at SMU in University Park, Texas, July 13, 2026. France is set to face Spain in a World Cup semifinal match Tuesday.

France forward Kylian Mbappé (left) runs sprints with his teammates during a training session at SMU in University Park, Texas, July 13, 2026. France is set to face Spain in a World Cup semifinal match Tuesday.

Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning NewsFrance forward Kylian Mbappé (left) runs sprints with his teammates during a training session at SMU in University Park, Texas, July 13, 2026. France is set to face Spain in a World Cup semifinal match Tuesday.

France forward Kylian Mbappé (left) runs sprints with his teammates during a training session at SMU in University Park, Texas, July 13, 2026. France is set to face Spain in a World Cup semifinal match Tuesday.

Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning NewsFrance forward Kylian Mbappé (second from left) works out with teammates during a training session at SMU in University Park, Texas, July 13, 2026. France is set to face Spain in a World Cup semifinal match Tuesday.

France forward Kylian Mbappé (second from left) works out with teammates during a training session at SMU in University Park, Texas, July 13, 2026. France is set to face Spain in a World Cup semifinal match Tuesday.

Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning NewsFrance manager Didier Deschamps watches his players during a training session at SMU in University Park, July 13, 2026. France is set to face Spain in a World Cup semifinal match Tuesday.

France manager Didier Deschamps watches his players during a training session at SMU in University Park, July 13, 2026. France is set to face Spain in a World Cup semifinal match Tuesday.

Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning NewsFrance forward Kylian Mbappé (right) works out with teammates during a training session at SMU in University Park, Texas, July 13, 2026. France is set to face Spain in a World Cup semifinal match Tuesday.

France forward Kylian Mbappé (right) works out with teammates during a training session at SMU in University Park, Texas, July 13, 2026. France is set to face Spain in a World Cup semifinal match Tuesday.

Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning NewsFrance forward Kylian Mbappé (left) works out with teammates during a training session at SMU in University Park, Texas, July 13, 2026. France is set to face Spain in a World Cup semifinal match Tuesday.

France forward Kylian Mbappé (left) works out with teammates during a training session at SMU in University Park, Texas, July 13, 2026. France is set to face Spain in a World Cup semifinal match Tuesday.

Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning NewsFrance forward Kylian Mbappé (left) runs sprints during a training session at SMU in University Park, Texas, July 13, 2026. France is set to face Spain in a World Cup semifinal match Tuesday.

France forward Kylian Mbappé (left) runs sprints during a training session at SMU in University Park, Texas, July 13, 2026. France is set to face Spain in a World Cup semifinal match Tuesday.

Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning NewsFrance forward Michael Olise takes shot at the net as tries the new TRIONDA FINAL ball during a training session at SMU in University Park, July 13, 2026. France is set to face Spain in a World Cup semifinal match Tuesday.

France forward Michael Olise takes shot at the net as tries the new TRIONDA FINAL ball during a training session at SMU in University Park, July 13, 2026. France is set to face Spain in a World Cup semifinal match Tuesday.

Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning NewsFrance manager Didier Deschamps (center) leads his team onto the pitch for a training session at SMU in University Park, July 13, 2026. France is set to face Spain in a World Cup semifinal match Tuesday.

France manager Didier Deschamps (center) leads his team onto the pitch for a training session at SMU in University Park, July 13, 2026. France is set to face Spain in a World Cup semifinal match Tuesday.

Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning NewsSpain forward Lamine Yamal reacts after battling a teammate for the ball during a training session at the Cotton Bowl stadium in Dallas, July 13, 2026. Spain is set to face France in a FIFA World Cup semifinal match Tuesday.

Spain forward Lamine Yamal reacts after battling a teammate for the ball during a training session at the Cotton Bowl stadium in Dallas, July 13, 2026. Spain is set to face France in a FIFA World Cup semifinal match Tuesday.

Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning NewsSpain forward Lamine Yamal flies past a teammate as he makes a kick during a training session at the Cotton Bowl stadium in Dallas, July 13, 2026. Spain is set to face France in a FIFA World Cup semifinal match Tuesday.

Spain forward Lamine Yamal flies past a teammate as he makes a kick during a training session at the Cotton Bowl stadium in Dallas, July 13, 2026. Spain is set to face France in a FIFA World Cup semifinal match Tuesday.

Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning NewsSpain forward Lamine Yamal flies past a teammate as he makes a kick during a training session at the Cotton Bowl stadium in Dallas, July 13, 2026. Spain is set to face France in a FIFA World Cup semifinal match Tuesday.

Spain forward Lamine Yamal flies past a teammate as he makes a kick during a training session at the Cotton Bowl stadium in Dallas, July 13, 2026. Spain is set to face France in a FIFA World Cup semifinal match Tuesday.

Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning NewsSpain players warm up before the media during a training session at the Cotton Bowl stadium in Dallas, July 13, 2026. Spain is set to face France in a FIFA World Cup semifinal match Tuesday.

Spain players warm up before the media during a training session at the Cotton Bowl stadium in Dallas, July 13, 2026. Spain is set to face France in a FIFA World Cup semifinal match Tuesday.

Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning NewsSpain forward Lamine Yamal warms up during a training session at the Cotton Bowl stadium in Dallas, July 13, 2026. Spain is set to face France in a FIFA World Cup semifinal match Tuesday.

Spain forward Lamine Yamal warms up during a training session at the Cotton Bowl stadium in Dallas, July 13, 2026. Spain is set to face France in a FIFA World Cup semifinal match Tuesday.

Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning NewsSpain forward Lamine Yamal (right) kicks to the new Trionda Final ball as he and his teammates take the pitch for a training session at the Cotton Bowl stadium in Dallas, July 13, 2026. Spain is set to face France in a FIFA World Cup semifinal match Tuesday.

Spain forward Lamine Yamal (right) kicks to the new Trionda Final ball as he and his teammates take the pitch for a training session at the Cotton Bowl stadium in Dallas, July 13, 2026. Spain is set to face France in a FIFA World Cup semifinal match Tuesday.

Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning NewsSpain soccer players gather on the pitch to start a training session at the Cotton Bowl stadium in Dallas, July 13, 2026. Spain is set to face France in a semifinal match Tuesday.

Spain soccer players gather on the pitch to start a training session at the Cotton Bowl stadium in Dallas, July 13, 2026. Spain is set to face France in a semifinal match Tuesday.

Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning NewsSpain players gather for a training session as the sprinklers water the pitch at the Cotton Bowl stadium in Dallas, July 13, 2026. Spain is set to face France in a semifinal match Tuesday.

Spain players gather for a training session as the sprinklers water the pitch at the Cotton Bowl stadium in Dallas, July 13, 2026. Spain is set to face France in a semifinal match Tuesday.

Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning NewsSpain's Ferran Torres wets down his hair in the sprinklers before a training session at the Cotton Bowl stadium in Dallas, July 13, 2026. Spain is set to face France in a FIFA World Cup semifinal match Tuesday.

Spain’s Ferran Torres wets down his hair in the sprinklers before a training session at the Cotton Bowl stadium in Dallas, July 13, 2026. Spain is set to face France in a FIFA World Cup semifinal match Tuesday.

Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning Newspain head coach Luis de la Fuente (right) walks onto the pitch for a training session at the Cotton Bowl stadium in Dallas, July 13, 2026. Spain is set to face France in a semifinal match Tuesday.

pain head coach Luis de la Fuente (right) walks onto the pitch for a training session at the Cotton Bowl stadium in Dallas, July 13, 2026. Spain is set to face France in a semifinal match Tuesday.

Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning NewsThe FIFA World Cup soccer ball, TRIONDA FINAL, has a new look for the semifinal as Spain trains at the Cotton Bowl stadium in Dallas, July 13, 2026. Spain is set to face France in a semifinal match Tuesday.

The FIFA World Cup soccer ball, TRIONDA FINAL, has a new look for the semifinal as Spain trains at the Cotton Bowl stadium in Dallas, July 13, 2026. Spain is set to face France in a semifinal match Tuesday.

Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning NewsThe FIFA World Cup soccer ball, TRIONDA FINAL, has a new look for the semifinal as Spain trains at the Cotton Bowl stadium in Dallas, July 13, 2026. Spain is set to face France in a semifinal match Tuesday.

The FIFA World Cup soccer ball, TRIONDA FINAL, has a new look for the semifinal as Spain trains at the Cotton Bowl stadium in Dallas, July 13, 2026. Spain is set to face France in a semifinal match Tuesday.

Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning NewsA Spain staffer rolls new black and gold FIFA World Cup soccer balls onto the pitch for a training session at the Cotton Bowl stadium in Dallas, July 13, 2026. Spain is set to face France in a semifinal match Tuesday.

A Spain staffer rolls new black and gold FIFA World Cup soccer balls onto the pitch for a training session at the Cotton Bowl stadium in Dallas, July 13, 2026. Spain is set to face France in a semifinal match Tuesday.

Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning NewsSpain defender Pedro Porro (right) responds to questions from a throng of media before a training session at the Cotton Bowl stadium in Dallas, July 13, 2026. Spain is set to face France in a World Cup semifinal match Tuesday.

Spain defender Pedro Porro (right) responds to questions from a throng of media before a training session at the Cotton Bowl stadium in Dallas, July 13, 2026. Spain is set to face France in a World Cup semifinal match Tuesday.

Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning NewsSports reporters train their phones on Spain midfielder Álex Baena as he responds to questions before a training session at the Cotton Bowl stadium in Dallas, July 13, 2026. Spain is set to face France in a semifinal match Tuesday.

Sports reporters train their phones on Spain midfielder Álex Baena as he responds to questions before a training session at the Cotton Bowl stadium in Dallas, July 13, 2026. Spain is set to face France in a semifinal match Tuesday.

Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning NewsSpain midfielder Álex Baena (right) responds to questions from a throng of media before a training session at the Cotton Bowl stadium in Dallas, July 13, 2026. Spain is set to face France in a World Cup semifinal match Tuesday.

Spain midfielder Álex Baena (right) responds to questions from a throng of media before a training session at the Cotton Bowl stadium in Dallas, July 13, 2026. Spain is set to face France in a World Cup semifinal match Tuesday.

Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning NewsSpain midfielder Álex Baena (right) responds to questions from a throng of media before a training session at the Cotton Bowl stadium in Dallas, July 13, 2026. Spain is set to face France in a World Cup semifinal match Tuesday.

Spain midfielder Álex Baena (right) responds to questions from a throng of media before a training session at the Cotton Bowl stadium in Dallas, July 13, 2026. Spain is set to face France in a World Cup semifinal match Tuesday.

Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning News

“Today I have more experience,” he said Monday at the Cotton Bowl before Spain’s training session. “When you play 50 more matches, they give you another kind of experience. I’m more than prepared.”

Porro’s evolution is not only technical. It is emotional, forged through Spain’s grueling travel schedule — more than 6,000 miles flown across the United States and Mexico — and the demands of a tournament that has stretched the team’s endurance.

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“We’re flying up and down constantly, and we don’t think about the miles,” he said. “We’ve been able to recover for this match and stay focused on tomorrow.”

Focus will be everything. Mbappé is relentless, capable of stretching defenses until they snap. Porro’s margin for error is small.

Related: What to know about France vs. Spain in World Cup semifinal at Dallas Stadium

He praised France’s attack as one of the strongest in the World Cup, emphasizing that Spain will need total concentration from start to finish.

Porro singled out Mbappé as a player who can change a match, noting that Spain’s mission Tuesday in the semifinal will be to limit his influence.

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Porro is well regarded among his peers. Inside Spain’s locker room, he is trusted, seasoned and ready for the assignment that could define his career.

Coach weighs in

Mbappé’s stature is something that Spain coach, Luis de la Fuente, had no hesitation elevating.

“Kylian is a world‑class player; personally, I admire him a great deal,” De la Fuente said during Monday’s press conference ahead of the match against France.

De la Fuente acknowledged France’s quality but insisted his team has the tools to earn the victory that would send them to Sunday’s final in New Jersey, where they would face the winner of Argentina vs. England.

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Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente speaks during a press conference ahead of a World Cup semifinal match against France on Monday, July 13, 2026, in Arlington.

Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente speaks during a press conference ahead of a World Cup semifinal match against France on Monday, July 13, 2026, in Arlington.

Elías Valverde II/The Dallas Morning News

Related: As MetLife Stadium draws criticism, fans wonder why Dallas wasn’t chosen for World Cup final

He singled out Lamine Yamal, the young star who turned 19 on Monday.

Yamal is widely seen as one of the emerging figures of this World Cup, though he has yet to deliver the signature performance many expect from him. De la Fuente believes that moment is imminent. 

“Lamine’s big day is coming. I hope it arrives against France. And if not, then in the final — if we get there,” he said.

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De la Fuente added that he has encouraged Yamal to set aside worry and anxiety so he can play with full freedom.

“I told him, enjoy the game. Everything is going to be fine.”

‘As long as we win’

Alongside Porro, 24-year-old midfielder Álex Baena, understands the magnitude of the matchup — not only as a football rivalry, but as a cultural one.

The two nations share a border, a history of political tension and decades of sporting clashes that have shaped national identity.

Spain’s golden generation dominated Europe from 2008 to 2012.

France rose under coach Didier Deschamps, powered by youth and athleticism.

From Euro battles to Nations League thrillers, Spain-France has always carried a charge.

“It’s going to be a beautiful match,” Baena said. “Two of the best national teams in the world. A match the fans will definitely enjoy.”

Related: North Texas, take a bow: World Cup host region met the moment

Spain has faced France often in recent years, and Baena believes those experiences matter.

“We’ve played against them many times. Things have gone our way, and we hope tomorrow will be the same.”

When asked whether Spain expects a chaotic match — like the 5-4 thriller in last year’s Nations League semifinals — or a more controlled defensive performance, Baena didn’t hesitate.

“As long as we win, whatever the score is, that’s what matters,” he said. “We know it’s going to be a match where both teams attack a lot. And if there are goals, we hope most of them are ours.”

Baena was 8 years old when Spain last played in a World Cup semifinal — a tense 1-0 win over Germany in 2010. Spain went on to win the World Cup that summer, a triumph that shaped a generation of young fans who are now wearing the national team’s colors on the field.

Spain’s semifinal challenge is monumental. Mbappé is a global icon. Porro is not. Baena is still emerging. But together, they represent the spine of a team built on continuity, trust and belief.

Spain vs. France is a rivalry reborn. And in Arlington, its next chapter may hinge on two Spaniards who now bear the same burden on the sport’s biggest stage.

Spain’s Lamine Yamal smiles during a press conference ahead of a World Cup semifinal match against France on Monday, July 13, 2026, in Arlington.

Spain’s Lamine Yamal smiles during a press conference ahead of a World Cup semifinal match against France on Monday, July 13, 2026, in Arlington.

Elías Valverde II/The Dallas Morning NewsSpain’s Lamine Yamal smiles as he talks during a press conference ahead of a World Cup semifinal match against France on Monday, July 13, 2026, in Arlington.

Spain’s Lamine Yamal smiles as he talks during a press conference ahead of a World Cup semifinal match against France on Monday, July 13, 2026, in Arlington.

Elías Valverde II/The Dallas Morning NewsSpain’s Lamine Yamal responds to a question during a press conference ahead of a World Cup semifinal match against France on Monday, July 13, 2026, in Arlington.

Spain’s Lamine Yamal responds to a question during a press conference ahead of a World Cup semifinal match against France on Monday, July 13, 2026, in Arlington.

Elías Valverde II/The Dallas Morning NewsSpain’s Lamine Yamal waits for a question as reporters raise their hands during a press conference ahead of a World Cup semifinal match against France on Monday, July 13, 2026, in Arlington.

Spain’s Lamine Yamal waits for a question as reporters raise their hands during a press conference ahead of a World Cup semifinal match against France on Monday, July 13, 2026, in Arlington.

Elías Valverde II/The Dallas Morning NewsMembers of the media record video on their phones as Spain’s Lamine Yamal speaks during a press conference ahead of a World Cup semifinal match against France on Monday, July 13, 2026, in Arlington.

Members of the media record video on their phones as Spain’s Lamine Yamal speaks during a press conference ahead of a World Cup semifinal match against France on Monday, July 13, 2026, in Arlington.

Elías Valverde II/The Dallas Morning NewsSpain’s Lamine Yamal takes off his jacket before a press conference ahead of a World Cup semifinal match against France on Monday, July 13, 2026, in Arlington.

Spain’s Lamine Yamal takes off his jacket before a press conference ahead of a World Cup semifinal match against France on Monday, July 13, 2026, in Arlington.

Elías Valverde II/The Dallas Morning NewsSpain’s Lamine Yamal enters the room before a press conference ahead of a World Cup semifinal match against France on Monday, July 13, 2026, in Arlington.

Spain’s Lamine Yamal enters the room before a press conference ahead of a World Cup semifinal match against France on Monday, July 13, 2026, in Arlington.

Elías Valverde II/The Dallas Morning NewsSpain head coach Luis de la Fuente takes his seat before a press conference ahead of a World Cup semifinal match against France on Monday, July 13, 2026, in Arlington.

Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente takes his seat before a press conference ahead of a World Cup semifinal match against France on Monday, July 13, 2026, in Arlington.

Elías Valverde II/The Dallas Morning NewsFrance head coach Didier Deschamps speaks to a packed room of media during a press conference ahead of a World Cup semifinal match against Spain on Monday, July 13, 2026, in Arlington.

France head coach Didier Deschamps speaks to a packed room of media during a press conference ahead of a World Cup semifinal match against Spain on Monday, July 13, 2026, in Arlington.

Elías Valverde II/The Dallas Morning NewsFrance head coach Didier Deschamps speaks during a press conference ahead of a World Cup semifinal match against Spain on Monday, July 13, 2026, in Arlington.

France head coach Didier Deschamps speaks during a press conference ahead of a World Cup semifinal match against Spain on Monday, July 13, 2026, in Arlington.

Elías Valverde II/The Dallas Morning NewsFrance midfielder Warren Zaire-Emery speaks during a press conference ahead of a World Cup semifinal match against Spain on Monday, July 13, 2026, in Arlington.

France midfielder Warren Zaire-Emery speaks during a press conference ahead of a World Cup semifinal match against Spain on Monday, July 13, 2026, in Arlington.

Elías Valverde II/The Dallas Morning NewsFrance midfielder Warren Zaire-Emery speaks during a press conference ahead of a World Cup semifinal match against Spain on Monday, July 13, 2026, in Arlington.

France midfielder Warren Zaire-Emery speaks during a press conference ahead of a World Cup semifinal match against Spain on Monday, July 13, 2026, in Arlington.

Elías Valverde II/The Dallas Morning NewsMonica Paul, President of North Texas FWC Organizing Committee answers questions to the members of the media during a press conference about the FIFA World Cup, on Monday, July 13, 2026 in Dallas.

Monica Paul, President of North Texas FWC Organizing Committee answers questions to the members of the media during a press conference about the FIFA World Cup, on Monday, July 13, 2026 in Dallas.

Shafkat Anowar/The Dallas Morning NewsArlington Mayor Jim Ross speaks during a press conference on FIFA World Cup, on Monday, July 13, 2026 in Dallas.

Arlington Mayor Jim Ross speaks during a press conference on FIFA World Cup, on Monday, July 13, 2026 in Dallas.

Shafkat Anowar/The Dallas Morning NewsArlington Mayor Jim Ross speaks during a press conference on FIFA World Cup, on Monday, July 13, 2026 in Dallas.

Arlington Mayor Jim Ross speaks during a press conference on FIFA World Cup, on Monday, July 13, 2026 in Dallas.

Shafkat Anowar/The Dallas Morning NewsChad Estis, Executive Vice President of Business Operations of Dallas Cowboys speaks during a press conference on FIFA World Cup, on Monday, July 13, 2026 in Dallas.

Chad Estis, Executive Vice President of Business Operations of Dallas Cowboys speaks during a press conference on FIFA World Cup, on Monday, July 13, 2026 in Dallas.

Shafkat Anowar/The Dallas Morning NewsChad Estis, Executive Vice President of Business Operations of Dallas Cowboys speaks during a press conference on FIFA World Cup, on Monday, July 13, 2026 in Dallas.

Chad Estis, Executive Vice President of Business Operations of Dallas Cowboys speaks during a press conference on FIFA World Cup, on Monday, July 13, 2026 in Dallas.

Shafkat Anowar/The Dallas Morning NewsMonica Paul, President of North Texas FWC Organizing Committee gets applauded by Dan Hunt, Co-Chair of North Texas FWC Organizing Committee during a press conference, on Monday, July 13, 2026 in Dallas.

Monica Paul, President of North Texas FWC Organizing Committee gets applauded by Dan Hunt, Co-Chair of North Texas FWC Organizing Committee during a press conference, on Monday, July 13, 2026 in Dallas.

Shafkat Anowar/The Dallas Morning NewsNina Vaca, Co-Chair of North Texas FWC Organizing Committee speaks during a press conference about the FIFA World Cup, on Monday, July 13, 2026 in Dallas.

Nina Vaca, Co-Chair of North Texas FWC Organizing Committee speaks during a press conference about the FIFA World Cup, on Monday, July 13, 2026 in Dallas.

Shafkat Anowar/The Dallas Morning NewsNina Vaca, Co-Chair of North Texas FWC Organizing Committee speaks during a press conference about the FIFA World Cup, on Monday, July 13, 2026 in Dallas.

Nina Vaca, Co-Chair of North Texas FWC Organizing Committee speaks during a press conference about the FIFA World Cup, on Monday, July 13, 2026 in Dallas.

Shafkat Anowar/The Dallas Morning NewsDan Hunt, Co-Chair of North Texas FWC Organizing Committee speaks during a press conference about the FIFA World Cup, on Monday, July 13, 2026 in Dallas.

Dan Hunt, Co-Chair of North Texas FWC Organizing Committee speaks during a press conference about the FIFA World Cup, on Monday, July 13, 2026 in Dallas.

Shafkat Anowar/The Dallas Morning NewsDan Hunt, Co-Chair of North Texas FWC Organizing Committee speaks during a press conference about the FIFA World Cup, on Monday, July 13, 2026 in Dallas.

Dan Hunt, Co-Chair of North Texas FWC Organizing Committee speaks during a press conference about the FIFA World Cup, on Monday, July 13, 2026 in Dallas.

Shafkat Anowar/The Dallas Morning NewsDan Hunt, Co-Chair of North Texas FWC Organizing Committee speaks during a press conference about the FIFA World Cup, on Monday, July 13, 2026 in Dallas.

Dan Hunt, Co-Chair of North Texas FWC Organizing Committee speaks during a press conference about the FIFA World Cup, on Monday, July 13, 2026 in Dallas.

Shafkat Anowar/The Dallas Morning NewsMonica Paul, President of North Texas FWC Organizing Committee shares a hug with Dan Hunt, (left), Co-Chair of North Texas FWC Organizing Committee during a press conference, on Monday, July 13, 2026 in Dallas.

Monica Paul, President of North Texas FWC Organizing Committee shares a hug with Dan Hunt, (left), Co-Chair of North Texas FWC Organizing Committee during a press conference, on Monday, July 13, 2026 in Dallas.

Shafkat Anowar/The Dallas Morning NewsMonica Paul, President of North Texas FWC Organizing Committee gets emotional while talking as Dan Hunt, (left), Co-Chair of North Texas FWC Organizing Committee listens during a press conference, on Monday, July 13, 2026 in Dallas.

Monica Paul, President of North Texas FWC Organizing Committee gets emotional while talking as Dan Hunt, (left), Co-Chair of North Texas FWC Organizing Committee listens during a press conference, on Monday, July 13, 2026 in Dallas.

Shafkat Anowar/The Dallas Morning NewsMonica Paul, President of North Texas FWC Organizing Committee gets emotional while talking about her team’s involvement in the FIFA World Cup during a press conference, on Monday, July 13, 2026 in Dallas.

Monica Paul, President of North Texas FWC Organizing Committee gets emotional while talking about her team’s involvement in the FIFA World Cup during a press conference, on Monday, July 13, 2026 in Dallas.

Shafkat Anowar/The Dallas Morning NewsMonica Paul, President of North Texas FWC Organizing Committee gets emotional while talking about her team’s involvement in the FIFA World Cup during a press conference, on Monday, July 13, 2026 in Dallas.

Monica Paul, President of North Texas FWC Organizing Committee gets emotional while talking about her team’s involvement in the FIFA World Cup during a press conference, on Monday, July 13, 2026 in Dallas.

Shafkat Anowar/The Dallas Morning NewsMonica Paul, President of North Texas FWC Organizing Committee gets emotional while talking about her team’s involvement in the FIFA World Cup during a press conference, on Monday, July 13, 2026 in Dallas.

Monica Paul, President of North Texas FWC Organizing Committee gets emotional while talking about her team’s involvement in the FIFA World Cup during a press conference, on Monday, July 13, 2026 in Dallas.

Shafkat Anowar/The Dallas Morning NewsMonica Paul, President of North Texas FWC Organizing Committee gets emotional while talking about her team’s involvement in the FIFA World Cup during a press conference, on Monday, July 13, 2026 in Dallas.

Monica Paul, President of North Texas FWC Organizing Committee gets emotional while talking about her team’s involvement in the FIFA World Cup during a press conference, on Monday, July 13, 2026 in Dallas.

Shafkat Anowar/The Dallas Morning NewsDan Hunt, Co-Chair of North Texas FWC Organizing Committee listens during a press conference about the FIFA World Cup, on Monday, July 13, 2026 in Dallas.

Dan Hunt, Co-Chair of North Texas FWC Organizing Committee listens during a press conference about the FIFA World Cup, on Monday, July 13, 2026 in Dallas.

Shafkat Anowar/The Dallas Morning NewsMonica Paul, President of North Texas FWC Organizing Committee speaks during a press conference about the FIFA World Cup, on Monday, July 13, 2026 in Dallas.

Monica Paul, President of North Texas FWC Organizing Committee speaks during a press conference about the FIFA World Cup, on Monday, July 13, 2026 in Dallas.

Shafkat Anowar/The Dallas Morning NewsMonica Paul, President of North Texas FWC Organizing Committee gets emotional while talking about her team’s involvement in the FIFA World Cup during a press conference, on Monday, July 13, 2026 in Dallas.

Monica Paul, President of North Texas FWC Organizing Committee gets emotional while talking about her team’s involvement in the FIFA World Cup during a press conference, on Monday, July 13, 2026 in Dallas.

Shafkat Anowar/The Dallas Morning NewsMonica Paul, President of North Texas FWC Organizing Committee gets emotional while talking about her team’s involvement in the FIFA World Cup during a press conference, on Monday, July 13, 2026 in Dallas.

Monica Paul, President of North Texas FWC Organizing Committee gets emotional while talking about her team’s involvement in the FIFA World Cup during a press conference, on Monday, July 13, 2026 in Dallas.

Shafkat Anowar/The Dallas Morning NewsDallas City Manager Kimberly Bizor Tolbert (front) shares a hug with Monica Paul, President of North Texas FWC Organizing Committee, during a press conference for FIFA World Cup 2026, on Monday, July 13, 2026 in Dallas.

Dallas City Manager Kimberly Bizor Tolbert (front) shares a hug with Monica Paul, President of North Texas FWC Organizing Committee, during a press conference for FIFA World Cup 2026, on Monday, July 13, 2026 in Dallas.

Shafkat Anowar/The Dallas Morning NewsDallas City Manager Kimberly Bizor Tolbert speaks during a press conference for FIFA World Cup 2026, on Monday, July 13, 2026 in Dallas.

Dallas City Manager Kimberly Bizor Tolbert speaks during a press conference for FIFA World Cup 2026, on Monday, July 13, 2026 in Dallas.

Shafkat Anowar/The Dallas Morning NewsDallas City Manager Kimberly Bizor Tolbert speaks during a press conference for FIFA World Cup 2026, on Monday, July 13, 2026 in Dallas.

Dallas City Manager Kimberly Bizor Tolbert speaks during a press conference for FIFA World Cup 2026, on Monday, July 13, 2026 in Dallas.

Shafkat Anowar/The Dallas Morning NewsMembers of the media listen to Dallas City Manager Kimberly Bizor Tolbert during a press conference for FIFA World Cup 2026, on Monday, July 13, 2026 in Dallas.

Members of the media listen to Dallas City Manager Kimberly Bizor Tolbert during a press conference for FIFA World Cup 2026, on Monday, July 13, 2026 in Dallas.

Shafkat Anowar/The Dallas Morning NewsDallas City Manager Kimberly Bizor Tolbert speaks during a press conference for FIFA World Cup 2026, on Monday, July 13, 2026 in Dallas.

Dallas City Manager Kimberly Bizor Tolbert speaks during a press conference for FIFA World Cup 2026, on Monday, July 13, 2026 in Dallas.

Shafkat Anowar/The Dallas Morning NewsDallas City Manager Kimberly Bizor Tolbert speaks during a press conference for FIFA World Cup 2026, on Monday, July 13, 2026 in Dallas.

Dallas City Manager Kimberly Bizor Tolbert speaks during a press conference for FIFA World Cup 2026, on Monday, July 13, 2026 in Dallas.

Shafkat Anowar/The Dallas Morning NewsDallas City Manager Kimberly Bizor Tolbert speaks during a press conference for FIFA World Cup 2026, on Monday, July 13, 2026 in Dallas.

Dallas City Manager Kimberly Bizor Tolbert speaks during a press conference for FIFA World Cup 2026, on Monday, July 13, 2026 in Dallas.

Shafkat Anowar/The Dallas Morning News