AT&T Stadium in Arlington will host the championship match for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, beating out MetLife Stadium in New Jersey and cementing Dallas-Fort Worth’s reputation as a U.S. mecca for international soccer, according to several reports Thursday.
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The news has not officially been confirmed by FIFA, but reports that it was a done deal were published in several UK outlets, and the news was already being disseminated by top Arlington officials Thursday afternoon.
“Not official, but...,” Council Member Rebecca Boxall, who represents Arlington's District 5, wrote on Facebook above a link to a Daily Mail story reporting FIFA had selected DFW.
An announcement from FIFA was set for next month, though at least one source told Bisnow an official verdict could come as early as next week. Other officials said they were surprised by the reports circulating in the British press.
AT&T Stadium, home to the Dallas Cowboys, has been the speculative frontrunner among potential championship venues for some time now. FIFA leaders visited the stadium in October to review its operations, pitch management, hospitality and transportation options, according to Sports Illustrated.
Arlington also beat out New York and South Florida as the location of FIFA’s main base, according to reports by the British press. The association announced it would move more than 100 jobs from its Swiss headquarters to a new 60K SF office in Coral Gables in September, leading many to believe South Florida would host FIFA during the tournament.
The economic impact of hosting the World Cup would be substantial. The tournament, the largest sporting event in the world, could bring millions of dollars to North Texas through spending on accommodations, transportation and food.
Sixteen U.S. cities will host World Cup games, with as many as eight games played in Arlington.
World Cup preparations have been underway in Arlington for several months. Cowboys Executive Vice President Chad Estis told The Dallas Morning News in October that he is working closely with FIFA to ensure venue quality and that his team hopes to install a natural grass pitch for the tournament.
The 2026 World Cup is scheduled for June 11-July 19, 2026. The entire tournament will feature 104 matches held in the U.S., Mexico and Canada.
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