What Texans Need to Know About the Upcoming World Cup in Arlington

December 2, 2025 – As the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches, the Dallas–Fort Worth region is preparing to welcome the world — and its spotlight lands squarely on AT&T Stadium in Arlington. The venue, temporarily renamed “Dallas Stadium” for the tournament, will host nine World Cup matches — more than any other stadium in North America.

🎯 Key Match Dates & What’s at Stake

Matches kick off on June 14, 2026, with group-stage games stretching through late June. Arlington will also host knockout-stage action, including a semifinal match on July 14. This places North Texas at the heart of a six-week global spectacle — and a potential major boost for local economy, tourism, and civic pride.

🛂 Tickets, Travel & Volunteer Info

• Fans who want tickets must register for a FIFA ID now; the initial ticket draw opened September 10, 2025.
• To help manage hundreds of thousands of visitors per match, event planners are ramping up public transportation, shuttle services, and transit infrastructure — including charter buses and rail-to-bus connections.
• The city is also seeking roughly 65,000 volunteers to support operations from ticketing to logistics — a major opportunity for locals to participate in the global event.

🛏️ What It Means for Locals & Visitors

• Hotels, rentals, and short-term lodging are likely to sell out early — residents planning to rent their homes out should prepare well in advance.
• Businesses near the stadium expect a surge in demand. Restaurants, shops, and service industries are already gearing up for high volume, which could translate into job opportunities and income for many locals.
• Some disruption is inevitable: traffic, crowded public transit, and tight parking — especially near the stadium — are likely during match days.

✅ What You Should Do Now

• Register for a FIFA ID ASAP if you want a shot at tickets.
• If you plan to attend matches, book lodging and travel early — demand will be high.
• Consider volunteering — it’s a way to be part of the action and enjoy perks like official gear and possible game access.
• Expect heavily congested traffic around AT&T Stadium; using public transit or shuttles may be the best option.

With nine matches — including high-stakes knockout games — coming to Arlington, 2026’s World Cup promises to be a massive, potentially life-changing moment for North Texas. The region is already shifting into high gear: controlling crowds, managing logistics, and readying hospitality. For fans and locals alike, it could be one for the history books.