Dallas hosts nine World Cup 2026 matches at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, and it’s worth noting that it’s more than any other venue in the tournament.
The schedule includes five group stage fixtures featuring big-name national selections such as Argentina, England, the Netherlands, and Japan, bound to generate plenty of attention worldwide. The remaining matches are knockout rounds building toward the July 14 semi-final. This place, locally referred to as “Jerry World,” is a 94,000-capacity venue, and will be the most fitting venue for the tournament’s sharp end when stakes peak and quality teams remain.
AT&T Stadium’s retractable dome and climate control create ideal July conditions in a state where outdoor summer football constitutes punishment. The 60-yard video screen is so infamous that punted footballs occasionally strike it during Cowboys games. It dominates the interior and is a show stopper, especially for the stadium’s first-time goers. The capacity makes this the tournament’s largest venue, though FIFA caps attendance at 94,000 for World Cup configurations.
This SoccerNews.com guide addresses the practical challenges:
- Which matches justify the journey
- What semi-final tickets actually cost
- How to reach Arlington without public transit
- and where to stay across Dallas-Fort Worth’s sprawling geography
Our previous 2026 FIFA World Cup articles include the ultimate ticket guide you can READ HERE, while we’ve so far completed the MetLife Stadium Guide and the Los Angeles SoFi Stadium Guide that you can also consult and enjoy reading.
AT&T Stadium: The Venue
Capacity: 94,000 (World Cup configuration, largest in tournament)
Location: One AT&T Way, Arlington, TX 76011
Opened: 2009
Cost: £909 million ($1.15 billion)
Distance from DFW Airport: 20 miles
AT&T Stadium sits in Arlington, midway between Dallas and Fort Worth. It is a city-owned venue and has been home to the Dallas Cowboys since 2009. As mentioned, the retractable roof addresses Texas summer heat, which is a factor that can’t be stressed enough. It allows the dome to close, after which the air conditioning engages, and suddenly football happens in controlled comfort rather than oppressive humidity.
The structure of the stadium prioritizes scale. The aforementioned video board weighs 1.2 million pounds and hangs 90 feet above the field. The concourses accommodate 100,000-person crowds without bottlenecks. Sightlines function from all tiers, though upper corners sacrifice proximity for the participation of simply being inside for a World Cup semi-final.
FIFA’s mandatory modifications include field width adjustments and natural grass replacing artificial turf. The stadium officially becomes “Dallas Stadium” during the tournament as FIFA regulations prohibit corporate sponsor names at World Cup venues.
Official Resources:
Complete Match Schedule
The table below illustrates the complete 2026 FIFA World Cup Dallas AT&T Stadium schedule. Group stage promises plenty of excitement with England vs Croatia in Group L, even though Netherlands vs Japan promises to be an interesting matchup as well.
Source: FIFA Official Schedule
The Marquee Fixtures
Argentina Twice: Lionel Messi’s defending champions play June 22 against Austria and June 27 versus Jordan. The World Cup holders bring global appeal and potentially Messi’s final tournament appearance. Needless to say we should expect capacity crowds and premium pricing.
England vs Croatia (June 17): A Group L clash is loaded with recent history as Croatia eliminated England in the 2018 semi-final before England avenged that loss at Euro 2020. Both teams arrive as European powers with a tournament pedigree and will be looking to make a statement for themselves.
Netherlands vs Japan (June 14): This is the clash that opens Dallas’s schedule. We have European technical sophistication going head-to-head with Asian tactical organization. The Netherlands brings a famous orange-clad traveling support and a talent-packed squad, while Japan’s precision historically creates compelling matchups.
The Semi-Final (July 14): The culmination. At this point, only four teams remain, and two advance to the MetLife Stadium final. This represents Dallas’s deepest tournament penetration. Knockout football is where every decision matters and tactical adjustments define outcomes.
If you’re interested in detailed match predictions and analysis, make sure to visit THIS PAGE.
Semi-Final: Ticket Prices & Demand Reality
The July 14 semi-final represents the second-most valuable ticket in the tournament after the final itself. Demand exceeds supply by extraordinary margins, and pricing reflects that mathematics. That much is clear.
Official FIFA Pricing
Pricing Disclaimer: The table below is based on FIFA official pricing as of December 2025. It includes a mandatory 15% processing fee. Secondary market prices fluctuate significantly based on advancing teams.
| Category | Face Value | With FIFA Fee (+15%) | Secondary Market Est. |
| Category 4 | £158-315 ($200-$400) | £182-362 ($230-$460) | £394-552 ($500-$700) |
| Category 3 | £394-631 ($500-$800) | £453-726 ($575-$920) | £789-1,183 ($1,000-$1,500) |
| Category 2 | £789-1,183 ($1,000-$1,500) | £907-1,360 ($1,150-$1,725) | £1,577-2,366 ($2,000-$3,000) |
| Category 1 | £946-1,972 ($1,200-$2,500) | £1,088-2,268 ($1,380-$2,875) | £2,366-3,943 ($3,000-$5,000) |
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Group Stage Comparison
Group stage matches, which even include Argentina fixtures, cost 60-70% less than the semi-final. This is an important factor to consider from a fan perspective:
| Match Type | Category 1 | Category 2 | Category 3 | Category 4 |
| Argentina/England | £394-631 ($500-$800) | £237-473 ($300-$600) | £158-315 ($200-$400) | £79-158 ($100-$200) |
| Netherlands/Japan | £237-489 ($300-$620) | £158-315 ($200-$400) | £94-158 ($120-$200) | £47-82 ($60-$105) |
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Demand Forecast
If Argentina or England reach the semi-final, secondary market pricing is certain to double. If both advance and meet in Dallas (mathematically possible but requiring specific bracket outcomes), prices enter stratospheric territory with £3,943-5,521 ($5,000-$7,000) for Category 1 seats.
For early-birds and fans rushing to secure their spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Dallas, sites such as TicketCenter.com provide verified inventory with guaranteed delivery. Current semi-final pricing runs a significant percentage above face value, which reflects uncertain matchups but guaranteed knockout football quality.
Budget Strategy: Target group stage fixtures featuring elite teams. Argentina vs Austria at £394-631 ($500-$800) for Category 1 delivers world champions at a manageable cost. Netherlands vs Japan offers European-Asian football at £237-489 ($300-$620).
Getting to Arlington: The Transit Challenge
AT&T Stadium is 20 miles from DFW Airport. It is accessible primarily by car. No direct rail service exists, and bus options prove limited. This isn’t Los Angeles with functional Metro shuttles or New York with NJ Transit. No. Dallas-Fort Worth remains automobile territory. That being said, listed below are some viable options to consider:
By Car (Primary Method)
From DFW Airport:
- Take TX-360 South to Stadium Drive
- Journey time: 20 minutes in light traffic
- Realistic: 45-60 minutes during match days
From Downtown Dallas:
- I-30 West to Stadium Drive
- Journey time: 20 minutes ideal
- Realistic: 40-50 minutes
From Fort Worth:
- I-30 East to Stadium Drive
- Journey time: 15-20 minutes ideal
- Realistic: 35-45 minutes
Parking Options:
Here are some quick facts for parking planning.
- Stadium Lots: £31.60-63.19 ($40-$80) depending on proximity
- Reservations: Essential through AT&T Stadium website
- Gates Open: 4-5 hours before kickoff
- Post-Match Reality: 60-90 minute egress as 94,000 vehicles depart simultaneously
By Rideshare
Those considering traveling to the Stadium by rideshare will have the following to consider.
Costs:
- From DFW Airport: £31.60-47.40 ($40-$60) base rate
- From Dallas: £23.70-39.50 ($30-$50)
- From Fort Worth: £19.75-31.60 ($25-$40)
Post-Match Surge: £78.99-157.99 ($100-$200) is common for semi-final
Drop-Off: Designated zones approximately a 10-minute walk from entrances
Pick-Up: Post-match queues extend 45-60 minutes minimum
Limited Public Transit
TRE (Trinity Railway Express) serves Centreport Station. However, it requires a taxi or rideshare to complete the journey. You can expect a total journey of 90 minutes or more from Dallas or Fort Worth. This, however, does not include the coordination complexity that makes driving preferable for most supporters.
Strategy Recommendation
- Group Stage: Drive and accept parking costs (£31.60-47.40 / $40-$60)
- Semi-Final: Rideshare drop-off (£31.60-47.40 / $40-$60), return via prearranged car service to avoid surge pricing
- Budget Option: Park at Dallas or Fort Worth hotel, rideshare to stadium (splits transit costs)
Where to Stay
Dallas-Fort Worth sprawls across 9,000 square miles. This requires an accommodation strategy that balances proximity to the stadium versus urban amenities and costs.
Arlington: Stadium Proximity
- Cost: £94.99-158 ($120-$200) per night
- Advantages: Minimal commute (5-10 minutes), lower costs, parking included at most hotels
- Disadvantages: Suburban environment, limited dining beyond chains, zero walkable entertainment
- Best For: Budget supporters prioritizing stadium access, families wanting straightforward logistics
- Hotels: Live by Loews Arlington, Sheraton Arlington, Hilton Garden Inn Arlington
Dallas: Urban Center
- Cost: £158-315 ($200-$400) per night
- Advantages: Urban dining and nightlife, Deep Ellum arts district, museums, Reunion Tower
- Disadvantages: 20-30 minute drive to Arlington, higher costs
- Best For: Supporters combining the World Cup with Texas tourism, those prioritizing the city experience
Areas:
Downtown/Uptown: Business hotels, walkable districts, £197-315 ($250-$400)
Deep Ellum: Arts district character, live music venues, £158-237 ($200-$300)
Fort Worth: Western Alternative
- Cost: £118-197 ($150-$250) per night
- Advantages: Stockyards historic district, genuine Texas character, lower costs than Dallas
- Disadvantages: 20-25 minute drive to Arlington
- Best For: Supporters seeking an authentic Texas experience, those wanting Fort Worth’s western heritage
Areas:
Stockyards: Historic cattle drive district, western saloons, £118-158 ($150-$200) – Sundance Square: Downtown walkable district, £158-197 ($200-$300)
Dallas-Fort Worth Fan Zones
The North Texas Host Committee promises extensive fan programming, though specific locations remain under development.
Expected Activation Sites
- Dallas: Klyde Warren Park (downtown), Victory Park (American Airlines Center area), Fair Park (historic fairgrounds hosting volunteer center)
- Fort Worth: Sundance Square downtown plaza, Stockyards National Historic District
- Arlington: Globe Life Field area (adjacent to AT&T Stadium), Entertainment District
Programming
Fans should expect to be met with large-screen match broadcasts, cultural exhibits representing participating nations, food vendors, live entertainment, and interactive activities spanning the tournament’s Dallas run from June 14 through July 14.
Texas Food: BBQ, Tex-Mex & Stadium Proximity
Near Stadium (Arlington)
- Trails Bar & Grill (5-minute drive): Texas-sized portions, pre-match crowds, sports bar atmosphere
- Pappas Bros. Steakhouse (10 minutes): Premium steakhouse for splurge dinners, reservations essential
- Texas Live! (adjacent to stadium): Entertainment complex with multiple restaurants, bars, outdoor spaces—ideal pre-match gathering point
Essential Dallas-Fort Worth Food
BBQ (Required Texas Experience):
- Pecan Lodge (Dallas): Brisket that justifies the queue, lunch only
- Cattleack Barbeque (Dallas): Weekend-only operation, arrives early or miss out
- Heim Barbecue (Fort Worth): Brisket burnt ends, outdoor seating
Tex-Mex:
- Mia’s Tex-Mex (Dallas, multiple locations): Tableside guacamole, fajitas
- Mi Cocina (Dallas, multiple locations): Upscale Tex-Mex, Mambo Taxi margaritas
- Joe T. Garcia’s (Fort Worth): Family-style Mexican, cash-only, legendary patio
Steakhouses:
- Bob’s Steak & Chop House (Dallas): Classic Texas steakhouse
- H3 Ranch (Dallas): Modern interpretation, extensive wine list
Texas Tourism Integration
For fans and World Cup goers’ interests spanning outside of just football (soccer), Dallas will have lots to offer. For activities that can be combined with game days, please consult the bullet list below.
Match-Day Compatible Activities
- Fort Worth Stockyards (30 minutes from Arlington): Daily cattle drive at 11:30 AM and 4:00 PM, western saloons, rodeo Friday-Saturday evenings
- Dallas Arts District: Museums including Nasher Sculpture Center, Dallas Museum of Art (free general admission), Perot Museum of Nature and Science
- Sixth Floor Museum (Dallas): JFK assassination history, Dealey Plaza views, requires 90-120 minutes
- Dallas Arboretum: 66-acre botanical garden, seasonal displays
Timing
Morning activities (9:00 AM – 1:00 PM) work well before afternoon or evening matches. Fort Worth Stockyards cattle drive fits pre-match schedule for 3:00 PM or later kickoffs.
The Bottom Line
Dallas hosts the tournament’s most matches at its largest venue. The match schedule culminates in the July 14 semi-final. AT&T Stadium’s climate-controlled environment eliminates Texas summer heat concerns, creating ideal conditions for knockout football both on and off the pitch.
The challenges concerning trip planning reflect Dallas-Fort Worth geography:
- Automobile dependence
- Sprawling distances between Dallas, Arlington, and Fort Worth
- and parking logistics
These are important factors that require meticulous planning. No convenient Metro system exists. It’s simple, the supporters drive, rideshare, or accept complex public transit routes.
Path to Attendance:
For a complete breakdown, this is your path to attending the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Dallas.
- Semi-Final Tickets: Lottery by January 13 or secondary markets (£1,088-2,268 / $1,380-$2,875 minimum for Category 1)
- Transport: Plan to drive or budget £78.99-157.99 ($100-$200) for post-match rideshare surge
- Accommodation: Book early; Arlington proximity (£94.99-158 / $120-$200) versus Dallas urban experience (£158-315 / $200-$400)
The nine-match schedule provides enough flexibility. Argentina’s two fixtures offer defending champions at group stage prices (£394-631 / $500-$800 for Category 1). Netherlands vs Japan delivers European-Asian football at lower cost. The semi-final justifies premium spending for supporters prioritizing knockout football over specific national team allegiances.
Texas rewards those who embrace its scale. The BBQ justifies the hype. Fort Worth Stockyards deliver authentic western heritage and AT&T Stadium creates a legitimate World Cup environment where 94,000 supporters witness football’s sharp end.
FAQ
When should I book accommodation?
Immediately for the semi-final. Six months advance for group stage matches. Arlington offers the best availability; Dallas and Fort Worth fill faster. Refundable rates cost £15.80-23.70 ($20-$30) premium but protect against lottery failures.
Can I use public transit to reach AT&T Stadium?
Technically yes via TRE to Centreport Station plus taxi, but the journey exceeds 90 minutes with complexity, making driving preferable. Dallas-Fort Worth remains car-dependent.
What’s July weather like?
Hot. Temperatures reach 95-100°F (35-38°C) with humidity. AT&T Stadium’s retractable dome and air conditioning eliminate concerns—interior remains comfortable regardless of exterior conditions.
How early should I arrive?
Group stage: 2 hours is adequate. Semi-final: 3 hours essential for security, atmosphere, and parking/drop-off logistics. Gates open 4-5 hours before kickoff.
Stadium bag policy?
Clear bags (12” x 6” x 12”) or small clutches (4.5” x 6.5”) only. Prohibited: backpacks, large purses, outside food/beverage, and professional cameras.
Is the video board really that big?
Yes—60 yards long, 72 feet tall, weighing 1.2 million pounds. It hangs low enough that punted footballs occasionally strike it. Visibility from every seat, though some argue it dominates the experience.
Dallas vs Arlington vs Fort Worth—which location?
Arlington for proximity and budget (£94.99-158 / $120-$200). Dallas for urban experience (£158-315 / $200-$400). Fort Worth for Texas character (£118-197 / $150-$250). All require driving to the stadium.