2026 World Cup: Dallas Host City Guide
Venue: AT&T Stadium (Tournament Name: Dallas Stadium) Capacity: 94,000+ (for World Cup configuration)
The Dallas Match Schedule
Dallas is the workhorse of the 2026 World Cup, hosting more matches (9) than any other city, including a massive Semifinal.
| Date | Match Type | Fixture | Key Storyline | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 14 | Group F | Netherlands vs. Japan | Top-tier technical battle | Buy Tickets |
| June 16 | Group J | Austria vs. Algeria | First match for Group J in Texas | Buy Tickets |
| June 22 | Group J | Argentina vs. Algeria | The “Messi in Texas” effect | Buy Tickets |
| June 22 | Group K | England vs. Nigeria | High-demand “Legacy Match” | Buy Tickets |
| June 25 | Group D | Japan vs. UEFA Playoff B | Crucial group decider | Buy Tickets |
| June 26 | Group J | Algeria vs. Jordan | Final group stage fixture | Buy Tickets |
| June 26 | Group K | England vs. TBD | Potential group winner decider | Buy Tickets |
| July 14 | SEMIFINAL | TBD vs. TBD | Road to the Final | Buy Tickets |
Dallas Match Storylines & Analysis
June 14: Netherlands vs. Japan (Group F)
A heavyweight tactical Group F battle to open the Dallas schedule. The Netherlands, known for their “Total Football” philosophy, face a Japan side that has become the “giant-slayer” of international soccer after defeating Germany and Spain in 2022. This match is a primary target for technical analysts and fans looking for the highest quality of play in the opening week.
June 16: Austria vs. Algeria (Group J)
Austria’s high-intensity pressing under Ralf Rangnick meets the flair and counter-attacking speed of Algeria. This is a critical match for Group J qualification, as both teams look to secure points before facing the looming threat of Argentina later in the week. Expect a high-tempo, physical contest.
June 22: Argentina vs. Austria (Group J)
The reigning champions arrive in North Texas. This match features Lionel Messi and Argentina in one of the tournament’s most anticipated group-stage fixtures. Austria’s “Red Bull” style of play is designed to disrupt creative playmakers, making this the ultimate test for the Argentine attack. Tickets for this match are expected to be among the fastest-selling in the country.
June 22: England vs. Croatia (Group L)
A massive “Legacy Match” scheduled as part of a Dallas double-header. This is a rematch of the 2018 World Cup Semifinal and the Euro 2020 group stage. England’s youthful superstars like Jude Bellingham face the legendary midfield experience of Croatia. With both teams having deep tournament experience, this could decide the winner of the “Group of Death.”
June 25: Japan vs. UEFA Playoff B (Group F)
Japan returns to AT&T Stadium for a match that could secure their path to the Round of 16. Depending on the UEFA Playoff B winner (potentially a high-ranking European side like Poland or Sweden), this fixture has “Group Decider” written all over it.
June 26: Jordan vs. Argentina (Group J)
Argentina wraps up their group stage in Dallas against a resilient Jordan side. For Argentina, this match is about fine-tuning their form for the knockout stages; for Jordan, it is the opportunity of a lifetime to face the world champions on a global stage.
June 26: England vs. TBD (Group L)
England’s final group L game in Dallas will be played simultaneously with the other Group L fixtures to ensure sporting integrity. Depending on the results of the opening rounds, this match could be a high-stakes battle for the top seed, which would keep the Three Lions on a favorable side of the bracket.
Logistics: Surviving Arlington & Dallas
AT&T Stadium is notoriously the only major NFL venue without a direct public rail connection. To avoid the stress of matchday traffic in car-centric North Texas, fans must use a combination of private shuttles, rideshare, and strategic walking.
The “No Public Transit” Rule
There is no direct public bus or train service to AT&T Stadium from downtown Dallas or Fort Worth.
The Rail + Rideshare Hack: Take the Trinity Railway Express (TRE) from downtown Dallas or Fort Worth to the CentrePort/DFW Airport Station. From there, you will still need a short Uber or Lyft ride to reach the stadium.
Dedicated Event Shuttles: For the 2026 World Cup, dedicated event shuttles are expected to run from major hubs like Dallas Union Station and Fort Worth Central Station. Many hotels in the Arlington entertainment district also provide guest shuttles; confirm availability with your accommodation early.
Strategic Ridesharing: The “15-Minute Walk” Rule
Uber and Lyft are the default choices for most visitors, but post-match congestion can be extreme.
Designated Zones: Official rideshare pickup zones are typically located near Lot 15 and Cowboys Way.
Avoid the Surge: After the final whistle, walk 10–15 minutes away from the immediate stadium zone before requesting your ride. This allows you to bypass the heaviest traffic, helps drivers reach you faster, and often results in lower fares.
Driving & Parking Secrets
If you choose to drive, prepare for significant traffic delays and a 90-to-120-minute commute from downtown Dallas.
Advance Booking: On-site parking at AT&T Stadium includes approximately 12,000 spaces across 15 lots. Pre-purchased parking passes are mandatory for high-demand events and should be secured via official stadium partners like SeatGeek or SpotHero.
Arrival Timing: Lots generally open 5 hours before kickoff. Aim to arrive at least 2–3 hours early to clear security and enjoy the fan zones.
Pro-Tip: Pre-Game at Texas Live!
Rather than fighting traffic right at kickoff, arrive early and head to Texas Live!, a massive dining and entertainment complex located just steps from the stadium. It features the Live! Arena with huge screens and local favorites like Hurtado Barbecue or Lockhart Smokehouse.
FIFA Fan Festival: Fair Park, Dallas
For the 2026 World Cup, Fair Park has been designated as the primary site for the official FIFA Fan Festival in Dallas. This historic 277-acre complex, famously home to the State Fair of Texas, will serve as the central public hub for fans throughout the 39-day tournament period.
Fan Festival Experience & Highlights
The Fan Festival is designed to be the “heartbeat” of the tournament for those without match tickets, offering a vibrant, free-to-enter celebration of soccer culture.
Live Match Viewings: All 104 matches will be broadcast live on massive giant screens.
Entertainment & Culture: The festival will feature live headline music performances, headline concerts, and cultural showcases highlighting the vibrancy of Dallas.
Interactive Zones: Sponsors will provide interactive activations, youth programming, and gaming stations.
Culinary Scene: Food and beverage offerings will spotlight both local Texas barbecue and diverse international flavors.
Expected Attendance: The event is expected to draw over 1 million visitors in total, averaging more than 35,000 attendees per day.
Location & Transport Logistics
Fair Park is located at 3809 Grand Ave, Dallas, TX 75210, just east of Downtown Dallas.
Public Transit (Highly Recommended): The site is directly accessible via the DART Light Rail (Green Line) at the Fair Park Station.
Footprint: The festival’s primary footprint is expected to include the Dos Equis Pavilion and adjacent parking lots to accommodate the large crowds.
Additional Fan Celebration Sites
Beyond the main FIFA Fan Festival at Fair Park, other regional activations are planned to spread the tournament energy across North Texas:
FC Dallas Soccer Celebration (Frisco): A multi-week community fan experience will transform Simpson Plaza in front of Frisco City Hall into a vibrant gathering space with watch-party pods and live music.
Local Watch Spots: Popular soccer bars like The Nodding Donkey, The Londoner, and Frankie’s Downtown will serve as unofficial hubs for international fans
The Dallas Hub
- Group Spokes: Group D, Group F, Group J, Group K, Group L.
- Team Spokes: Argentina, England, Netherlands, Japan.
- Master Hub: Back to All World Cup Tickets.