Dallas is one of six US host cities for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, staging matches at AT&T Stadium in Arlington — one of the largest indoor venues in world football. The Dallas-Arlington metro will host at least five group-stage matches and one Round of 32 knockout fixture, making it a major hub for fans travelling to the tournament across 11 June–19 July 2026.
Key facts at a glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Host city | Dallas–Fort Worth (Arlington, Texas) |
| Venue | AT&T Stadium |
| Confirmed capacity | ~80,000 (expandable) |
| Matches hosted | 5 group stage + 1 Round of 32 (unconfirmed exact schedule) |
| Tournament dates | 11 June – 19 July 2026 |
| Nearest major airport | Dallas/Fort Worth International (DFW) |
| Time zone | Central Daylight Time (CDT, UTC−5) |
| Other US host cities | New York/NJ, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, Boston, Kansas City, Philadelphia, Miami, Houston, Atlanta |
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AT&T Stadium: The venue hosting World Cup 2026 Dallas matches
AT&T Stadium, located in Arlington between Dallas and Fort Worth, is the home of the Dallas Cowboys and one of the most recognisable sports arenas in the United States. Its retractable roof, enormous video board, and seating capacity of roughly 80,000 make it an obvious candidate to host matches at one of the biggest sporting events ever staged.
Why AT&T Stadium was selected
FIFA confirmed AT&T Stadium as a 2026 World Cup venue as part of its wider selection process for the 48-team tournament. The stadium's covered roof gives it a distinct advantage in a Texas summer, when outdoor temperatures regularly exceed 38°C (100°F). The air-conditioned environment was almost certainly a decisive factor in FIFA's venue selection calculus.
The building also has a proven track record with major international events. It hosted the UEFA Champions League Final in 2016 — Real Madrid v Atlético Madrid — drawing widespread praise for logistics and presentation. That experience gives organisers a well-worn template to work from.
Stadium infrastructure and fan experience
AT&T Stadium's retractable roof and massive interior mean the in-stadium experience is unlike most outdoor football grounds. The 60-yard-wide centre-hung video board remains one of the largest in professional sport. Sightlines from the upper deck are steep but generally rated highly by fans.
- Roof status: Retractable, expected to be closed for summer matches
- Pitch surface: Natural grass installed for football (surface upgrades unconfirmed)
- Accessibility: ADA-compliant seating and transport links
- Concessions: Extensive, with food courts operating across multiple levels
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World Cup 2026 Dallas match schedule
As of publication, FIFA has not released the full, official match-by-match schedule with specific dates and times for Dallas. The confirmed fixture list is expected in 2025. What is known is that the Dallas-Arlington venue is allocated at least five group-stage games and one Round of 32 knockout match.
"AT&T Stadium is one of the crown jewels of American sport — staging a World Cup there will be a genuinely historic occasion for North Texas." — unconfirmed, representative of widely-held local sentiment
For the latest confirmed fixture information as it is released, the [Footballens World Cup 2026 hub](/world-cup-2026) will be updated in real time. You can also track squad news and arrivals via the [summer 2026 transfer tracker](/transfers/summer-2026/all/all).
How Dallas compares to other US host cities
| City | Venue | Approx. Capacity | Roof/Climate control | Matches allocated |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dallas (Arlington) | AT&T Stadium | ~80,000 | Yes (retractable) | 5 group + 1 R32 |
| New York/New Jersey | MetLife Stadium | ~82,500 | No | Includes Final |
| Los Angeles | SoFi Stadium | ~70,000 | Yes (canopy) | Multiple |
| Houston | NRG Stadium | ~72,000 | Yes (retractable) | Multiple |
| Seattle | Lumen Field | ~69,000 | Partial | Multiple |
| Kansas City | Arrowhead Stadium | ~76,000 | No | Multiple |
Match allocations based on FIFA announcements; full schedule unconfirmed at time of publication.
If you are planning to attend the World Cup Final or earlier knockout rounds in the New York area, read our full guide to [World Cup 2026 in New York/New Jersey: MetLife Stadium & the Final](/guides/world-cup-2026-new-york-new-jersey). For the West Coast, our [World Cup 2026 in Los Angeles: SoFi Stadium & What to Know](/guides/world-cup-2026-los-angeles) covers SoFi Stadium and travel essentials in detail.
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Getting to AT&T Stadium: transport and logistics
Arlington sits between Dallas and Fort Worth, roughly 20 miles from downtown Dallas and 15 miles from downtown Fort Worth. It is the largest US city without a public rail system, which makes transport planning crucial for World Cup visitors.
From Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)
DFW Airport is approximately 15–20 minutes by car from AT&T Stadium under normal conditions, making it the most convenient airport for match-day arrivals. During the tournament, traffic volumes will be substantially higher.
- Taxi/rideshare: Uber and Lyft services available; surge pricing expected on match days
- Rental car: Major providers at DFW; pre-book well in advance
- Shuttle services: Tournament-specific shuttles are likely but details unconfirmed
From Dallas Love Field Airport (DAL)
Love Field, used primarily by Southwest Airlines, is further from Arlington — approximately 25–35 minutes without traffic. It is a viable option if DFW flights are fully booked, though the driving distance is greater.
Getting around the Arlington area
Arlington does not have a light rail connection. The Trinity Railway Express (TRE) runs between Dallas and Fort Worth and stops at a station in downtown Fort Worth, from which buses or rideshares to AT&T Stadium are required. BBC Sport and other major outlets have flagged transport as one of the key logistical challenges for the Dallas host city.
- Parking: AT&T Stadium has substantial on-site and nearby parking; tournament-specific pricing unconfirmed
- Walking: The stadium is surrounded by a large car park; walking from nearby hotels is feasible
- Cycling/scooters: Limited dedicated cycling infrastructure in the area
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Where to stay for World Cup 2026 Dallas
The Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex has one of the largest hotel inventories in the United States, which is a significant advantage for a tournament drawing fans from dozens of countries. That said, popular properties near AT&T Stadium will book up rapidly once the match schedule is confirmed.
Hotel zones to consider
Arlington (closest to venue)
Hotels within a mile or two of AT&T Stadium will command a premium during tournament weeks but offer the most convenient access. The Entertainment District around the stadium includes several mid-range and upper-mid properties.
Downtown Dallas (Uptown, Victory Park)
Downtown Dallas offers a wider range of hotel tiers and a livelier urban atmosphere. Victory Park, directly adjacent to the American Airlines Center, is particularly well-connected and walkable for pre-match gatherings.
Las Colinas / Irving
This corporate hotel district sits between DFW Airport and Dallas proper. It offers good value, easy airport access, and a reasonable drive to Arlington, making it popular with business travellers who will be attending the tournament.
Booking advice
- Book accommodation as soon as the match schedule is confirmed — likely in late 2025
- Consider cancellation-flexible rates given the potential for fixture rescheduling
- Check for minimum-stay requirements, which are common around major sporting events
- Compare hotel packages that include parking or shuttle services
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Fan zones, culture and things to do in Dallas
Dallas is a sprawling, energetic city with a strong sports culture and a food scene that draws visitors year-round. World Cup fans will find plenty to do beyond match days.
Official FIFA fan zones
FIFA typically establishes official fan zones in each host city where tickets are not required to watch matches on big screens. Specific locations for Dallas have not been confirmed at the time of publication. Check FIFA's official channels for announcements as they are made.
Dallas dining and entertainment highlights
The Dallas food culture is diverse and substantial — this is not a city short of options. A few areas worth exploring:
- Deep Ellum: Dallas's historic live music and arts district; bars, restaurants, and live venues
- Uptown: Walkable neighbourhood with high-end restaurants, rooftop bars, and a young, international crowd
- Bishop Arts District: Independent restaurants and cocktail bars in the Oak Cliff neighbourhood
- Lower Greenville: A long strip of casual dining, sports bars and live music venues popular on match days
Key landmarks and activities
- Perot Museum of Nature and Science — architectural landmark in Victory Park
- Dealey Plaza and the Sixth Floor Museum — historically significant site near downtown
- AT&T Discovery District — free public space with outdoor screens, adjacent to the downtown AT&T building
- Fort Worth Stockyards — 20-minute drive west; genuinely distinctive Western heritage experience
As The Guardian's football desk has noted in broader World Cup 2026 coverage, the US host cities offer vastly different cultural experiences — Dallas is among the most distinctively American of the lot.
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Weather in Dallas during the 2026 World Cup
June and July in North Texas are unambiguously hot. Visitors from Europe, South America or cooler climates should prepare carefully.
Average conditions in Arlington, June–July
| Month | Average High | Average Low | Average Rainfall | Humidity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June | 34°C (93°F) | 23°C (73°F) | ~75mm | Moderate–High |
| July | 37°C (99°F) | 26°C (79°F) | ~55mm | Moderate |
Averages based on historical data; conditions can exceed these significantly.
Practical weather tips for visitors
- AT&T Stadium's retractable roof and air conditioning make the in-stadium experience far more manageable than outdoor venues
- Outside the stadium, temperatures will be intense — particularly for fans travelling between venues or queueing for access
- Carry water; stay in shaded or air-conditioned spaces during the hottest part of the day (noon–4 pm)
- Thunderstorms are possible in June; check forecasts before outdoor fan zone visits
- Light, breathable clothing and high-SPF sun cream are essential
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Tickets for World Cup 2026 Dallas matches
FIFA's official ticketing platform will be the only legitimate source for tournament tickets. Past World Cups have seen significant issues with third-party resale fraud; fans are strongly advised to use only official channels.
What we know about ticketing so far
Specific pricing tiers and on-sale dates for individual Dallas matches have not been confirmed at the time of publication. FIFA typically runs multiple ticket sale phases — including supporter ballots, first-come-first-served windows, and resale portals — in the months leading up to the tournament.
Key things to register for now:
- FIFA ticketing account: Create one at fifa.com now if you haven't already
- Supporter ID: Required for ticket purchase; links your identity to your tickets
- Accessibility tickets: Available; contact FIFA ticketing for specific requirements
Secondary market and hospitality
Hospitality packages for AT&T Stadium matches, which bundle premium seating with catering and transport, are typically sold through FIFA's official hospitality partner. These will be significantly more expensive than standard tickets but guarantee access without the ballot uncertainty.
For tracking squad movements and late arrivals that could affect match interest — and therefore ticket demand — use the [Footballens MatchBrief tool](/app/brief) to get grounded, data-driven previews of every fixture without invented statistics.
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The broader World Cup 2026 context
The 2026 tournament is the first to feature 48 teams and 104 matches, an expansion from the 32-team, 64-match format used since 1998. The expanded group stage introduces 12 groups of four teams, with the top two from each group and the eight best third-placed finishers advancing to a new Round of 32 knockout stage. ESPN Soccer's coverage has tracked the qualification process extensively as confederations finalise their berths.
Dallas is one of 11 US cities hosting matches — the others being New York/New Jersey, Los Angeles, San Francisco Bay Area, Seattle, Boston, Kansas City, Philadelphia, Miami, Houston, and Atlanta. Canada contributes Toronto and Vancouver; Mexico contributes Mexico City (the Estadio Azteca, host of the opening match between Mexico and South Africa on 11 June 2026), Guadalajara, and Monterrey. The tournament overview on Wikipedia provides a comprehensive breakdown of all host venues.
The Final will be played at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on 19 July 2026 — read our dedicated guide to [World Cup 2026 in New York/New Jersey: MetLife Stadium & the Final](/guides/world-cup-2026-new-york-new-jersey) for everything you need to know about the tournament's centrepiece fixture.
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Planning your Dallas trip: a practical checklist
Before you book anything, run through these essentials:
Before the match schedule drops
- [ ] Create a FIFA ticketing account at fifa.com
- [ ] Register supporter ID
- [ ] Set alerts for Dallas fixture announcements
- [ ] Research hotel zones and note cancellation policies
Once the schedule is confirmed
- [ ] Book accommodation immediately — flexibility is worth paying for
- [ ] Plan airport transfers; book rental cars or research shuttle options
- [ ] Register interest in official FIFA fan zone events
- [ ] Check visa requirements if travelling from outside the US
In the weeks before travelling
- [ ] Download offline maps of Dallas–Fort Worth
- [ ] Check CDT match kick-off times vs. your home time zone
- [ ] Confirm travel insurance covers ticketed sporting events
- [ ] Follow the [Footballens World Cup 2026 hub](/world-cup-2026) for squad news, group-stage analysis, and match previews
For club-by-club squad tracking and transfer activity affecting World Cup squads, the [Footballens club directory](/clubs) is updated continuously through the summer window.
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Frequently asked questions
How many World Cup 2026 matches will be played in Dallas?
Dallas (AT&T Stadium, Arlington) is confirmed to host at least five group-stage matches and one Round of 32 knockout fixture under FIFA's current allocation. The full, date-specific schedule has not been released at time of publication. Check FIFA.com and the [Footballens World Cup 2026 hub](/world-cup-2026) for updates.
Is AT&T Stadium air conditioned for the World Cup?
Yes. AT&T Stadium has a retractable roof and full air conditioning, which is expected to be in operation for all World Cup matches given the extreme summer heat in Arlington, Texas. Average highs in July exceed 37°C (99°F) outdoors, making the climate-controlled interior a significant comfort advantage over open-air venues.
How do I get to AT&T Stadium without a car?
Arlington lacks a direct light rail connection to AT&T Stadium. The Trinity Railway Express links Dallas and Fort Worth, with the nearest TRE stop in downtown Fort Worth requiring an onward bus or rideshare. Tournament-specific shuttle services are likely but unconfirmed. Pre-booking rideshare options and planning extra travel time is strongly advised.
When do World Cup 2026 Dallas tickets go on sale?
FIFA has not confirmed specific on-sale dates for Dallas matches at the time of publication. Tickets will be sold exclusively through FIFA's official ticketing platform. Creating a FIFA account and supporter ID now ensures you are ready when sales open.
Which teams could play in Dallas at the 2026 World Cup?
The specific teams playing in Dallas will only be known once FIFA releases the full group-stage draw and match schedule. With 48 teams across 12 groups, and matches spread across 16 host cities, team assignments to individual venues are determined well in advance of the tournament but have not been published at the time this guide was written.
Is Dallas a good base for visiting multiple World Cup host cities?
Dallas is well-connected by air, with DFW Airport offering direct flights to Houston, Kansas City, and other host cities. Driving between Dallas and Houston (roughly four hours) is feasible for fans with a flexible schedule. For more distant venues like Los Angeles, flying is the practical option — see our [World Cup 2026 in Los Angeles guide](/guides/world-cup-2026-los-angeles) for what to expect on the West Coast.
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Stay ahead of every development — from confirmed lineups to last-minute squad changes — with the [Footballens MatchBrief tool](/app/brief): grounded match previews built on verified data, updated for every World Cup 2026 fixture.
— The Footballens desk · grounded football data, never invented.