The report says Mann argued that recognising religious and cultural traditions is not merely symbolic. Events connected to Jewish and Muslim holidays, for example, can help supporters feel that football clubs are places where they belong.
That matters beyond community relations. Clubs are constantly trying to attract younger audiences and turn occasional visitors into regular fans. A more thoughtful approach to scheduling, celebrations and engagement could make the difference between a one-off tournament experience and a lasting connection.
The challenge is making those efforts genuine. Supporters are quick to distinguish between meaningful inclusion and a campaign built around the latest headline.
Mann also linked community engagement with the future of the sport. Introducing children to football through local programmes can widen participation and, over time, create opportunities for players who might otherwise remain outside the traditional development system.
That is an important reminder for clubs in the United States, where football’s audience has grown rapidly but remains more fragmented than in established European markets. The World Cup can bring people through the door; local organisations and clubs must then give them a reason to stay.
The report also says Dallas City Council member Bill Roth viewed the recent World Cup as evidence of sport’s ability to bring communities together. That wider social role gives clubs a stronger case for investing beyond matchday operations.
No single event will transform football’s relationship with every community. But North Texas has an opportunity to turn tournament excitement into permanent habits, stronger youth pathways and a broader supporter culture.
The next storyline will be whether clubs and local organisers build practical programmes before and after 2026, rather than allowing the World Cup’s attention to disappear when the final whistle goes.