In June 2022, officials announced that Arlington’s AT&T Stadium would serve as a host venue for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

While Arlington has hosted the Super Bowl, INDYCar racing, and a World Series parade, nothing compares to the World Cup—especially hosting nine matches of a global tournament within a single month. Tracing back to the city’s initial 2018 bid, this eight-year effort resulted in the largest series of connected events in Arlington’s history.

Global Impact of the World Cup

Soccer is one of the world’s most popular sports. Established in 1930, the FIFA World Cup is an international competition played every four years by senior men’s national teams. As the most widely viewed sporting event globally, its international appeal fosters cultural exchange and global unity while generating substantial economic benefits through tourism and infrastructure. The World Cup creates a shared experience that transcends borders.

2026 Tournament in Arlington

World Cup Soccer returned to North America in 2026 for a massive 104-game tournament featuring 48 teams across 16 host cities in Canada, Mexico, and the United States. Although Arlington wasn’t awarded the World Cup Final, hosting nine matches—including a semifinal—was the equivalent of staging nine Super Bowls in four weeks.

Due to FIFA regulations, promotional materials referred to Arlington as “Dallas” and AT&T Stadium as “Dallas Stadium”—but we all know where they were actually played!

2026 World Cup Matches at Dallas Stadium

• June 14: Netherlands vs Japan
• June 17: England vs Croatia
• June 22: Argentina vs Austria
• June 25: Japan vs Sweden
• June 27: Jordan vs Argentina
• June 30: Côte d’Ivoire vs Norway
• July 3: Australia vs. Egypt
• July 6: Portugal vs. Spain
• July 14: France vs. Spain (Semi-Final)

Preparations

Organizers expected 3.8 million visitors to the DFW area, pitching Arlington’s Entertainment District and its amenities during the bid process. Arlington brought a strong track record of safely hosting major events. Working alongside partner cities, this regional effort aimed to showcase Arlington as a global destination—a city known for its diversity, relationships, and collaborative drive—with an estimated $2 billion regional impact.

Years of regional preparation focused on public safety, transportation, mobility, infrastructure, beautification, and hospitality. As a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Arlington, organizers wanted to ensure the city was welcoming, prepared, and at its best.

Mayor Jim Ross emphasized that public safety was his primary concern, a sentiment echoed by everyone involved. With visitors arriving from across the globe—many for the first time—initiatives included inter-agency law enforcement coordination, extra resources for police and fire personnel, and emergency preparedness training. Match days featured a heavy police presence, restricted airspace (including drone bans), first aid stations, and cooling stations. City leaders worked continuously to balance resources between residents and visitors.

Transportation was one of the largest concerns, especially keeping people moving. Organizers took a collaborative, multimodal approach to get people to the matches, utilizing regional rail from Dallas and Fort Worth along with 125 charter shuttle buses to the stadium. Though many residents initially balked at the plan (myself included), it proved remarkably efficient and well-received. Further measures included planned road closures, traffic management technology, infrastructure investments, and expanded sidewalks for better walkability.

For beautification and sustainability, public parks and streets received significant upgrades. Improvements included new fencing at Richard Greene and Robert Cluck Linear Parks, alongside the installation of “Heartfullness”—a large steel sculpture of a mended heart by artist Katy Boynton. Trees were planted or replaced citywide with upgraded irrigation. Environmental conservation and recycling efforts were also expanded to manage the footprint of such a massive event.

Local businesses prepared for the surge by securing necessary permits, supplies, and staffing while adjusting menus. Public health and warm hospitality were top priorities.

AT&T Stadium transitioned to “Dallas Stadium,” featuring facility upgrades and a temporary natural grass pitch. The surrounding Entertainment District benefited from enhanced walkability, improved lighting, upgraded traffic signals, and expanded wayfinding signage.

Fan Experience and Match Atmosphere

Though many locals initially seemed indifferent or inconvenienced, the city soon caught soccer fever. Opening day featured an exciting Netherlands vs. Japan match preceded by the Oranje Fanwalk—where over 15,000 Dutch supporters clad in orange marched alongside their iconic double-decker bus (shipped to Galveston and driven to Arlington). Inside, Japanese fans brought incredible energy with drums and chants before continuing their tradition of cleaning both the stands and locker room after the match. The memorable opening set an infectious tone for the rest of the tournament.

Fans fully embraced the pageantry in jerseys (“kits”), costumes, patriotic outfits, wigs, face paint, flags, and banners. Camaraderie filled the crowds, bringing together locals, international visitors, celebrities, ambassadors, and dignitaries.

Inside Choctaw Stadium, “Ambassador Row” provided international visitors with accessible consular services, cultural information, and dedicated support throughout the tournament.

Match Highlights and Historic Performances

Some of the best and most popular teams in the tournament played in Arlington, including England, France, Argentina, and Spain. We saw legends of the sport in our stadium during some of the most exciting and pivotal moments of the cup, culminating in Spain’s 2–0 semifinal victory over France en route to their world title. The stadium also hosted high-stakes knockout thrillers—including Egypt’s penalty shootout win over Australia—and marquee group stage fixtures featuring heavyweights like England and the Netherlands.

Argentina headlined two matches in Arlington. Global icon Lionel Messi scored twice in his first match here, including his record-breaking 17th career World Cup goal. The atmosphere inside the stadium electrified as fans realized they were witnessing history in what stood out as one of Arlington’s most memorable matches.

Local Events and Community Engagement

For those unable to attend the matches or looking for ways to enhance their World Cup experience, Arlington offered plenty of options. Texas Live! and local bars were packed for watch parties. Cultural highlights included the “More Than A Match” exhibition at the Arlington Museum of Art and the UTA Libraries’ Special Collections exhibit, Atlas of Champions, featuring historic maps of participating countries. Downtown Arlington’s “Kick it in Downtown” initiative offered itineraries and photo ops, while the Visit Jordan Experience at Levitt Pavilion hosted a three-day festival celebrating Jordan’s first World Cup appearance.

Regional Collaboration

Though the matches were played in Arlington, it was a true regional effort and touristic draw. Neighboring cities hosted national teams, Fair Park in Dallas hosted a massive Fan Fest, and Fort Worth’s Sundance Square drew thousands to watch parties while displaying 31 custom soccer ball sculptures for its “Summer of Soccer.” Executing the tournament required a massive coordinated effort across organizers, workers, volunteers, law enforcement, and local leaders.

Economic Impact

Organizers estimated a direct economic impact of $160 million for Arlington in just 30 days—roughly half of AT&T Stadium’s typical annual economic output. Notably, June 2026 set a record for city hotel room revenue, topping $31.5 million in a single month.

Overall, the matches and influx of tourism brought a substantial economic boost to the region, particularly Arlington. Many hotels, bars, and restaurants experienced strong sales. However, the windfall was not felt equally. Some businesses—especially in Downtown Arlington—saw a drop in activity. Factors included distance from the stadium, offerings that didn’t align with international fan preferences, and local residents staying away to avoid anticipated crowds.

A Lasting Legacy

Many credit the 1994 World Cup, in which Dallas was a host city and the Cotton Bowl a venue, as contributing to soccer’s popularity across the region. The 2026 World Cup was a massive success and will likely generate further interest in the sport. For Arlington, the overall impact of hosting nine matches is nearly immeasurable and will become part of our city’s legacy.

Arlington Mayor Jim Ross expressed immense pride in the opportunity to host the matches and showcase Arlington on the world stage. He also praised all involved, expressing gratitude for making the event so successful. Organizers had high praise for Arlington, with some calling it the “most hospitable, most welcoming, and the smoothest operating of the host cities.”

Ross noted that “we do stuff better when we do it together,” highlighting Arlington’s collaborative “can-do” spirit and strong relationships. This success provides Arlington with further momentum to keep hosting large, world-class events.

Dallas Stadium ultimately welcomed 631,843 fans, averaging over 70,000 per game. Visiting fans embraced U.S. and Texan culture, while local spots like Hurtado Barbecue and Rodeo Goat received rave reviews.

To mark the occasion, a new permanent public art installation was unveiled in Richard Greene Linear Park: the Texan Golden Boot. Created by internationally recognized sculptor Steve Ekpenisi using 2,200 pounds of reclaimed local metal, the 18-foot-long, 14-foot-high golden boot (complete with a heel spur) symbolizes Arlington on the global stage. Additionally, a new mini-pitch was installed at George Stevens Park for local youth.

As one of the largest, most memorable events in Arlington’s history, it seems only fitting that it coincided with our 150th anniversary. For a brief moment, Arlington welcomed the world, and it was an experience that many will never forget.

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Blog post by Jason S. Sullivan, 07-27-26