Dallas Stadium (AT&T Stadium) FIFA World Cup 2026 Guide

AT&T Stadium / Dallas Stadium: Where You’ll Actually Watch the World Cup

AT&T Stadium is in Arlington, Texas, roughly midway between Dallas and Fort Worth. It is owned by the City of Arlington and serves as the home of the
Dallas Cowboys.

Opened in 2009, the stadium is built around scale and flexibility:

• Base capacity around 80,000 for NFL games
• Expandable above 90,000–94,000 for mega-events
• Climate-controlled with a retractable roof
• Iconic center-hung video board that dominates the sightlines

The stadium regularly hosts NFL games, college football playoffs, international soccer, boxing, pro wrestling, rodeos, and stadium-scale concerts. For the 2026 FIFA World Cup, it will be one of the most important venues in North America.

One important detail for visitors: Dallas Stadium is not physically in Dallas. The World Cup name “Dallas Stadium” refers to AT&T Stadium in Arlington, between Dallas and Fort Worth. When you see tickets or schedules mention Dallas Stadium, this is the building you are going to.

Cowboys home games draw the largest crowds in the NFL, averaging more than 90,000 fans per game, a figure that includes spectators with standing-room tickets. For the World Cup, however, AT&T Stadium will be reconfigured as an all-seater venue, reducing overall capacity.

To put the scale in perspective: the building is so vast that the Statue of Liberty—93 meters tall—could stand inside it, even with the roof closed.

FIFA World Cup 2026 at Dallas Stadium: What Fans Need to Know

AT&T Stadium has been selected as one of the primary U.S. venues for the
2026 FIFA World Cup, marketed as FIFA World Cup 26, with matches listed on
FIFA’s official tournament hub.
During the tournament, FIFA materials refer to the building as Dallas Stadium.

According to the current schedule, Dallas Stadium will host a tournament-high nine matches:

• Five group-stage matches
• Two Round-of-32 matches
• One Round-of-16 match
• One semifinal

That makes Dallas Stadium one of the most heavily used stadiums in the entire tournament, and one of the key venues for knock-out matches.

Always confirm dates and kickoff times through FIFA’s official schedule and ticketing pages and the stadium’s events calendar before you commit to flights or hotels. World Cup fixtures can shift, and only FIFA’s platforms will have the final word.

Tickets for FIFA World Cup 2026 Matches at Dallas Stadium

All official tickets for FIFA World Cup 2026 matches at Dallas Stadium (AT&T Stadium) are sold through FIFA and its authorized partners. The stadium box office will not sell walk-up World Cup seats on matchday.

Expect mobile-only tickets, identity checks, and time-specific entry windows. Screenshots usually will not work; plan to use the official app or a FIFA-approved platform with your account logged in and your phone fully charged.

To avoid canceled barcodes and refused entry, buy only through:

• FIFA’s official ticketing platform
• Authorized resale options linked directly from FIFA’s website

Third-party resellers that are not connected to FIFA may list tickets that look valid but are duplicated, canceled, or never delivered. If a deal looks too good for a Dallas Stadium knockout match or semifinal, assume it is.

FIFA ticket distribution and mobile access are often administered in partnership with major platforms such as Ticketmaster, but fans should always begin through FIFA’s official ticket portal to ensure validity.

Why AT&T Stadium Will Be Called “Dallas Stadium” During the World Cup

During normal operations, the venue is named AT&T Stadium. For FIFA World Cup 26, it will appear in official communications as
Dallas Stadium. This is not a rebrand driven by the Cowboys or the City of Arlington; it is a condition of hosting the tournament.

FIFA’s commercial rules prohibit the use of corporate-sponsored stadium names during World Cup matches unless that sponsor is also an official FIFA partner. To comply, the stadium:

• Is listed as Dallas Stadium in World Cup schedules and broadcasts
• Has corporate naming removed or covered during official tournament events

This has frustrated some Arlington residents who correctly point out that the stadium is not physically in Dallas. For visitors, the important takeaway is simple:
Dallas Stadium and AT&T Stadium are the same building in Arlington, Texas.

How to Get to Dallas Stadium (AT&T Stadium) for World Cup Matches

The stadium’s address is:
1 AT&T Way, Arlington, Texas 76011, USA.

Airports

For international and domestic visitors, the two primary airports serving the stadium are:

• DFW International Airport (Dallas–Fort Worth) — the major hub, roughly 15–25 minutes from the stadium by car in light traffic.
• Dallas Love Field — closer to central Dallas, usually 30–40+ minutes away depending on matchday traffic.

For most World Cup travelers, flying into DFW offers the most direct access to Arlington hotels and the stadium.

Public Transport and Rideshare

Arlington does not have rail transit to the stadium. During the World Cup, expect a mix of:

• Dedicated shuttle services from fan zones, park-and-ride lots, and possibly downtown Dallas or Fort Worth
• Designated rideshare drop-off and pickup zones that may be moved away from the stadium perimeter
• Road closures and controlled traffic patterns near kickoff and full-time

If you are accustomed to European or South American rail-based stadium access, plan ahead: in Arlington, you will rely on shuttles, rideshare, or private transport.

Driving and Parking

On a typical Cowboys Sunday, official AT&T Stadium parking is convenient but expensive, and post-game departure can take a long time. The World Cup will add another layer of security and street control.

Expect:

• Pre-sold, timed-entry parking passes
• Increased walking distances due to perimeter security zones
• Slower exits as traffic management prioritizes pedestrian flows and official transport

If you prefer to drive, buy parking early and arrive well ahead of your gate’s recommended time.

Where to Stay Near Dallas Stadium for FIFA World Cup 26

Because World Cup matches are spread across June and July in North Texas heat, picking the right base matters more than it does for a one-off NFL game.

Best Areas for Stadium Access

• Arlington Entertainment District — closest cluster of hotels, restaurants, and bars near the stadium, Globe Life Field, and nearby venues.
• DFW Airport corridor — ideal for international visitors; excellent for early arrivals or late departures and still within a manageable drive to the stadium.
• North Arlington — residential and hotel mix with relatively direct road access into the Entertainment District.

Downtown Dallas and downtown Fort Worth are both workable bases for visitors who want an urban experience and are comfortable with longer matchday commutes.

For city information and neighborhood context, the official Arlington tourism site is a useful starting point:
arlington.org.

Seating at AT&T Stadium for World Cup Matches: Where to Sit

The stadium’s architecture was designed for American football, but the seating bowl adapts well to an international-size pitch.

Lower Bowl

• Closest to the pitch and best for hearing supporters sing and chant.
• Endline seats put you near the goals, but attacking play will be farther away at the opposite end.
• Some of the very lowest rows can feel flat because you’re so close to field level.

Club and Mid-Level Seats

• Often the best overall combination of view, comfort, and access to food and restrooms.
• Climate-controlled concourses matter on hot afternoons.
• Good choice if you want a balanced view of both ends of the pitch.

Upper Deck

• Steeply raked, which actually helps sightlines for soccer.
• Great for seeing tactical shapes and team movement.
• More walking and more stairs; factor this in if mobility is an issue.

Video Board Effect

The center-hung video board is enormous. In some seats, your eyes will naturally gravitate to the screen for replays and close-ups. For World Cup matches, that can be a feature rather than a bug, but it does change the feeling from “I’m watching from the stands” to something closer to an indoor fan zone with a live match happening below.

Accessibility and Guest Services at Dallas Stadium

Dallas Stadium (AT&T Stadium) is designed to be accessible for guests with disabilities. Accessible seating is available on multiple levels with companion seating nearby, and accessible restrooms, concessions, and guest services desks are located throughout the building.

Elevators and ramps connect the main concourses and seating decks, but FIFA World Cup security perimeters and crowd controls can increase walking distances from parking lots, rideshare drop-off points, and shuttle stops. If anyone in your group has mobility limitations, allow extra time to move from the perimeter to your seats.

Guests who need additional assistance should look for stadium Guest Services locations or speak with event staff near entrances and concourses. If you require specific accommodations, check the latest accessibility information on the stadium’s website before your matchday and contact the venue in advance when possible.

World Cup Matchday Logistics: How FIFA Events Will Differ from Cowboys Games

Arrival Windows

For NFL games, locals routinely arrive 60–90 minutes before kickoff. For World Cup matches:

• Expect earlier recommended arrival times, especially for the opener, knock-out-round games, and the semifinal.
• Security screening and pedestrian flow will be tighter and slower than a regular-season Sunday.
• Plan to be inside your security perimeter well before the time printed on your ticket.

Gate entry and wayfinding

Your mobile ticket will list a recommended gate. For FIFA World Cup matches at Dallas Stadium, plan to use that gate unless event staff direct you elsewhere. Perimeter fencing, fan zones, and security checkpoints may prevent you from simply walking around the outside of the stadium to a different entry point.

Once inside, concourses connect most areas of the stadium, but traffic patterns can be redirected on busy World Cup matchdays. Leave extra time to find your section, especially if you are sitting in the upper deck or traveling with a large group.

Security and Bag Policy

AT&T Stadium already uses a strict clear-bag policy for NFL games. For FIFA World Cup matches, policies will be at least as strict and may be more restrictive. Expect:

• Clear bags only, within specified dimensions
• Small personal items and medical necessities allowed, subject to inspection
• Prohibitions on large banners, sticks, and certain types of instruments

Always confirm the current rules on the stadium’s A–Z guide and on FIFA’s official match information pages before you go.

Heat and Weather

Dallas–Fort Worth in June and July is hot and often humid. The retractable roof allows Dallas Stadium to close for climate-controlled conditions, but:

• Travel to and from the stadium will still be in outdoor heat.
• Fan zones and pre-match gatherings may be outdoors in the sun.
• Hydration and sun protection are not optional for midday matches.

Large FIFA fan zones are expected in the Dallas–Fort Worth area during the tournament, separate from Dallas Stadium itself; these may offer screenings, food, and entertainment but do not replace a match ticket for stadium entry.

Food, Drink, and the Stadium Margarita

AT&T Stadium’s food and beverage program is better than many visitors expect. Over the years, the venue has added:

• Tex-Mex and taco stands with real seasoning
• Smoked meats and upgraded burgers
• Vegetarian and gluten-conscious options
• Full bar service and cocktails in select areas

Many seats can order via in-seat or mobile ordering during certain events, which cuts down on time spent in line.

The stadium’s margaritas are made with a zero-sugar mix called Liquid Zero developed by a co-founder of EscapeHatchDallas.com, which means we’ve seen how this operation works from the concession side as well as from the stands. The practical takeaway: don’t expect a generic drink program. AT&T Stadium is capable of executing real cocktails at scale.

EscapeHatchDallas.com has been covering food and drink inside AT&T Stadium for years, from early looks at the
stadium’s shift toward real scratch cooking
to detailed guides on
where to eat and drink during Cowboys games and concerts,
updated regularly with reporting on
current food and beverage options
and a full
game-day food guide.
That long-term, on-the-ground coverage is also why we track major Arlington events beyond football, from concerts to festivals like
Lone Star Smokeout’s return to Arlington.

Much of what distinguishes food and drink at AT&T Stadium can be traced to George Wasai, the longtime Vice President of Food and Beverage for the stadium and for
Legends Hospitality.
Under Wasai’s leadership, AT&T Stadium developed a concessions and culinary program that goes far beyond standard stadium fare, emphasizing scratch cooking, chef-driven concepts, and partnerships with respected local and regional operators. That approach helped create a model for large-venue food programs that has been widely studied and emulated, but rarely matched, across the NFL and major U.S. stadiums.

For a deeper look at the broader food scene in and around the stadium on non-FIFA days, see the latest coverage on
EscapeHatchDallas.com.

Payment methods and cashless policies

Like many major U.S. venues, Dallas Stadium operates as a cashless stadium. Credit cards, debit cards, and common mobile payment options are accepted at most food, drink, parking, and merchandise locations. Do not count on using cash at every stand, especially during FIFA World Cup 2026 matches.

Alcohol service during FIFA World Cup 2026

Alcohol service inside Dallas Stadium during FIFA World Cup matches is governed by FIFA tournament rules and Texas law. Availability, cutoff times, and serving locations for beer, wine, and cocktails may differ from what you experience at Dallas Cowboys games or concerts. Check the latest matchday guidance from FIFA and the stadium before you go, and expect that policies may vary by match and seating area.

Stadium Tours Before and After the World Cup

When matches are not scheduled, AT&T Stadium offers tours that cover:

• Locker rooms (when available)
• Field access on select days
• Press and media workrooms
• The building’s substantial contemporary art collection

If you’re in North Texas before or after World Cup 26 and want to see the venue without crowds, a tour is one of the best ways to appreciate the scale and engineering of Dallas Stadium.

Tour types and availability are listed on the official site for AT&T Stadium tours.

Common FIFA Visitor Mistakes to Avoid

• Assuming there is rail service to the stadium (there isn’t).
• Arriving less than an hour before kickoff and being surprised by security lines.
• Bringing a non-compliant bag and being turned away at the gate.
• Booking a hotel without checking driving time to Arlington on matchdays.
• Underestimating Texas heat for afternoon matches.

Planning around these five points will put you ahead of a large share of first-time visitors.

FIFA World Cup 2026 at Dallas Stadium: Frequently Asked Questions

Will AT&T Stadium host 2026 FIFA World Cup matches?

Yes. AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas — listed as Dallas Stadium in FIFA materials — is one of the primary host venues for FIFA World Cup 26 and will stage multiple group and knockout matches, including a semifinal.

Why is it called Dallas Stadium instead of AT&T Stadium during the World Cup?

FIFA rules do not allow stadiums with non-sponsor corporate naming during the World Cup. AT&T is not a FIFA tournament sponsor, so the venue is temporarily rebranded as Dallas Stadium for official competition while still physically located in Arlington, Texas.

How many World Cup matches will be played at Dallas Stadium?

The current schedule assigns nine matches to Dallas Stadium: five in the group stage and four knockout games (two Round-of-32 ties, one Round-of-16 match, and one semifinal). Always confirm dates and times on FIFA’s official schedule before booking travel.

Is there rail or metro service to Dallas Stadium?

No. There is no direct rail or metro line to the stadium. World Cup visitors will rely on a combination of shuttles, rideshare, charter buses, and private vehicles, coordinated through FIFA and local organizers.

Which airport should I use for World Cup matches in Dallas?

DFW International Airport is usually the most convenient choice for World Cup matches at Dallas Stadium due to its size, flight options, and proximity to Arlington and the stadium. Dallas Love Field is a secondary option, especially for domestic flights.

What is the bag policy for World Cup matches at Dallas Stadium?

Expect a strict clear-bag policy with size limits, along with additional FIFA security rules about prohibited items. Always check both the stadium’s A–Z guide and FIFA’s official matchday information before you arrive.

Is AT&T Stadium a good venue for watching soccer?

Yes. While it was designed for American football, the steep seating bowl, roof, and video board make it an excellent venue for high-stakes soccer, especially in extreme heat. Once you plan around transport and security, it is one of the most capable World Cup venues in North America.