FORT WORTH, Texas – June 10, 2026 – North Texas takes the global soccer stage this week as Summer of Soccer at Sundance Square moves from countdown to kickoff Thursday, June 11, with the World Cup opening match, Mexico vs. South Africa, broadcast live on giant screens in Sundance Square Plaza.

The action continues Friday with the U.S. team debut and Sunday with North Texas’ first home match, when the Netherlands face Japan at Dallas Stadium in Arlington — launching an opening weekend of watch parties, live music, food trucks, Plaza bars and fan energy in the heart of Fort Worth.

From the opening match through the final whistle on July 19, Sundance Square will serve as Fort Worth’s front row for the world’s biggest soccer tournament, showing all 104 matches live in the Plaza with food trucks, bars, live music, DJs, public art and family-friendly activity throughout the summer.

“June 11 is just the beginning,” said Albert Rios, Sundance Square’s Head of Special Events & Community Engagement. “Opening weekend gives Fort Worth a front-row seat to the energy of the tournament, and we’re ready to welcome fans all summer long. Summer of Soccer brings every match, every big moment and every fan base into the Plaza — with the music, food, drinks and hospitality that make Fort Worth unique.”

The opening weekend experience builds on the Summer of Soccer celebration already underway across Sundance Square, including more than two dozen giant, hand-painted soccer ball sculptures created by Texas artists. First unveiled May 23 in Sundance Square Plaza, the sculptures quickly became community favorites, drawing an overwhelming response from visitors and fans. The full installation will remain on display in the Plaza for the duration of World Cup festivities, adding a colorful Fort Worth expression to the global game.

Opening Weekend Highlights

Thursday, June 11 — Opening Match: Mexico vs. South Africa

Friday, June 12 — U.S. Team Debut

Saturday, June 13 — Opening Weekend Continues

Sunday, June 14 — Opening Weekend Home Game

What Fans Can Expect

About Sundance Square

Sundance Square is the 37-square block cultural and commercial heart of Fort Worth. Privately owned and family-led, the district combines dining, retail, office, residential and entertainment with a steady rhythm of programming — from live music to cultural festivals that showcase the city’s heritage and style. Known as Fort Worth’s Living Room, Sundance Square is where locals gather, visitors discover and businesses thrive — a destination that embodies the city’s spirit and fuels its reputation as one of America’s safest, greenest and most vibrant downtowns.

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FORT WORTH, Texas – May 21, 2026 – Sundance Square today announced the “Summer of Soccer at Sundance Square,” a two-month celebration welcoming fans to Fort Worth as the world’s biggest soccer tournament brings international attention and match play to Texas. Sundance Square Plaza will transform into a central gathering place in the heart of Fort Worth for fans, families and visitors looking to experience the sport and art of this summer’s soccer excitement.

Sundance Square will show all 104 international soccer matches, live, on giant screens in the Plaza throughout the summer. Daily watch parties will feature food trucks, bars, DJs and family-friendly programming, creating a festive Plaza atmosphere designed to bring the community together around the global game.

“With Texas playing such an important role on a global stage this summer, Sundance Square has a special opportunity to welcome fans and celebrate the energy of our city and the tournament,” said Albert Rios, Sundance Square’s Head of Special Events & Community Engagement. “Summer of Soccer gives people a place to gather and cheer for their favorite teams. We’re creating a neighborhood party on a global stage, where good food, great music and true Fort Worth hospitality are all part of the experience.”

“Summer of Soccer at Sundance Square” officially kicks off on Saturday, May 23, with the installation of over two dozen giant artist-designed soccer balls throughout Sundance Square Plaza. Hand-painted by local artists, the public art installation will bring a colorful, hometown expression to the global celebration and mark the first major activation of Summer of Soccer.

The Saturday, May 23rd kickoff celebration will continue into the evening with free cumbia dance lessons from 6 to 7 p.m., followed by a presentation of the participating artists and a live performance by Quimikoz del Son from 7 to 10 p.m.

“These soccer balls are joyful, highly visible and deeply local,” said Sarah Ayala, Art Director for Sundance Square. “Each artist brings their own point of view to a form everyone immediately recognizes. Together, the installation becomes a celebration of soccer, but also of the artists and creative voices that make Fort Worth such a dynamic cultural city.”

The artist-designed soccer balls will remain on view in the Plaza from May 23 through June 7 before being reinstalled across Sundance Square for the remainder of the summer, welcoming local, state, national and global soccer fans to Fort Worth with color, creativity and hometown spirit.

About Sundance Square

Sundance Square is the 37-square block cultural and commercial heart of Fort Worth. Privately owned and family-led, the district combines dining, retail, office, residential and entertainment with a steady rhythm of programming — from live music to cultural festivals that showcase the city’s heritage and style. Known as Fort Worth’s Living Room, Sundance Square is where locals gather, visitors discover and businesses thrive — a destination that embodies the city’s spirit and fuels its reputation as one of America’s safest, greenest and most vibrant downtowns.

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Painted Soccer Ball Images (For Editorial Use)

Media use of photos in this release is approved with this attribution: “Photo courtesy of Sundance Square.”