Dallas — FIFA World Cup 2026

Dallas hosts more World Cup 2026 matches than any other US city — 9 games in total, making it one of the tournament's centerpiece destinations. Before you book anything, there is one thing every fan needs to understand: the stadium is not in Dallas.

Getting to the Stadium

AT&T Stadium is in Arlington, Texas — roughly halfway between Dallas and Fort Worth, about 20 miles from downtown Dallas and 15 miles from downtown Fort Worth. Arlington has no commuter rail, no light rail, and no direct public transit link to either city. This is the defining logistical reality of attending a match here.

Your real options:

• Rideshare (Uber/Lyft): The default choice for most fans. From downtown Dallas expect $25–$45 each way depending on surge pricing. On match days, surge pricing after the final whistle can push fares to $60–$90. Pre-scheduling a return ride before the match ends helps significantly.
• Drive and park: AT&T Stadium has massive parking infrastructure — it was built for NFL game days. Official lots open 4 hours before kickoff and cost $25–$50 depending on proximity. Tailgating culture is strong here; arriving early is part of the experience.
• Shuttle services: Several private shuttle operators run match-day services from designated pickup points in Dallas and Fort Worth. Watch the official FIFA/AT&T Stadium communications closer to match dates for authorized options.
• DFW Airport to stadium: DFW is about 20 miles from AT&T Stadium. Rideshare is the practical choice — budget $35–$55 for that leg.

One option that does exist: Trinity Metro's TEXRail runs from downtown Fort Worth (T&P Station) to DFW Airport. It does not go to Arlington directly, but fans staying in Fort Worth have a semi-useful rail option for at least one leg of some journeys.

The bottom line: if you are not renting a car, you are ridesharing. Build that cost and that post-match wait time into your planning.

Where to Stay

Downtown Dallas is the obvious choice — lively, walkable, with a wide range of hotels from budget to luxury. Expect significant price inflation for match dates. Book as early as possible; refundable rates give you flexibility.

Fort Worth is the smart play for budget-conscious fans. It sits 30 minutes from AT&T Stadium (similar distance to Dallas) and hotel rates run $40–$60/night cheaper during the tournament. Fort Worth's Sundance Square district is genuinely enjoyable — good bars, restaurants, and a Western atmosphere that feels distinctly different from Dallas. Do not overlook it.

Arlington itself puts you closest to the stadium but is light on walkable urban infrastructure. Good for car-rental travelers who prioritize proximity over experience.

Midlothian, Grand Prairie, Mansfield: Budget suburban options closer to the stadium if every dollar counts. Car rental essentially required.

Match Day Experience

AT&T Stadium — home of the Dallas Cowboys — is one of the most technologically advanced stadiums in the world. The retractable roof means matches will be played in climate-controlled conditions regardless of the Texas heat outside. Capacity for World Cup is approximately 80,000.

The stadium interior is famous for its massive center-hung video board, which at the time of its installation was the largest high-definition screen in the world. Sightlines are excellent from nearly every seat. Concourse width is generous — something you will appreciate when 80,000 fans are moving at the same time.

Arrive at least 90 minutes before kickoff. Security lines are long, and Arlington's road network can turn a 20-minute drive into a 45-minute crawl on match days. The fan zones and stadium plazas open early and are worth the extra time.

Between Matches: What to Do

Dallas proper offers plenty to fill the days between games.

Deep Ellum is Dallas's best neighborhood for live music, street art, craft beer, and late nights. This is where the city's energy concentrates after dark.

Uptown and the Bishop Arts District are polished, walkable, and full of independent restaurants. Bishop Arts in particular has a creative, neighborhood feel that surprises people expecting a corporate Texan city.

The Sixth Floor Museum (Dealey Plaza, downtown) covers the JFK assassination with serious historical depth. Whether or not that history interests you, the plaza itself is a landmark that many international visitors want to see.

Fort Worth Stockyards: A 30-minute drive west takes you to a genuinely distinctive piece of American history. Twice-daily longhorn cattle drives still happen on Exchange Avenue. The honky-tonks, rodeos, and Western wear shops are not a theme park — this is an active livestock heritage district.

Dallas Arboretum: If you need a break from the urban heat, the arboretum on White Rock Lake offers 66 acres of gardens and lake views.

Local Food & Drink

Texas barbecue is the non-negotiable culinary experience. Pecan Lodge (Deep Ellum) is consistently rated among the top barbecue spots in the state — arrive when it opens or expect a 45-minute wait. Terry Black's (also Deep Ellum) offers similar quality with slightly more capacity.

Tex-Mex is a Dallas institution. Look beyond the tourist-facing chains: Matt's Rancho Martinez and Mia's Restaurant (both on Lemmon Avenue) have long track records. Breakfast tacos from any taqueria open before 9am will cost you $2–$4 and are as good as anything else you will eat.

Fort Worth's Joe T. Garcia's is a legendary family-run Tex-Mex institution with outdoor patio dining that works beautifully on a warm June evening.

For drinks, the Deep Ellum craft beer scene is strong. Peticolas Brewing and Community Beer Co. are standouts. Texas-distilled bourbon and whiskey are increasingly excellent — most good bars carry local labels.

Practical Tips

Heat is not optional to plan around. Dallas in June and July averages 35°C+ with significant humidity. At&T Stadium is climate-controlled, but the walk from parking or rideshare dropoff is outdoors. Light, breathable clothing, a refillable water bottle, and sunscreen are match-day essentials. Sunglasses are not optional.

Entry requirements: Citizens of Visa Waiver Program countries use ESTA (apply at least 72 hours before travel, $21 fee, valid for 2 years). All others require a standard US tourist visa — apply well in advance, as processing times have been running long.

Currency: USD. Tipping is standard at 18–20% in restaurants and bars. Rideshare tips are customary. Cash is less commonly needed than in many countries — card payment is universal.

Time zone: Central Daylight Time (UTC-5 during summer). Kickoff times published by FIFA are likely in local time — double-check.

Car rental: If you are staying multiple days and plan to explore beyond the city center, renting a car makes Dallas significantly easier. The highway network is vast and parking outside match days is generally free or cheap.