AT&T Stadium World Cup 2026: Schedule, History, Facts & Travel Tips
The world’s biggest sporting event comes to Texas in summer 2026. AT&T Stadium in Arlington will host nine FIFA World Cup matches. That’s more games than any other venue across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
This massive achievement puts North Texas at the center of global attention. Millions of soccer fans from every corner of the planet will descend on the Dallas-Fort Worth area. They will witness history as 48 national teams compete for the ultimate prize in football.
Complete Match Schedule at AT&T Stadium
The tournament runs from June 11 to July 19, 2026. AT&T Stadium delivers the most action of any venue with nine total matches.
| Match Round | Date | Stage |
|---|---|---|
| Group Stage Match 1 | June 14, 2026 | Group Stage |
| Group Stage Match 2 | June 17, 2026 | Group Stage |
| Group Stage Match 3 | June 22, 2026 | Group Stage |
| Group Stage Match 4 | June 25, 2026 | Group Stage |
| Group Stage Match 5 | June 27, 2026 | Group Stage |
| Round of 32 Match 1 | June 30, 2026 | Knockout Stage |
| Round of 32 Match 2 | July 3, 2026 | Knockout Stage |
| Round of 16 Match | July 6, 2026 | Knockout Stage |
| Semi-Final | July 14, 2026 | Knockout Stage |
The tournament opens at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City on June 11. AT&T Stadium hosts its first match on June 14. The celebration reaches its peak on July 14 when the stadium hosts a World Cup semi-final.
This knockout match will determine one of the two teams competing for the championship. The World Cup Final takes place at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on July 19.
AT&T Stadium History and Facts
Jerry Jones wanted more than just a football stadium. He envisioned a world-class entertainment venue that could host any major event. Construction began in 2005. The original estimate of $650 million grew to a final cost of $1.15 billion by opening day on May 27, 2009.
Arlington voters approved $325 million in public bonds. The NFL contributed $150 million. The Cowboys covered the remaining costs. George Strait performed the first event in June 2009. The Cowboys played their first home game on September 20, 2009. A crowd of 105,121 set an NFL regular season attendance record.
The stadium has hosted Super Bowl XLV in 2011. The 2010 NBA All-Star Game drew 108,713 fans and set a basketball attendance record. Boxing champions like Manny Pacquiao and Canelo Alvarez have headlined major fights here. The Cotton Bowl Classic has been played here annually since 2010.
The building spans 3 million square feet. That makes it the largest domed structure in the world. Standard capacity sits at 80,000 seats. The stadium expands to over 100,000 for special events. Over 300 luxury suites spread across five levels. More than 15,000 club seats surround the field.
The roof stands as an engineering marvel. Two massive arched box trusses span 1,225 feet each. These are the longest single-span arches on any building worldwide. The arches use 14,100 tons of structural steel and handle forces up to 19 million pounds. The retractable roof opens in just 12 minutes.
The center-hung video board became a Guinness World Record holder. Four massive screens create a display measuring 160 feet long and 72 feet high. The structure weighs 1.2 million pounds and hangs 90 feet above the field. The display runs from one 25-yard line to the other.
The Ring of Honor circles the upper levels as a tribute to Cowboys legends. The retractable roof design pays homage to the famous hole in Texas Stadium’s roof. Eighteen commissioned contemporary artworks are displayed throughout the building. The facility sits 50 feet below street level. The stadium is visible from space and from every plane landing at DFW Airport.
FIFA World Cup 2026 Preparations (Dallas Stadium)
Major changes are underway to meet FIFA requirements. The current artificial turf must be replaced with natural grass. FIFA invested $5 million in research to develop the perfect grass mixture. The playing surface will rise 15 feet from its current position. This elevation allows the field to expand to FIFA’s required dimensions of 105 meters by 68 meters.
The $295 million renovation project started in January 2024. Workers are upgrading premium clubs and suites. Technology systems are getting major improvements. All work will be complete before the tournament begins.
FIFA requires a name change during the tournament. Corporate sponsors cannot appear on host venue names. AT&T Stadium will become “Dallas Stadium” for the World Cup. Arlington Mayor Jim Ross has pushed for “Dallas Arlington Stadium” to include his city’s name.
Travel Guide for World Cup Visitors
Getting There and Around
DFW International Airport serves as the most connected airport in the world. Dallas Love Field offers flights to over 120 destinations. Both airports provide easy access to the stadium.
- DART Light Rail: 90+ miles of track with enhanced World Cup service
- Trinity Railway Express: Connects Dallas and Fort Worth
- Official World Cup shuttles: Hotel to stadium service on match days
- Rideshare services: Uber and Lyft throughout the region
- Stadium parking: Opens five hours before kickoff
- Expected daily visitors: 100,000+
Transportation planners expect massive crowds. Enhanced transit service will run during the tournament. Special traffic management plans include reversible lanes during peak times. Mobile apps will provide real-time updates.
Where to Stay
The Dallas-Fort Worth region offers 130,000 hotel rooms. Current data shows 92 percent are already booked for tournament dates. Early booking is essential.
- Downtown Dallas: Walkable access to fan zones and transit
- Deep Ellum: Nightlife and entertainment venues
- Arlington Entertainment District: Closest to the stadium
- Fort Worth: 20 minutes away with authentic Western charm
Budget chains, boutique hotels, and luxury resorts are all available. Vacation rentals work well for larger groups traveling together.
Dining and Activities
AT&T Stadium serves food made from scratch. The famous Cowboyrita and souvenir popcorn buckets are fan favorites. Klyde Warren Park will buzz with World Cup activity. Deep Ellum serves street tacos and features live music. Fort Worth’s Stockyards deliver authentic Texas BBQ.
Texas summers bring intense heat. June and July temperatures range from 90 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit. The stadium keeps fans comfortable inside with air conditioning. Pack sunscreen and drink plenty of water outdoors.
Tickets and Packages
Ticket sales began in September 2025 through a Visa Presale Draw. Successful applicants received purchase windows starting October 1, 2025. Group stage tickets start at $60. Additional sales phases continue through December 2025.
Hospitality packages are available now starting at $1,350 per person. Only purchase from FIFA or authorized resellers.
- Official Website: https://attstadium.com
- Map Link: https://attstadium.com/maps/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ATTStadium/
AT&T Stadium World Cup 2026 FAQs
How many matches will AT&T Stadium host?
AT&T Stadium will host nine matches total. This includes five group stage games, two Round of 32 matches, one Round of 16 game, and one semi-final on July 14.
Why didn’t Dallas get the World Cup Final?
FIFA awarded the final to MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. The decision favored the New York metro area. AT&T Stadium earned the honor of hosting the most matches at any single venue.
Will the field be grass or turf for the World Cup?
The field will be natural grass. FIFA requires grass for all World Cup matches. The current artificial turf will be replaced with specially developed grass that will be raised 15 feet.
How do I get from the airport to the stadium?
Both airports connect to the stadium via rideshare services, rental cars, and shuttles. DART Light Rail links both airports to downtown Dallas. Enhanced transit service will run during the tournament.
What is the best time to book hotels?
Book immediately. Hotels are 92 percent booked already. Prices will increase as availability decreases. Consider refundable rates for flexibility.
Can I tour the stadium before World Cup matches?
Yes. AT&T Stadium offers tours year-round. VIP guided tours cost $55 and include the Cowboys locker room and press box. Check the official website for availability during the World Cup period.
Is public transportation reliable in Dallas?
DART Light Rail and Trinity Railway Express provide extensive coverage. The region is building enhanced service specifically for World Cup crowds. Most visitors combine public transit with rideshare services.
Plan Your World Cup Experience
The 2026 World Cup expands to 48 teams for the first time. Twelve groups of four teams compete in the group stage. A total of 104 matches will play out over 39 days. The United States, Mexico, and Canada qualified automatically as host nations.
The economic impact will reach approximately $2 billion for North Texas. This once-in-a-lifetime event combines world-class soccer with legendary Texas hospitality.
Start planning your journey today. Book accommodations now and research transportation options. AT&T Stadium stands ready to deliver an unforgettable experience for fans from around the globe.
