The FIFA World Cup 2026 is approaching, and AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, is set to play a major role in this historic tournament. As announced by FIFA in February 2024, this magnificent venue will host nine matches during the World Cup – more than any other stadium involved in the competition.
I’ve put together this comprehensive guide about the stadium’s capacity, location, and everything else you need to know before the world’s biggest sporting event arrives in North America.
AT&T Stadium: The Premier World Cup Venue
AT&T Stadium has secured its place as one of the most important venues for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The stadium will host nine matches during the tournament – the highest number assigned to any single venue across the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
These include five group stage matches, two Round of 32 matches, one Round of 16 game, and a prestigious semi-final on July 14, 2026. Although many expected AT&T Stadium to host the final, that honor ultimately went to MetLife Stadium in New Jersey/New York.
For the duration of the tournament, the venue will temporarily change its name to “Dallas Stadium” to comply with FIFA regulations that prohibit corporate sponsor names for host venues. This change reflects the significant transformation the stadium will undergo as it transitions from an American football sanctuary to a global soccer hub.
Location and Accessibility of AT&T Stadium
AT&T Stadium is located at 1 AT&T Way in Arlington, Texas, situated between Dallas and Fort Worth in the heart of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. The exact coordinates of the stadium are 32.747841 latitude and -97.093628 longitude. Owned by the City of Arlington but operated by the Dallas Cowboys organization, this architectural marvel has become an iconic landmark in Texas since opening in 2009.
The stadium enjoys excellent accessibility from major transport hubs. It’s positioned approximately 11.24 miles from DFW International Airport and 15.56 miles from Dallas Love Field Airport.
This strategic location makes it convenient for international visitors arriving for the World Cup matches. The surrounding area also offers numerous attractions, including Globe Life Field, Dr. Robert Cluck Linear Park, and Richard Greene Linear Park.
Stadium Capacity and Impressive Facilities
AT&T Stadium stands as one of the largest and most technologically advanced stadiums in the world. The normal seating capacity for football games is 80,000, but the venue can accommodate up to 111,000 spectators with standing room.
The record attendance was set on September 21, 2009, when 105,121 fans gathered to watch the Dallas Cowboys face the New York Giants.
For the 2026 World Cup, the expected capacity will be around 90,000 after necessary renovations to meet FIFA requirements. The stadium features a retractable roof, allowing games to be played regardless of weather conditions – a significant advantage for a summer tournament.
One of the most impressive features of AT&T Stadium is its massive high-definition video screen. The center-hung video board is one of the largest high-definition television screens in the world.
The stadium also boasts more than 3,000 LCD TVs throughout the luxury suites, concourses, and concession areas. This technological infrastructure ensures that spectators never miss a moment of action, regardless of their seating location.
Major Renovations for the World Cup
AT&T Stadium is undergoing significant renovations to prepare for the 2026 World Cup. A reported $295 million project is already underway, with upgrades focusing on suite areas and several other aspects of the facility. These renovations will continue during each offseason until the tournament begins in 2026.
To comply with FIFA regulations, the stadium must make substantial changes to the playing surface. The current Matrix artificial turf will be replaced with natural grass for all World Cup matches. Additionally, the field must be widened to meet international soccer standards, requiring the pitch level to be raised by approximately 15 feet to create additional width.
These renovations demonstrate the commitment to providing a world-class experience for players and fans alike during this prestigious tournament. The transformation of AT&T Stadium represents a significant investment in the future of international soccer in the United States.
AT&T Stadium World Cup Match Schedule
The 2026 World Cup matches at AT&T Stadium will span from the group stage to the semi-finals, giving fans multiple opportunities to experience the tournament at this venue. According to the official schedule, the stadium will host matches on the following dates:
- June 14, 2026: Group stage match
- June 17, 2026: Group stage match
- June 22, 2026: Group stage match
- June 25, 2026: Group stage match
- June 27, 2026: Group stage match
- June 30, 2026: Round of 32 match
- July 3, 2026: Round of 32 match
- July 6, 2026: Round of 16 match
- July 14, 2026: Semi-final match
This packed schedule makes AT&T Stadium a central hub for the 2026 World Cup, hosting matches across multiple stages of the tournament. The semi-final on July 14 will be particularly significant, as it marks the first time the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex has hosted a World Cup semi-final.
Rich History of Soccer Events at AT&T Stadium
Although primarily known as the home of the Dallas Cowboys NFL team, AT&T Stadium has established itself as a premier venue for international soccer matches. The stadium has hosted multiple CONCACAF Gold Cup matches throughout its history, including opening matches in 2011, semi-finals in 2013 and 2017, and quarterfinals in 2021 and 2023.
Looking ahead to 2024, the stadium will host the Nations League Finals in March, which will be its first opportunity to host the final of a soccer event. It will also serve as a host for multiple Copa America matches in the summer of 2024, including a quarterfinal on July 5. These events provide valuable experience for the stadium staff and local organizers in preparation for the much larger scale of the 2026 World Cup.
The stadium’s versatility in hosting both American football and international soccer matches demonstrates its world-class facilities and adaptability. This track record of successfully hosting major soccer events was likely a significant factor in FIFA’s decision to award AT&T Stadium nine World Cup matches.
AT&T Stadium’s Construction and Design
AT&T Stadium opened on May 27, 2009, after a construction process that began on September 20, 2005. The total construction cost was approximately $1.3 billion (equivalent to $1.64 billion in 2025 dollars), making it one of the most expensive sports venues ever built.
The stadium was designed by HKS, Inc., with project management handled by Blue Star Development/Jack Hill. Its distinctive architecture features a pair of nearly 300-foot tall arches that span the length of the stadium dome, anchored to the ground at each end. The design includes glass doors that allow each end zone to be opened, creating a unique indoor-outdoor experience.
The facility has 380 luxury suites and numerous meeting spaces of various sizes, including the American Airlines Lounge, AT&T Endzone East and West, Bacardi Bar, Cowboys Locker Room, and Dr Pepper Endzone. These spaces can accommodate various configurations for events, from intimate gatherings to large receptions hosting thousands of guests.
Comparison to Other 2026 World Cup Venues
Among the 16 stadiums selected to host the 2026 World Cup across the United States, Mexico, and Canada, AT&T Stadium stands out not only for hosting the most matches but also for its impressive facilities. In terms of capacity, it ranks third among all World Cup venues, behind only Mexico’s Estadio Azteca (87,523) and MetLife Stadium in New Jersey (82,500).
The stadium’s retractable roof gives it an advantage over open-air venues like MetLife Stadium, particularly for the hot Texas summer months when the tournament will take place. This feature ensures comfortable conditions for players and spectators regardless of outside temperatures.
AT&T Stadium’s selection to host a semi-final confirms its status as one of the premier venues for the tournament. Only Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta and MetLife Stadium in New Jersey/New York will host matches of similar or greater importance.
FAQs
1. How many World Cup matches will AT&T Stadium host in 2026?
AT&T Stadium will host nine matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including five group stage matches, two Round of 32 matches, one Round of 16 match, and a semi-final. This is the highest number of matches assigned to any single venue for the tournament.
2. What is the capacity of AT&T Stadium for the World Cup?
The normal capacity of AT&T Stadium is 80,000, but it can be expanded to accommodate up to 111,000 spectators with standing room. For the 2026 World Cup, the stadium is expected to seat around 90,000 fans after renovations to meet FIFA requirements.
3. Why is AT&T Stadium being renamed for the World Cup?
AT&T Stadium will temporarily be renamed “Dallas Stadium” during the 2026 World Cup to comply with FIFA regulations that prohibit corporate sponsor names for host venues. This is standard practice for FIFA tournaments.
4. Will AT&T Stadium have natural grass for the World Cup?
Yes, AT&T Stadium will replace its current Matrix artificial turf with natural grass for the 2026 World Cup matches. This change is necessary to meet FIFA’s requirements for playing surfaces in international competitions.
5. How much is being spent to renovate AT&T Stadium for the World Cup?
A reported $295 million renovation project is underway at AT&T Stadium to prepare for the 2026 World Cup. These upgrades include improvements to suite areas and modifications to the playing surface to meet FIFA standards.
6. Why didn’t AT&T Stadium get the World Cup final?
Despite being a strong contender, AT&T Stadium lost out to MetLife Stadium in New Jersey/New York for hosting the 2026 World Cup final. The decision was influenced by factors including accessibility, accommodation capacity in the New York area, and the global significance of New York City.
7. When was AT&T Stadium built and at what cost?
AT&T Stadium opened on May 27, 2009, after construction began on September 20, 2005. The stadium cost approximately $1.3 billion to build (equivalent to $1.64 billion in 2025 dollars).
8. What are the coordinates of AT&T Stadium?
The exact coordinates of AT&T Stadium are 32.747841 latitude and -97.093628 longitude, placing it in Arlington, Texas.
9. What other major soccer events has AT&T Stadium hosted?
AT&T Stadium has hosted multiple CONCACAF Gold Cup matches, including opening matches, semi-finals, and quarterfinals. It will also host the 2024 Nations League Finals and several Copa America matches, including a quarterfinal, in the summer of 2024.
10. How far is AT&T Stadium from major airports?
AT&T Stadium is located approximately 11.24 miles from DFW International Airport and 15.56 miles from Dallas Love Field Airport, making it easily accessible for visitors arriving by air.
