Dallas

Dallas hosts 8 matches at AT&T Stadium between June 12 and July 15, 2026 — including a semifinal. With a capacity of 92,967, AT&T Stadium in Arlington is the largest venue in the entire 2026 World Cup, surpassing even MetLife Stadium in New York.

AT&T Stadium is located in Arlington, Texas — a suburb roughly 20 miles (32 km) west of downtown Dallas. The Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex is home to 7.6 million people and serves as a major hub for American Airlines, providing direct flights to virtually every World Cup host city. The region's Tex-Mex cuisine, sprawling entertainment districts, and relentless summer heat create a distinctly Texan World Cup experience.

Critical note: Arlington has NO public transit to the stadium. There is no train, subway, or city bus service to AT&T Stadium. You must drive, rideshare, or use organized shuttles.

Best for: Fans who want the biggest stadium atmosphere in the tournament, semifinal access, and classic American sports culture.

How Dallas compares: Dallas offers the most seats and a semifinal, but transit is the worst among all 16 host cities. Unlike Atlanta (MARTA rail) or Philadelphia (SEPTA subway), there is zero rail transit to the venue. Budget extra time and money for transportation.

Arlington (Near AT&T Stadium) Staying in Arlington minimizes match-day headaches. The Entertainment District around the stadium has hotels, restaurants, and bars within walking distance. - Best for: Fans attending multiple matches, families, anyone wanting to avoid traffic. - Insider tip: Texas Live! entertainment complex next to AT&T Stadium will be the epicenter of pre- and post-match celebrations. Book hotels on Division Street within 1 mile of the stadium. - Average nightly rate: $150–$280.

Downtown Dallas (Uptown / Deep Ellum) Downtown Dallas offers walkable neighborhoods, live music in Deep Ellum, and upscale dining in Uptown. The Dallas Streetcar connects key downtown points. - Best for: Nightlife, dining, first-time visitors who want the Dallas city experience. - Insider tip: Deep Ellum's mural-lined streets come alive after dark. Combine dinner and live music at venues like Trees or The Bomb Factory. - Average nightly rate: $180–$350.

Fort Worth (Sundance Square / Stockyards) Fort Worth's Stockyards District offers an authentic Western experience — rodeos, honky-tonks, and longhorn cattle drives down Main Street. - Best for: Cultural immersion, families, Western-themed entertainment. - Insider tip: Billy Bob's Texas, the "World's Largest Honky Tonk," will likely host fan events. The Fort Worth Stockyards are 35 miles (56 km) from AT&T Stadium. - Average nightly rate: $140–$260.

Irving / Las Colinas A business suburb between Dallas and Arlington with mid-range hotels and DART light-rail access to downtown Dallas (but not to the stadium). - Best for: Budget travelers, business-district convenience. - Insider tip: The Toyota Music Factory in Las Colinas has outdoor concert venues that may host viewing parties. - Average nightly rate: $110–$200.

Texas is defined by BBQ and Tex-Mex. These are essential:

1. Pecan Lodge, Deep Ellum — Brisket plate, $22. Widely ranked among the best BBQ in Texas. Arrive before 11 AM to avoid 90-minute waits.
2. Terry Black's BBQ, Deep Ellum — Beef ribs, $29/lb. Cafeteria-style service, no wait most days.
3. Velvet Taco, multiple locations — Creative gourmet tacos, $5–$7 each. Try the Spicy Tikka Chicken.
4. El Fenix, downtown Dallas — Enchilada plate, $13. A Tex-Mex institution since 1918.
5. Whataburger, citywide — Honey Butter Chicken Biscuit, $4.50. Texas's beloved fast-food chain.
6. Pepe & Mito's, Northwest Dallas — Authentic interior Mexican tacos, $3 each. The real deal for visiting Mexican fans.
7. The Rustic, Uptown — Live music venue with Southern comfort food, $14–$28 entrees. Great for pre-match gatherings.

Tipping: 18–20% at restaurants. BBQ counter service: $1–$3 tip.

1. Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza — $18 admission. The JFK assassination site, with extensive exhibits documenting November 22, 1963.
2. Dallas Museum of Art — Free general admission. One of the largest art museums in the country with over 24,000 works.
3. Fort Worth Stockyards — Free to walk. Daily longhorn cattle drives at 11:30 AM and 4:00 PM. Rodeo events on weekends ($20–$40).
4. Reunion Tower GeO-Deck — $22 admission. 561-foot observation deck with 360-degree views of the Dallas skyline.

Weather (June–July): Expect highs of 95–102°F (35–39°C) with intense sun and low humidity compared to Gulf Coast cities. Overnight lows rarely drop below 78°F (26°C). Heat advisories are common. Drink water constantly — dehydration sets in fast (source: NOAA Climate Normals, DFW Airport station).

Tipping: 18–20% at restaurants, $1–$2 per drink at bars. Rideshare: 15–20%. Valets: $3–$5.

Safety: Dallas tourist areas (Uptown, Deep Ellum, Arlington Entertainment District) are well-patrolled. Avoid South Dallas and Fair Park after dark. Car break-ins occur in parking lots — never leave valuables visible.

Pharmacy & Hospital: Walgreens and CVS are widespread. Medical City Arlington (3301 Matlock Rd) is the nearest hospital to AT&T Stadium, 3 miles (5 km) east.

Health insurance warning: Texas has some of the highest emergency-room costs in the U.S. An ER visit averages $4,500–$9,000 without insurance. Purchase travel health insurance before arriving. See our travel insurance guide.