It’s official! FIFA recently announced a World Cup 26 semi-final will be played at AT&T Stadium in Arlington. The announcement disclosed that Arlington's stadium will host a grand total of nine matches throughout the 2026 tournament, with the final match being played at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J.
The upcoming FIFA World Cup 26 presents the region with its second chance to host the renowned global sporting event. Back in 1994, Dallas was honored as a FIFA World Cup host city, with memorable matches held at Cotton Bowl Stadium.
"There is no greater sporting event in the world than the FIFA World Cup, and there is no greater place than Dallas to host it," Dallas Sports Commission Executive Director Monica Paul said in an official statement. "The matches will bring unprecedented attention to Dallas, attracting hundreds of thousands of fans to our region for the largest and most inclusive World Cup in the tournament's rich history. We look forward to shining in the global spotlight, showcasing Dallas, the stadium and the entire region as a world-class destination for this once-in-a-generation event."
Countless fans will journey to the Dallas region, as well as the 15 other Host Cities spanning the United States, Mexico and Canada to experience the thrill of FIFA World Cup 26 matches. These host cities include Atlanta, Boston, Guadalajara, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Mexico City, Miami, Monterrey, New York/New Jersey, Philadelphia, the San Francisco Bay Area, Seattle, Toronto and Vancouver.
“Dallas is the perfect city to host these major FIFA World Cup matches and is ready to showcase both our passion for football and our hospitality on the world stage,” said Dallas Mayor Eric L. Johnson. “Dallas is the best sports city in the United States, and we have worked tirelessly to make Dallas a truly international city. FIFA’s decision affirms the fact that Dallas has arrived on the world stage, and we are ready to welcome football fans from all over the world to Big D.”
Local Profile previously reported a renovation project amounting to almost $350 million AT&T Stadium is in progress, ahead of the World Cup.
Upgrades include:
- Upgrading the world’s largest center-hung HDTV video board to 4K technology
- Refreshing all seven AT&T Stadium Pro Shops
- Creating additional permanent concession and bar locations
- Creating additional wellness spaces within the main clubs and upper concourse
- Updating finishes and enhancing technology displays around the venue
- Re-imagined suite design and finishes including updated technology applications
- Re-designing and creating an all-new look and feel of suite-level corridors
The city of Frisco also plans to bring major renovations to the Collin County city before the big games. During a Frisco City Council work session on Nov. 7, 2023, officials discussed downtown projects including construction on Main Street and 4th Street Plaza, which is expected to begin in April 2024 and end in April 2026. Construction on a new downtown parking garage is also slated to begin in August 2024 and end in July 2025.
The revitalization also includes new features focused on pedestrians such as outdoor seating areas, fire pits, a performance stage, enhanced medians and additional crosswalks.
The tournament will take place in June and July 2026. For the latest FIFA World Cup 26 information, visit the FIFA World Cup 26 website. Fans can pre-register for FIFA World Cup 26 ticket information at fifa.com/tickets.