FIFA World Cup 2026™ — Host City Guide

Dallas / Fort Worth, TexasDallas

Nine matches. More than any other city in the tournament. Argentina twice. England. Netherlands. And a Semifinal in July. North Texas is the busiest World Cup venue on Earth this summer.

9Matches
~93,000Capacity
Jun 14First Kickoff
Jul 14Semifinal
The Venue

AT&T Stadium — Dallas Stadium

One of the most recognizable stadiums in American sports, AT&T Stadium sits in Arlington — midway between Dallas and Fort Worth. Known as "Jerry World" for its extravagant scale, it holds more World Cup matches than any other venue in the entire tournament.

9 matches — more than any other host city in the entire tournament.
FIFA Name
Dallas Stadium
Located in Arlington — between Dallas and Fort Worth
Address
1 AT&T Way
Arlington, TX 76011
Capacity
~93,000
Largest configured capacity in the tournament
Roof
Retractable
Typically closed for afternoon matches — air conditioned
🌡️
Texas summer heat is serious. Dallas in June and July regularly exceeds 100°F outside. The retractable roof will be closed for afternoon matches with air conditioning running — a genuine advantage. Plan for extreme heat outdoors around the stadium and at transit stops.
🚌
No direct rail to the stadium. Arlington has no public rail system. The TRE commuter train gets you to CentrePort Station; complimentary charter buses then take match ticket holders to the Bus Hub — a 10-minute walk from the gates. Plan 90 minutes travel time from downtown Dallas and leave up to 4 hours before kickoff.
🎒
Clear bags only. Max 12"×6"×12". No backpacks, no outside food or drink. FIFA security rules are stricter than standard Cowboys game policy. Check FIFA.com before matchday.
🏟️
Texas Live! is your pre-match base. The entertainment complex directly adjacent to the stadium has 11 restaurants and 22 bars. If you're driving or arriving via bus, eat and drink here before walking to the gates. It's the most logical pre-match option in Arlington.
Match Schedule

9 Matches in Dallas

Dallas hosts five group stage matches, two Rounds of 32, a Round of 16, and the Semifinal on July 14. All times Central — ET in parentheses. Argentina plays twice in the group stage alone.

Group Stage
Knockout Rounds
Semifinal
14June
Netherlands vs. Japan
Group F · 3:00 PM CT (4:00 PM ET) · Dallas Stadium
Group F
17June
England vs. Croatia
Group L · 3:00 PM CT (4:00 PM ET) · Dallas Stadium
Group L
22June
Argentina vs. Austria
Group J · 12:00 PM CT (1:00 PM ET) · Dallas Stadium
Group J
25June
Japan vs. Sweden
Group F · 6:00 PM CT (7:00 PM ET) · Dallas Stadium
Group F
27June
Jordan vs. Argentina
Group J · 9:00 PM CT (10:00 PM ET) · Dallas Stadium
Group J
30June
Round of 32 — TBD vs. TBD
Round of 32 · 1:00 PM CT (2:00 PM ET) · Dallas Stadium
Round of 32
3July
Round of 32 — TBD vs. TBD
Round of 32 · 2:00 PM CT (3:00 PM ET) · Dallas Stadium
Round of 32
6July
Round of 16 — TBD vs. TBD
Round of 16 · 3:00 PM CT (4:00 PM ET) · Dallas Stadium
Round of 16
14July
⭐ Semifinal — TBD vs. TBD
Semifinal · 3:00 PM CT (4:00 PM ET) · Dallas Stadium
Semifinal
Argentina plays twice here — June 22 and June 27. The defending World Cup champions, with Lionel Messi, in a 93,000-seat stadium. These will be among the loudest, most watched matches of the entire tournament.
Getting There

Transportation

Arlington has no public rail — this is the most transit-challenging host city in the tournament. The TRE commuter train from Dallas or Fort Worth to CentrePort Station, then a complimentary charter bus, is the recommended route. Plan 90 minutes; officials recommend leaving 4 hours before kickoff.

🚆
TRE + Charter Bus
Board the Trinity Railway Express at Victory Station (downtown Dallas) or Fort Worth Central Station. Ride to CentrePort Station, where complimentary charter buses take match ticket holders to the Bus Hub north of the stadium — then a 10-minute walk to the gates. TRE runs every 30 minutes on match days and carries up to 2,400 passengers per train.
TRE ticket required · Charter bus complimentary with match ticket
🚗
Driving & Parking
Unlike most World Cup venues, driving is a realistic option in Dallas. Approximately 16,000 parking spaces are available near the stadium. Purchase parking through FIFA.com in advance and follow the specific route assigned to your lot — do not follow your GPS on match days as it won't account for the official traffic plan. I-30 is your primary corridor.
Pre-purchase via FIFA.com
🚕
Rideshare
Uber and Lyft operate with designated drop-off zones near Arlington's E-Sports Stadium, about 10 minutes from the venue. Surge pricing will be significant for Argentina, England, and Semifinal matches. Budget $50–150+ each way. For most fans, TRE is cheaper and more predictable.
Variable · Expect surge on major match days
🏨
Stay in Arlington
Loews Arlington Hotel sits adjacent to AT&T Stadium and Texas Live! — walking distance to the gates. If you're attending multiple Dallas matches, staying here eliminates the transit question entirely. The most expensive option, but zero matchday logistics stress. Book immediately for Argentina and Semifinal dates.
Premium rates · Walking distance to stadium
Leave 4 hours before kickoff if using TRE — this is the official recommendation from North Texas World Cup officials. For Argentina matches especially, Victory Station will be extremely busy. Missing the shuttle window from CentrePort means significantly longer waits.
From DFW Airport
Take the DART Orange Line from DFW Airport to downtown Dallas, then transfer to the TRE at Victory Station. Alternatively, TEXRail connects Terminal B directly to Fort Worth Central Station for a westbound TRE departure. Budget the full 90-minute journey plus connection time. Arriving the day before a major match is strongly recommended.
From Dallas Love Field
Take the Love Link bus from Love Field to Inwood/Love Field Station, transfer to the DART Green or Orange Line to reach downtown and Victory Station. Allow 2+ hours from Love Field to the stadium. Uber from Love Field to Arlington runs $30–60 without surge — worth considering for early afternoon matches if traffic is light.
Where to Stay

Dallas Neighborhoods

Two main choices: stay near the stadium in Arlington for maximum matchday convenience, or stay in Dallas proper for better city experience and accept the 90-minute commute to matches via TRE.

Arlington — Stadium Area
Walking distance — zero matchday stress
Loews Arlington and nearby hotels sit adjacent to AT&T Stadium and Texas Live!. Walk to every match, eat at Texas Live! before and after. No transit needed. Rates are extreme for England, Argentina, and Semifinal dates — book now if this is your plan.
Walking distance to AT&T StadiumTexas Live! complex next door
Uptown Dallas
Best dining & walkability in Dallas
McKinney Avenue is Dallas's most walkable restaurant and bar corridor — excellent food, rooftop bars, and a lively atmosphere. A short walk or free McKinney Avenue Trolley ride from Victory Station. The right base if you want a proper Dallas experience between matches.
Victory Station (TRE) → 90 min to stadiumMcKinney Ave Trolley (free)
Downtown Dallas / Victory Park
Central — Victory Station walking access
Victory Station, where you board the TRE, is in Victory Park near Downtown Dallas. Staying within walking distance of Victory Station removes one transit connection from your matchday journey. Decent hotel selection across all price points.
Walking distance to Victory StationDirect TRE access to stadium
Deep Ellum
Arts & music — most characterful neighborhood
Dallas's premier live music and mural arts district, just east of downtown. The DART Green Line connects to the wider city. Best nightlife and most distinctive neighborhood energy in Dallas. An Uber or short DART ride from Victory Station on match days.
DART Green Line accessBest live music and nightlife in Dallas
Fort Worth — Sundance Square
The other city — Western heritage, great museums
Fort Worth has its own compelling identity — the Stockyards, three world-class art museums, and Sundance Square's walkable downtown. Fort Worth Central Station is a TRE stop, making it a practical base. More affordable than Arlington and more authentic than the Dallas hotel corridor.
Fort Worth Central → TRE to stadiumKimbell Art Museum · Stockyards
Las Colinas / Irving
Practical — between DFW Airport and the city
A useful mid-point for travelers moving between multiple host cities. Good hotel availability at better value than downtown Dallas. DART Orange Line connects to downtown, and TRE is accessible. Best choice if DFW Airport proximity is a priority.
DART Orange Line to downtownClose to DFW Airport
Food & Drink

Where to Eat

Dallas is a seriously underrated food city — Texas barbecue is the obvious starting point, but the metro's diversity delivers exceptional Mexican, Vietnamese, Korean, and fine dining alongside the brisket. Eat in Dallas before heading to Arlington — the stadium area options are concentrated in Texas Live!

Near the Stadium — Arlington
Entertainment Complex · Adjacent to AT&T
Texas Live!
200,000 sq ft of restaurants and bars including Sport & Social Club, Guy Fieri's Taco Joint, and Live! Arena with a massive outdoor screen. Your pre-match home base if you're in Arlington. Full capacity expected on England and Argentina days — arrive 2+ hours before kickoff.
Adjacent to AT&T Stadium$$Best pre-match complex
Texas BBQ · Arlington
Bodacious Bar-B-Que
An East Texas barbecue institution with a solid Arlington location. Brisket, ribs, and sausage that represent the tradition authentically. The right call if you're eating in Arlington before a match and want proper Texas BBQ without a trip into Dallas.
Arlington$–$$Texas BBQ essential
In Dallas — The City Restaurants
Texas BBQ · Trinity Groves
Pecan Lodge
Routinely ranked among the best barbecue restaurants in Texas. Brisket with bark that earns the reputation, beef ribs that require planning, and sell-out hours that mean you arrive early or miss out. A non-negotiable meal for anyone in Dallas for more than a day. Arrive by 11:30 AM; they sell out by early afternoon.
Trinity Groves / Oak Cliff$$Best BBQ in Dallas
Tex-Mex · Uptown
Mi Cocina
The benchmark for upscale Tex-Mex in Dallas — frozen margaritas that define the category, enchiladas done with real care, and a lively atmosphere. Multiple locations; the Uptown outpost is most convenient for Downtown visitors. Book ahead for England and Argentina match weeks.
Multiple locations · Uptown recommended$$Dallas institution
Vietnamese · Lower Greenville
Pho Colonial
Dallas has one of the best Vietnamese food scenes in the South. Pho Colonial on Lower Greenville is a standout — deeply flavored broth, fresh herbs, and proper portions. An excellent choice for the afternoon before an evening match, close to the DART Green Line.
Lower Greenville$Best pre-match value meal
Food Hall · Downtown
Dallas Farmers Market
The redeveloped Dallas Farmers Market near Downtown has a permanent food hall alongside the outdoor market — local produce, artisan vendors, and a restaurant row. Good for non-matchday mornings when you want to eat well at reasonable prices and experience a more local side of the city.
Downtown Dallas$–$$Non-matchday morning
Dallas sits at the intersection of Southern, Tex-Mex, and global cuisines — a reflection of a city that has grown fast and diversified significantly. The food scene rewards exploring beyond the obvious.
Fan Events

Fan Zones & Festivals

Dallas's official fan programming is anchored by the FIFA Fan Festival™ at Fair Park — one of the most distinctive fan festival locations in the tournament, set within a 277-acre National Historic Landmark complex with Art Deco architecture and 35,000-person capacity.

01
FIFA Fan Festival™ Dallas — Fair Park
Throughout the tournament · June – July 2026
Fair Park is a 277-acre National Historic Landmark east of downtown Dallas — home to the annual State Fair of Texas and some of the finest surviving Art Deco architecture in the country. The FIFA Fan Festival here accommodates up to 35,000 people at once, with 7,000 covered seats, a walkable village, mini soccer fields, global food vendors, live music stages, and giant viewing areas showing every match. The DART Green Line runs directly to Fair Park Station and MLK Jr. Station, making this the most transit-accessible fan zone of any Texas venue.
Free · DART Green Line to Fair Park Station · Up to 35,000 capacity
02
Texas Live! — Arlington Entertainment District
All match days
Not an official FIFA fan zone, but the de facto fan village for AT&T Stadium attendees. 200,000 sq ft of restaurants, bars, and outdoor entertainment directly adjacent to the stadium. The Live! Arena screen shows matches on a massive outdoor display. This is where you eat, drink, and gather before walking to the gates on every match day.
Adjacent to AT&T Stadium · Open all match days
03
Klyde Warren Park Watch Parties — Downtown Dallas
Selected major match dates
Klyde Warren Park — the beloved urban green space above Woodall Rodgers Freeway in Downtown Dallas — has confirmed World Cup watch party programming for major matches. Free outdoor screenings with food trucks, live music, and the downtown skyline as a backdrop. A natural gathering point for Dallas residents and visitors not attending in person. Check dallasfwc26.com for specific dates.
Free · Downtown Dallas · Check dallasfwc26.com
Before You Go

Essential Tips

Ten things that will make your Dallas World Cup experience significantly better.

01
Leave 4 Hours Before Kickoff
The official recommendation from North Texas World Cup officials for TRE transit users. The 90-minute journey plus security processing at CentrePort and the stadium means early departure is not optional. For Argentina and England matches, Victory Station will be packed.
02
Dallas Has the Most Matches — Plan Multiple
With 9 matches, Dallas offers more scheduling flexibility than any other city. Attending 2–3 matches over consecutive days is more efficient than flying in and out for each one. The Semifinal on July 14 is the marquee event — book that week separately and early.
03
The Roof Will Be Closed for Afternoon Matches
Afternoon matches are played with the retractable roof closed and air conditioning running — 72°F inside while 100°F outside. Dress comfortably. Evening matches may open the roof as temperatures drop. Either way, the heat outside the stadium and at transit stops is significant; carry water.
04
Pre-Buy Parking If Driving
16,000 spaces near the stadium, but they fill fast for Argentina and England dates. Purchase through FIFA.com and follow the assigned route — GPS will not account for match-day traffic management. I-30 is your primary approach corridor.
05
Argentina Matches Will Be Extraordinary
Argentina plays twice in the group stage here — June 22 and June 27. Defending world champions, with Messi, in the largest capacity venue of the tournament. The Argentine community in DFW is substantial. These will be among the loudest matches anywhere in the tournament. Plan logistics specifically around these dates.
06
Eat in Dallas, Not Arlington
Arlington's restaurant scene is concentrated in Texas Live! — fine, but limited. Dallas's Uptown, Deep Ellum, and Trinity Groves have far better options. For evening matches, eat properly in Dallas before taking the TRE, and use Texas Live! for pre-match drinks when you arrive.
07
Pecan Lodge Before a Match Is Non-Negotiable
If you're in Dallas for more than one day, Pecan Lodge in Trinity Groves is mandatory — routinely ranked among the best barbecue in Texas. Arrive before noon (they sell out by early afternoon). Plan it for a non-matchday or a morning before an evening kick.
08
Visit Fair Park Regardless of a Ticket
The FIFA Fan Festival at Fair Park is one of the best-located and highest-capacity fan zones in the tournament — 35,000 people, Art Deco surroundings, DART Green Line access. Even if you have a stadium ticket, visit Fair Park on a non-match afternoon for the setting alone.
09
Consider a Day in Fort Worth
Fort Worth has a distinct identity — the Stockyards National Historic District, the Kimbell Art Museum (one of the finest small museums in the world), the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth, and Sundance Square. The TRE connects to the stadium. Worth a full day between matches.
10
Verify at dallasfwc26.com
Traffic plans, parking assignments, fan festival schedules, and road closure details are all published at dallasfwc26.com. Check this alongside FIFA.com before every matchday — particularly AT&T Way and Cowboys Way closures that affect your approach to the stadium.
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