Irving officials brief council on FIFA World Cup planning, estimate police overtime and city impacts

City police and emergency staff told council on June 25 that Irving will likely be a focal point for team housing and fan activities during the 2026 FIFA World Cup and that the event will require sustained interagency coordination and staffing increases.

Tom Hovar, assistant chief in field operations, said Dallas‑area hosting for the expanded 48‑team World Cup will spread resources over multiple cities and multiple events. Hovar said the Dallas–Fort Worth region is likely to host many teams and that Irving could be a “base” for several squads and airport movements; teams may arrive two to three weeks before matches.

Hovar described a worst‑case, region‑wide staffing scenario in which Irving would need to hold officers on extended duty and deploy specialty units across the metroplex. He estimated a range of operational impacts: roughly $1.7 million in additional police overtime if officers are not replaced and up to $5.9 million in total disruption costs if Irving had to replace personnel and pay for backfill and related service disruptions. Hovar said the department’s figures do not yet include fuel, food or all logistical costs.

City staff and councilors noted uncertainty about federal and FIFA reimbursements. Brett Star, the city’s chief financial officer, explained the White House and congressional discussions include requests for hundreds of millions in federal security and transportation assistance but that allocations and distribution arrangements among municipalities are not finalized. Maura (city staff) and others said the Dallas Sports Commission applied for state major‑event funds and would likely be the entity that receives state reimbursement and determines local distributions.

Council members asked about mutual aid, federal support and private security. Hovar said FIFA and local organizing committees will provide private security and that FIFA will pay some costs at “menu” sites; however, precise coverage levels and payments were unknown and could be insufficient for city standards. Hovar and staff said Irving would request reimbursement where possible and encouraged coordination with the Dallas Sports Commission and other regional entities. City managers also described small budget items under consideration—such as funding for meals for officers who need to remain on duty.

Ending: Staff committed to continue interagency coordination, return with more precise budgets and to update council after FIFA and federal plans clarify funding for security and transportation. No binding commitment of city funds for FIFA-related policing was taken during the work session.