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The Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center will serve as the official hub for global broadcast media operations. 

• The IBC will be operated by FIFA’s appointed Host Broadcaster, Host Broadcast Services (HBS)
• Approximately 2,000 broadcast media representatives will have access to state-of-the-art facilities.

FIFA is pleased to announce that the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in downtown Dallas has been selected as the official hub for the FIFA World Cup 26™ International Broadcast Centre (IBC).

The state-of-the-art facility will serve as the global broadcast operations centre for the game-changing tournament set to take place across 16 Host Cities in Canada, Mexico and the United States.

From January until the end of July 2026, the IBC will act as the nerve centre for television, radio and new media operations, spanning an impressive 45,000 square meters (485,000 square feet). As the telecommunications hub for national and international media, the IBC will ensure seamless coverage of the tournament, reaching billions of fans worldwide.

It will be the second time that Dallas has been designated this prestigious function, having also hosted the IBC during the 1994 FIFA World Cup USA™.

The IBC will benefit from the unparalleled expertise of Host Broadcast Services (HBS), FIFA’s appointed Host Broadcaster for the FIFA World Cup 26. HBS has successfully delivered services for the last six editions of the FIFA World Cup™, providing world-class operations and cutting-edge technology.

“With the FIFA World Cup 2026 set to redefine the global football experience, we’re proud to have confirmed the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center Dallas as the International Broadcast Centre, because it is a world-class facility that will provide top-tier services for media professionals from around the globe,” said FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafström.

“This partnership highlights our dedication to maintaining the highest standards for broadcast operations. With its modern infrastructure and the expertise of our Host Broadcaster, HBS, the IBC will offer an optimal environment for broadcasters and media professionals to deliver compelling storytelling and coverage of this historic event. In addition, media representatives from around the world will have the opportunity to discover Dallas, a dynamic city that combines modern urban attractions with deep-rooted history, and legendary sports teams that captivate fans across the globe.”

The IBC will be home to approximately 2,000 broadcast media representatives for seven months, including in the build-up to and during the tournament. It will also serve as the headquarters for FIFA’s Host Broadcaster, Media Partners, Content Production Department and Football Technology and Innovation Department.

“Being selected as host city of the FIFA World Cup 2026 International Broadcast Center is a monumental win for Dallas and a testament to our global appeal and readiness to shine on the world stage,” said Dallas Mayor Eric L. Johnson. “I am thrilled that the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center will serve as a hub to showcase our city, its rich culture and the hospitality of our community to millions of viewers around the globe.”

The IBC will offer a range of services to meet the needs of the large group of experts, specialists and staff helping to take the groundbreaking 23rd edition of the FIFA World Cup to over 200 countries worldwide. These services include a 24-hour cafeteria, a lounge, concession stands, a convenience store, a gift shop, express shipping, banking and dry cleaning. This comprehensive set-up will ensure that members of the global broadcast media workforce can focus on delivering exceptional coverage of the tournament.

“Securing the International Broadcast Centre firmly places the city of Dallas and our North Texas region at the centre of the world’s attention during FIFA World Cup 2026,” said North Texas FIFA World Cup Organizing Committee President Monica Paul. “It is a tremendous honour to host thousands of media professionals at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center, as they will highlight our city and region throughout the entirety of the tournament, once again showcasing our city and region’s ability to collaborate and deliver on a global scale.”

The announcement follows the unanimous approval of the plans by the Dallas City Council on 11 December 2024. The project will provide significant economic opportunities for local and minority businesses, which will be able to bid for contracts related to the convention center’s operations.

Click here for additional information about this exciting announcement.

Kimberly Bizor Tolbert was appointed Dallas City Manager on January 22, 2025, after serving as Interim City Manager since May 2024. Tolbert previously served as Deputy City Manager and Chief of Staff since rejoining the City of Dallas in 2017. As City Manager of the 9th largest city in the country, she oversees a budget of $5.2 billion and a workforce of 13,000+ Dallas team members. She is the first African American female to serve as Dallas City Manager, and the only woman leading a top ten city in the United States with a council – manager form of government.

Tolbert brings a strong business acumen and a commitment to making Dallas more responsive, accountable, open and honest for its 1.3 million residents. Upon assuming the role of Interim City Manager, she launched an ambitious 100-day plan to address immediate improvements. Within her first 45 days, she led a citywide realignment, streamlining and reimagining functions, resulting in $13 million in savings and enhanced cross-departmental collaboration.

She is fostering a culture of customer-centricity through the principles of Connect, Collaborate, and Communicate, driving the City team to deliver Service First with the urgency of Now! She is passionate about Dallas’ evolution into a globally recognized city, with a thriving and inclusive community that sets the standard for excellence through innovation, efficient government, and targeted economic growth. The Dallas Business Journal recently named her as a Texas 100 – headliner to watch in 2025.

Some of Tolbert’s notable achievements include delivering a balanced biennial FY 2024-25 budget, the largest single-year property tax rate reduction in modern history and closing a $38+ million revenue shortfall. She also led negotiations to bring the Dallas Wings basketball team and all women’s soccer team, Dallas Trinity FC, to the City of Dallas. The Wings are projected to produce a $15 million impact over 15 years, and Trinity FC, $4 million over five years. Tolbert is also an advocate for public / private partnerships. As Interim City Manager, she leveraged roughly $200 million in infrastructure investments within her first six months to champion communities that have not historically benefitted from the City’s economic growth and social vibrancy.

A transformational, results-driven leader, Tolbert is a Texas native, who has lived in North Texas for over 40 years and has 30+ years of public sector experience. She holds a Master of Public Administration and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of North Texas, is a graduate of the Bloomberg Harvard City Leadership Initiative, and an International City / County Management Association Credentialed Manager (ICMA-CM)

Education

• Master of Public Administration, University of North Texas
• Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, University of North Texas

Professional Membership & Awards

• University of North Texas (UNT) Public Administration Advisory Board
• National Forum for Black Administrators (NFBPA)
• Texas City Management Association (TCMA)
• Jack and Jill of America Inc.
• UNT-MPA Distinguished Alumni Award, 2010
• Rosa Parks Diversity Leadership Award, Women’s Transportation Seminar (WTS)
• Outstanding Executive Luna Awards, Regional Hispanic Contractors Association (RHCA)

Filicia Hernandez, the City's Debt Administrator, was selected for the 2024 Class of The Bond Buyer Rising Stars program.  The program recognizes municipal finance professionals under the age of 40 who have made positive contributions to their community while demonstrating exceptional leadership, exellent collaborations skills, innovation, and creativity in their roles.

Click here to read more from The Bond Buyer.