It was a moment North Texas children will never forget. Local kids had the honor of escorting players onto the field for the FIFA World Cup semifinal match between Spain and France, held at Dallas Stadium — a once-in-a-lifetime experience that put the region’s youngest soccer fans right in the heart of one of the world’s biggest sporting events.

The semifinal, played on Bastille Day — July 14 — added an extra layer of excitement to an already electric atmosphere. France fans rallied and lined downtown Dallas streets to welcome World Cup stars, turning the city into a sea of blue, white, and red as supporters celebrated the occasion with energy and joy.

The moment was especially meaningful for the North Texas children selected as player escorts, who walked alongside elite international athletes in front of a packed stadium crowd. For many of them, it marked their first close-up look at the world-class players they cheer for from the stands and living rooms at home.

Dallas has embraced its role as a World Cup host city with remarkable enthusiasm throughout the tournament. Fans from around the globe have gathered in downtown Dallas, bringing a festive, welcoming spirit to the city’s streets and venues. The semifinal represented the pinnacle of that experience — a high-stakes match between two of soccer’s powerhouse nations, played right here in North Texas.

The buzz surrounding the event also extended to the broader community. France fans staged a spirited rally in downtown Dallas ahead of kickoff, and the city’s streets buzzed with the kind of international camaraderie that major sporting events uniquely inspire. For Dallas, hosting a World Cup semifinal has proven to be a proud community milestone — and for the North Texas kids who walked out onto that field, it was simply unforgettable.

Sources: NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth, NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth, NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth