PREPARATIONS CONTINUE WITH ONE YEAR TO GO UNTIL THE FIFA WORLD CUP 26™

Dan Hunt and Nina Vaca Announced as Co-Chairs of the North Texas FWC Organizing Committee

As part of the “One Year to Go” celebration held today across North America at all 16 Host Cities for FIFA World Cup 26TM, which will kick off one year to the day on June 11, 2026, the North Texas FWC Organizing Committee today officially announced its co-chairs, Dan Hunt and Nina Vaca.

“With exactly one year to go until FIFA World Cup 26TM, we are proud to officially introduce Dan and Nina as co-chairs of the North Texas FWC Organizing Committee,” said Monica Paul, President of the North Texas FWC Organizing Committee. “Their leadership, commitment, and proven expertise are essential to our continued progress as a Host City. As we gear up for the global stage next summer, their guidance will be instrumental in ensuring our region delivers a world-class experience.”

Hunt has served as the President of FC Dallas since 2014. Under his leadership, he has spent years working on the design and construction of Toyota Stadium and the Toyota Soccer Center, alongside his late father, American sports icon Lamar Hunt. Since the venue’s opening in 2005, Hunt has used the facility to help establish FC Dallas as the leader in youth development in North America. 

Most recently, Hunt oversaw the successful negotiation with the City of Frisco on a $182 million public-private renovation of Toyota Stadium, and also spearheaded the $58 million construction of the National Soccer Hall of Fame on the south end of Toyota Stadium, which opened in 2018.

“It’s a tremendous honor to represent Dallas and the North Texas region as co-chair of the North Texas FWC Organizing Committee,” said Dan Hunt. “The World Cup holds a special place in my heart for my family and me. We look forward to the legacy and transformative impact this global event will leave on our communities for generations to come. I can’t wait to share the passion of the World Cup with my fellow North Texans and guests from around the world.”

Vaca is an award-winning entrepreneur, CEO, board member and philanthropist who founded Pinnacle Group in 1996, which has grown into the largest Hispanic-owned workforce solutions company in North America serving over 20 percent of the Fortune 100. Under Vaca’s leadership, Pinnacle Group has received numerous awards and recognitions over the years. 

Vaca is also a committed civic leader and philanthropist. In 2014, she was appointed by the White House as one of the inaugural Presidential Ambassadors for Global Entrepreneurship (PAGE), traveling to five continents uplifting individuals, families, and communities. She is currently serving as Entrepreneur in Residence for the City of Dallas appointed by Mayor Eric Johnson.

“I am so excited to serve as a co-chair for the North Texas FWC Organizing Committee,” said Nina Vaca. “Hosting the FIFA World Cup 26 is more than a global sports milestone – it’s a defining moment for Dallas. This is our chance to welcome the world, showcase our culture and create unforgettable memories for fans and families alike.”

FIFA World Cup 26™ will kick off June 11, 2026 with the opening match in Mexico City, while the first match in North Texas will be played on June 14, 2026 at Dallas Stadium. In total, Dallas and the North Texas region will host a tournament-high nine matches, including a semi-final, throughout the 39-day competition from June 11 to July 19, 2026 that will be the largest World Cup in history with 48 teams playing in 104 matches – both the most in the tournament’s history.

The North Texas FWC Organizing Committee full board members and committee members consist of:

North Texas FWC Organizing Committee Board of Directors

Dan Hunt – Co-Chair

Nina Vaca – Co-Chair

Monica Paul – President

Jimmy Smith – Treasurer

Andy Swift – Secretary

Chad Estis

Adam McGough

North Texas FWC Organizing Committee Staff

Gillian Breidenbach – Chief Partnership Officer

Rick Burkhead – Regional Safety and Security Liaison

Jaime Cabrera – Director of Donor Relations

Ginger Lively Cade – Accommodations Liaison

Minal Davis – Chief Human Rights Officer

Steve Davis – Director of Legacy Programs

Allie Dunlap – Director of Volunteer Services

Noelle LeVeaux – Chief Marketing Officer

Jair Martinez – Social Media Manager

Nancy Rodriguez – Project Manager

Jacqueline Rutledge – Chief Financial Officer

Anita Simmons – Director of Marketing

Cindy Solomon – Director of Events and Entertainment

Meghna Tare – Chief Sustainability Officer

Joe Trahan – Director of PR and Communications

Rocky Vaz – Director of City Services and International Broadcast Center

J.D. Wood – Team and Venue Services Manager

About FIFA World Cup 26™- Dallas

We Welcome the World – In Dallas, the city of big ideas and even greater accomplishments, sports are no exception!

https://www.dallasfwc26.com/
@FWC26DALLAS
#WeAre26 #WeAreDallas

Media Contact:
Joe Trahan
Director of Communications, North Texas FWC Organizing Committee
media@dallasfwc26.com
(985) 778-9896

Tony Fay
Founder and CEO, Tony Fay Public Relations
tony@tonyfaypr.com
(972) 273-0794

General FIFA World Cup 26TM media inquiries:
FIFA Media Team
media@fifa.org