Tourists flock to Fort Worth Stockyards for World Cup

By the Editorial Team · Thursday, July 9, 2026

The Fort Worth Stockyards saw a dramatic increase in visitors last month, surpassing 1.56 million largely due to international fans attending nearby World Cup matches. This surge highlights the area's ability to blend its Western heritage with a growing global audience, boosting local tourism during a major international sporting event.

The Fort Worth Stockyards experienced a significant surge in visitors over the past month, drawing more than 1.56 million people, fueled in part by the influx of international fans attending the World Cup matches in North Texas. According to figures released by the Stockyards Heritage Development Co. on Tuesday, this marks a substantial increase from the approximately 974,200 visitors recorded during the same period last year.

The Stockyards, a historic district known for its Western heritage and daily cattle drives along Exchange Avenue, has long been a crossroads for diverse groups. Ethan Cartwright, senior vice president of marketing for Stockyards Heritage Development, highlighted the continued global connection, noting that the presence of fans speaking a dozen different languages alongside traditional Texan elements underscores how the area’s cultural spirit endures amid increased international attention.

The World Cup, hosting nine matches in nearby Arlington—the most of any venue in the tournament—has been a key driver of tourism throughout the region. Fort Worth has capitalized on this by promoting its Western identity with a city-wide branding campaign dubbed “Howdy World,” which is visible throughout the Stockyards and other cultural sites.

Visitors from various countries have embraced the local atmosphere while supporting their teams. Karoline Machago, a first-time Fort Worth visitor originally from Brazil and now living in Boston, spent a day attending events including a rodeo at Cowtown Coliseum and sampling barbecue brisket. She described her visit as a positive respite following Brazil’s loss in an earlier match.

Similarly, Frank Wang and his family, traveling from Singapore, were experiencing the cultural vibrancy of North Texas for the first time. Despite initial expectations of Texas as primarily desert and hot, Wang said he was impressed by the enthusiasm of American soccer fans, particularly the creative way they dressed in national colors and face paint to support their teams.

The World Cup remains ongoing, with only the semifinal scheduled for July 14 at Dallas Stadium yet to be played. The tournament has drawn millions to the region, bolstering local tourism and spotlighting Fort Worth’s unique blend of history and hospitality in the midst of a global sporting event.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.