Whether you’re visiting North Texas for the 2026 FIFA World Cup™ or you’re a local resident preparing for the excitement, welcome! With millions of visitors expected in the Dallas–Fort Worth area, it’s important that everyone knows how to contact emergency services if help is ever needed.
In the United States, 9-1-1 is the number for police, fire, and medical emergencies. If you or someone else needs immediate help, always call 9-1-1.
Using an International Phone
Visitors traveling from outside the U.S. can still call 9-1-1, but there are a few important things to know.
Call 9-1-1 — do not text.
Text-to-911 may not work on international cellular service. If you are visiting the U.S., consider using a U.S. SIM card during your stay for faster and more reliable connectivity.
Do Not Hang Up
International calls can sometimes take longer to connect. You may also be connected to a translator to assist with language needs.
If your call seems to take longer than expected:
- Do not hang up. Hanging up will restart the connection process.
- Stay on the line until a 9-1-1 call taker answers.
- Help is being sent while you are on the call.
Answer the Call Taker’s Questions
The questions you are asked help emergency responders find you and understand what is happening. Even if help is already on the way, stay on the line and answer all questions as clearly as you can.
Be Ready to Share Your Location
Your location is one of the most important pieces of information you can provide. Be ready to share:
- Street name or nearest intersection
- Nearby landmark, business, or building
- Any helpful details about your surroundings
If possible, turn on your phone’s location services to help emergency responders locate you faster.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is an emergency?
- Call 9-1-1 when police, fire, or medical help is needed right away.
- Can I text 9-1-1?
- International phones: No
- U.S. service or SIM card: Yes, in most locations in Texas.
If text to 9-1-1 isn’t available where you’re located, you’ll get a bounce-back text telling you to make a phone call instead. - For more information, visit the FCC’s Text-to-911 guidance.
- Can I use WhatsApp to contact 9-1-1?
- No. In the United States, emergency services cannot be contacted through WhatsApp or other messaging apps. Always use your phone’s standard calling feature to dial 9-1-1.
- What if my call is taking a long time to connect?
- Do not hang up. International calls may take extra time to route to emergency services, especially during high-traffic events. Stay on the line until you reach a 9-1-1 call taker.
North Texas is proud to welcome the world for the FIFA World Cup 2026. Knowing how to contact emergency services helps keep everyone safe so you can focus on enjoying the matches, the culture, and the experience.
For official event information and updates, visit the official FIFA website.