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World Cup 2026 Host Cities Guide

Dallas / Arlington (AT&T Stadium)

A fan-forward, heat‑ready, logistics‑savvy playbook for singles & families

Dallas skyline
Why Dallas is a can't‑miss stop

Everything's bigger in Texas—and Dallas/Arlington hosts more World Cup matches than any other city: nine at AT&T Stadium (FIFA name: Dallas Stadium) including five group games, two Round of 32, one Round of 16, and a Semi‑final on Tuesday, July 14, 2026.

Local & FIFA listings for match dates at AT&T Stadium:

  • Sun, June 14 (Group)
  • Wed, June 17 (Group)
  • Mon, June 22 (Group)
  • Thu, June 25 (Group)
  • Sat, June 27 (Group)
  • Tue, June 30 (Round of 32)
  • Fri, July 3 (Round of 32)
  • Mon, July 6 (Round of 16)
  • Tue, July 14 (Semi‑final)

AT&T Stadium's retractable roof, 94k+ capacity in FIFA documentation, and proven track record with global events make it a flagship venue. Renovations and FIFA conversions (pitch widening + natural grass) are part of the 2026 plan.

The stadium & entry rules (avoid the gate shuffle)

AT&T Stadium clear‑bag policy:

  • Clear plastic/vinyl/PVC ≤ 12″×6″×12″
  • One‑gallon clear freezer bag
  • Small clutch ≤ 4.5″×6.5″ (can be non‑clear)
  • Medically necessary items allowed after inspection; no on‑site bag check.
Tickets & hospitality — buy smart

The Dallas host committee and FIFA list the full nine‑match slate; buy tickets only via FIFA (and authorized hospitality via On Location). Steer clear of unofficial resellers until FIFA's own resale windows open.

Dallas Host Committee

Getting to Dallas & around the region

Airports → City

DFW International Airport

DART Orange Line light rail runs directly to DFW Terminal A (and connects across Dallas). TRE (Trinity Railway Express) + TRE LINK provide access between CentrePort Station and the terminals (currently detouring to Terminal D during construction).

DART Silver Line (opened Oct 25, 2025) is a new 26‑mile regional rail linking DFW Airport with seven cities (Plano → Grapevine) and connecting to DART light rail—handy for fans staying north of Dallas.

Dallas Love Field (DAL)

Use DART via Inwood/Love Field Station and local bus/GoLink connections for easy access to downtown and the rail network.

Matchday transport to AT&T Stadium (Arlington)

There's no rail directly to the stadium—plan a combo or a shuttle:

  • DART/TRE + short hop: Ride TRE from Dallas to CentrePort/DFW Airport Station, then taxi/ride‑share (~10 miles) to AT&T Stadium.
  • Downtown Arlington shuttles: Long‑running game‑day shuttles from Downtown Arlington partners (e.g., J. Gilligan's, Grease Monkey) run round‑trip to the stadium—popular, low‑stress, and economical.
  • Hotel/area shuttles: Many Arlington Entertainment District hotels or parking hubs arrange paid/free shuttles on event days—verify with your property.
  • Charter buses: Fan bus operators (e.g., Rally) schedule special event coaches to AT&T Stadium—an option for large groups.

Driving & parking: On‑site lots sell out; buy parking passes early and arrive very early if tailgating (lots and rules vary by event). Arlington traffic near I‑30/SH‑360 intensifies 2–3 hours pre‑kickoff.

The citywide party: FIFA Fan Festival™ at Fair Park (Dallas)

Dallas' official Fan Festival will be at Fair Park, home of the State Fair of Texas and a DART Rail stop (Green Line to Fair Park Station). Expect 39 days of screenings, music, food, sponsor activations, and a daily capacity in the tens of thousands (plans discussed around ~35,000/day footprint across the south end near Dos Equis Pavilion).

Local organizers are coordinating vendor opportunities for South Dallas businesses; the International Broadcast Center is slated for the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center—making downtown Dallas a global media hub during the tournament.

Where to stay (and why)

Downtown Dallas / Arts District / West End: Best for rail access (DART Red/Blue/Green/Orange) and centrality—ride transit to Fair Park Fan Festival, then use TRE/ride‑share for Arlington matches. Hotel stock ranges from boutique to luxury (The Joule, Fairmont, Omni).

Deep Ellum / Main Street District: Walkable nightlife and dining, DART Deep Ellum Station nearby; easy jump to Fair Park on the Green Line. (Kimpton Pittman, SOVA Micro‑Room & Social Hotel).

Arlington (Entertainment District): Closest to matches; many properties offer stadium shuttles on event days. Good pick for families wanting short travel times on matchday.

North Dallas / Plano / Richardson: Silver Line corridor hub; useful if you want calmer suburbs with direct rail to DFW and connections to DART rail.

Singles: your Dallas game plan

Base downtown or Deep Ellum for rail convenience + nightlife. Hit Fair Park Fan Festival by DART Green Line; for matches, use TRE→CentrePort + ride‑share or Downtown Arlington shuttles (eat/drink in downtown Arlington before/after).

Rest‑days: Arts District museums, Bishop Arts eats, and a sunset at Reunion Tower; nights in Deep Ellum or Lower Greenville. (Use DART for cross‑city hops.)

Families: smooth, cooler, and close

Stay in Arlington (shuttles) or Museum District/City Center (rail to Fan Fest). Build in indoor time mid‑day—July highs often mid‑90s°F—and rely on the roofed stadium to beat the heat.

Matchday kit: Clear tote (12″×6″×12″), small clutch (≤4.5″×6.5″), refillable bottles once inside, and kid ear protection.

Non‑match fun: Perot Museum, Dallas World Aquarium, Klyde Warren Park splash pads, and Trinity Groves eats; evenings at the Fan Festival lawn.

Practical playbook

Transit essentials: DART GoPass app for tickets & trip planning; TRE LINK connects CentrePort to DFW terminals; Silver Line extends rail reach to/from the airport across the northern suburbs (service launched Oct 2025).

Getting to the match (recap):

  • Best no‑car combo: TRE → CentrePort → ride‑share/taxi (approx. 10 mi).
  • Easiest group option: Downtown Arlington shuttles (J. Gilligan's, Grease Monkey).
  • Driving: Pre‑book parking; arrive 2+ hours early.

Bag & security: Clear bags only (12″×6″×12″), clutches ≤ 4.5″×6.5″; no bag check—pack light.

Weather & hydration: Expect hot, humid afternoons in June/July—plan shaded breaks, electrolytes, and rail/ride options instead of long walks. (Roofed stadium helps during matches.)

Two plug‑and‑play itineraries

A) Singles — "Nine matches, endless nights" (4 days)

  • Day 1: Land at DFW → DART to downtown; check in; tacos + Deep Ellum show.
  • Day 2 (Match): TRE→CentrePort + ride‑share to AT&T; post‑match celebrate at Texas Live! or Deep Ellum.
  • Day 3: Fair Park Fan Festival (Green Line) + Arts District.
  • Day 4: Brunch → Silver Line hop north (Plano/Addison breweries) → fly out.

B) Families — "Roof, rails & room to roam" (4 days)

  • Day 1: DAL or DFW arrival → downtown hotel on rail; evening Klyde Warren Park.
  • Day 2 (Match): Arlington hotel shuttle or TRE→CentrePort + taxi; clear tote ready; early exit to beat traffic.
  • Day 3: Morning Perot Museum; afternoon Fan Festival lawns at Fair Park.
  • Day 4: Aquarium or Reunion Tower → airport via rail.
Quick answers

How many Dallas matches?

Nine, including a Semi‑final (July 14).

Fan Festival location?

Fair Park (Green Line station), targeting ~35k/day capacity across 39 days per planning briefings.

Best way to the stadium?

TRE→CentrePort + ride‑share or Downtown Arlington shuttles from partner venues.

Airport to downtown?

DART Orange Line (DFW) or connections from TRE/TEXRail; Silver Line now links DFW with northern suburbs and DART.