Travel guide: Dallas
AT&T Stadium (Arlington) · USA 🇺🇸
Welcome to Dallas
Dallas-Fort Worth steps onto the global stage in 2026 as one of sixteen host cities for the expanded 48-team FIFA World Cup, and it arrives with a profile unlike any of its co-hosts. The metroplex offers the largest indoor, climate-controlled venue in the tournament: AT&T Stadium in Arlington, a 100,000-capacity colossus that solves the single biggest North American summer problem — Texas heat. Dallas is positioned to host a heavy share of group-stage and knockout matches, including potential quarterfinal and semifinal fixtures. For traveling supporters, the appeal runs deeper than the stadium. This is Texas hospitality at scale: massive hotel inventory, a vast international airport, sprawling fan-friendly entertainment districts, and a flat geography that absorbs crowds without strain. Dallas blends Lone Star culture with cosmopolitan polish, and the 2026 tournament will give it the global spotlight that locals have anticipated since the bid was secured.
Flights & airport access
Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) is the metroplex's primary gateway and one of the busiest hubs in the world, with nonstop service from every continent except Antarctica. It is American Airlines' main fortress hub, which means a deep schedule from Europe, Latin America, Asia, and Oceania — useful for fans connecting from World Cup co-host countries Mexico and Canada. Dallas Love Field (DAL) is the secondary option and is dominated by Southwest Airlines for domestic routes; international arrivals should focus on DFW. Booking flights as early as possible is essential, as fares will move into the premium tier during match windows. From DFW, ground transport is straightforward but car-dependent. The DART Orange Line connects DFW directly to downtown Dallas by rail in roughly 50 minutes at a modest fare, making it the most budget-friendly option. Rideshare pickups operate from designated terminal zones, and traditional taxis are plentiful. Rental cars remain the most flexible choice for fans planning to explore between matches, given the metroplex's sprawl. Pre-book rentals well in advance, as availability tightens sharply around match dates.
Public transit
Dallas is not a transit-first city, and visiting supporters should plan accordingly. The region's rail network, DART (Dallas Area Rapid Transit), operates light rail across Dallas proper and a Trinity Railway Express commuter line linking Dallas and Fort Worth, but coverage thins quickly outside the urban core. Critically, AT&T Stadium itself sits in Arlington, which has historically had no fixed rail connection — a notable quirk for fans expecting metro-style access. On match days, expect dedicated shuttle services from designated park-and-ride lots, downtown Dallas, and downtown Fort Worth, organized specifically for tournament traffic. FIFA and local organizers are expected to publish detailed matchday transit maps closer to kickoff. For day-to-day travel, rideshare apps (Uber and Lyft) are the practical default and operate reliably across the metroplex, though surge pricing around stadium ingress and egress will push fares into the premium tier. Renting a car remains the most flexible option for fans planning fixtures across multiple host cities or side trips. Build generous time buffers: I-30 between Dallas and Arlington congests heavily before kickoff, and parking lots fill hours in advance of a match.
Where to stay
Dallas-Fort Worth offers one of the deepest hotel inventories of any 2026 host city, but quality lodging will tighten quickly and pricing will sit firmly in the premium tier during match windows. Fans choosing where to stay should weigh proximity to the stadium against atmosphere, transit, and dining. Arlington itself, the host suburb, offers the shortest commute to AT&T Stadium and includes properties clustered around the entertainment district near Globe Life Field and the Texas Live! complex — ideal for fans who want to walk to the venue. Inventory here is limited, so book early. Downtown Dallas is the cultural anchor, with high-rise hotels across all tiers, walkable to museums, the Arts District, and Klyde Warren Park, plus DART rail access. Uptown Dallas, just north of downtown, leans more boutique and lively, with strong restaurant and bar density along McKinney Avenue. Fort Worth's downtown and Sundance Square offer a more relaxed, walkable alternative with genuine Western character and easy commuter rail to Dallas, though Arlington access requires a car. Las Colinas (Irving) sits midway between DFW airport and the stadium and offers solid mid-tier inventory. Book by early 2026 at the latest; the most desirable properties will sell out months ahead of kickoff. Apartment rentals and serviced apartments are worth considering for groups or longer stays, particularly families planning to attend multiple matches.
Food & local cuisine
Dallas takes food seriously, and the city's signature plates are essential tasting for visiting supporters. Texas barbecue is the headline act: slow-smoked brisket is the local benchmark, and pilgrimage spots include Pecan Lodge in Deep Ellum and Terry Black's. Tex-Mex is equally non-negotiable — sizzling fajitas, queso, and breakfast tacos are city staples found everywhere from neighborhood institutions to upscale rooms. Deep Ellum is the go-to district for casual eats and live music, while Bishop Arts District in north Oak Cliff offers a more independent, walkable food scene with strong coffee, bakeries, and globally influenced kitchens. Uptown and Knox-Henderson cater to fans wanting polished sit-down dining in the premium tier, including modern steakhouses that honor Texas beef culture. For an only-in-Dallas experience, the State Fair-style corn dog and chicken-fried steak are both worth hunting down. Fort Worth's Stockyards district adds a Western dining angle with classic steakhouses and saloon-style venues. Vegetarian and international options have expanded significantly in recent years, with strong Vietnamese, Ethiopian, and Mexican regional cuisines across the metroplex.
Things to do (off-day)
Off-day options across Dallas-Fort Worth are deeper than many first-time visitors expect, and the flat geography makes touring efficient. In Dallas proper, the Arts District is the cultural anchor and home to the Dallas Museum of Art, the Nasher Sculpture Center, and the Crow Museum of Asian Art — all walkable from downtown hotels. The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza offers a sobering look at the Kennedy assassination and remains one of the metroplex's most visited attractions. Klyde Warren Park, a deck park built over a sunken freeway, hosts food trucks, lawn games, and free programming. In Fort Worth, the Cultural District is exceptional and underrated: the Kimbell Art Museum, the Modern, and the Amon Carter Museum all sit within walking distance of one another and rank among the best small-collection museums in the United States. The Fort Worth Stockyards offer twice-daily cattle drives, honky-tonk dancing at Billy Bob's, and a genuine taste of Western heritage. Sports fans can pair their World Cup trip with a visit to Globe Life Field (home of the Texas Rangers) right next door to AT&T Stadium, as Major League Baseball will be mid-season. Families should consider the Fort Worth Zoo, consistently ranked among the country's best, and the Perot Museum of Nature and Science in Dallas. For ticketed events at other Dallas-area venues, check the team hubs on this site, and use FIFA.com/tickets for World Cup matches.
Weather & what to pack
June and July in North Texas are hot — that is the central planning fact. Daytime highs routinely sit in the mid-to-upper 90s Fahrenheit (mid-to-upper 30s Celsius), with humidity that pushes the heat index higher. Triple-digit temperatures are not unusual, particularly in July. Direct sun is intense, and shade is precious. Pack lightweight, light-colored, breathable clothing, a hat, high-SPF sunscreen, and a refillable water bottle. Hydrate aggressively from the moment you land. The saving grace for World Cup fans is that AT&T Stadium is fully enclosed and air-conditioned, eliminating in-stadium heat risk. Outside the venue, however, expect strenuous conditions for pre-match tailgating and walking. Pop-up thunderstorms are possible, occasionally severe; check forecasts daily. Evenings cool only marginally. Indoor venues — museums, restaurants, malls — are reliably and aggressively air-conditioned, so a light layer is useful indoors.
Matchday tips
AT&T Stadium opens its gates several hours before kickoff, and arriving early is strongly advised for first-timers. The venue holds 100,000-plus and security screening, bag checks, and ticket validation will be FIFA-standard — slower and more thorough than typical NFL gameday. Plan to be on-site at least two hours before kickoff. Bag policies will be strict; expect a clear-bag rule and check FIFA's published guidance before traveling. Traffic on I-30 and surrounding arteries congests heavily; if driving, pre-book parking and arrive even earlier. Rideshare drop-off zones will be designated and located further from the gates than fans may expect. The stadium is climate-controlled, so dressing for the indoor environment matters more than the outdoor heat once inside. Stadium concessions accept cashless payment only. Bring a charged phone, your digital ticket downloaded offline, and photo ID matching your ticket where required.