AT&T Stadium
Arlington, TX · USA 🇺🇸 · Home of Dallas Cowboys
About AT&T Stadium
AT&T Stadium sits in the heart of the Arlington entertainment district between Dallas and Fort Worth, a colossal retractable-roof venue that has anchored North Texas sports since opening in 2009. Home to the NFL's Dallas Cowboys, it was built as a statement of scale: a sweeping arch-supported roof, the largest column-free interior in the world at the time, and a center-hung video board that became a template for modern stadium design. Beyond Cowboys Sundays, it has hosted Super Bowls, college football championship games, NBA All-Star weekends, Final Fours, boxing megafights, and global concert tours. For the 2026 FIFA World Cup, AT&T Stadium takes on its biggest international assignment yet. It is the largest venue on the tournament map and one of the most strategically important U.S. host sites, scheduled to stage a deep run of matches including a semifinal. With its climate-controlled bowl, massive capacity, and proven logistics for global events, Arlington positions itself as a centerpiece of the United bid's American leg.
## Why Arlington matters in 2026 Arlington's pitch to FIFA was straightforward: scale, weather control, and experience hosting tournaments that move global audiences through a single building over consecutive nights.
Matches hosted
AT&T Stadium is staging a busy slate across the 2026 tournament, with matches ranging from the group stage through the knockout rounds and culminating in a semifinal. Expect a mix of marquee group fixtures involving high-profile national teams, a Round of 32 match as the new 48-team format reshapes the bracket, and at least one quarterfinal-level fixture before the semifinal. Arlington's capacity makes it a natural choice for matchups projected to draw the largest neutral and traveling crowds, including ties featuring traditional South American or European powers. The retractable roof also gives FIFA a reliable late-tournament venue when summer heat or storms threaten kickoff. For supporters planning a multi-match trip, AT&T Stadium pairs well with nearby U.S. host cities to build a route through several rounds without long-haul flights between games.
Getting there
AT&T Stadium sits in central Arlington, roughly equidistant from downtown Dallas and downtown Fort Worth, with two major international airports inside an hour's drive. Dallas/Fort Worth International (DFW) is the closest large hub and the primary gateway for international arrivals; Dallas Love Field (DAL) serves more domestic traffic. From DFW, the stadium is a 20 to 30 minute drive on non-event days and longer on matchdays. Rideshare and taxi service is plentiful but the dedicated drop-off zones are pushed away from the stadium footprint on event days, so expect a walk in.
## Public transit and shuttles Arlington does not have a rapid-transit rail station at the stadium itself. On matchdays, expect FIFA and the city to operate an expanded **fan shuttle network** linking the stadium with DART rail stations in Dallas, TRE commuter rail stops in the Mid-Cities, hotel zones, and remote park-and-ride lots. Travelers staying in downtown Dallas or Fort Worth can use TRE plus a shuttle connection.
## Driving and parking Parking around AT&T Stadium is extensive but concentrated in **official lots** managed by the Cowboys and adjacent venues, supplemented by private lots across the entertainment district. Roads close progressively in the hours before kickoff, so arrive early. Cashless parking and pre-paid passes are the norm; walk-up parking is limited on major event days. Build in extra buffer time for security and credential checks on the perimeter.
Where to stay
Lodging around AT&T Stadium clusters into three useful zones. The closest hotels sit inside the **Arlington Entertainment District**, within walking distance of the stadium, Globe Life Field, Texas Live!, and the convention center; these properties get booked first and command premium pricing on match nights. A second ring spreads along the Interstate 30 and Highway 360 corridors, mixing full-service hotels with mid-tier and extended-stay options, all within a short rideshare of the venue.
## Dallas and Fort Worth as bases Many international travelers will base themselves in **downtown Dallas** or **downtown Fort Worth** and commute in for matches. Downtown Dallas offers the deepest hotel inventory, strong restaurant and nightlife options, and DART rail connections to shuttle transfers. Fort Worth provides a quieter, more walkable downtown with a distinctive Texas character. DFW Airport hotels are a practical option for fans with early flights or short trips. For multi-match itineraries, staying in a transit-friendly downtown and using shuttle services is often more flexible than chasing scarce stadium-adjacent rooms. Book early; the World Cup will tighten regional inventory months in advance, particularly around knockout-round dates.
Seating & sightlines
AT&T Stadium is a **retractable-roof** venue with a fully enclosed, climate-controlled bowl and retractable end-zone doors that can open the building to the outdoors. For football its capacity sits around 80,000, expandable well beyond 90,000 for major events with standing room. World Cup configuration reduces capacity to meet FIFA pitch and broadcast requirements but still leaves Arlington as the largest American venue on the 2026 map.
## Where the good views sit The bowl is steep and continuous, with three main seating tiers wrapping the field and the iconic **center-hung video board** dominating sightlines from anywhere in the building. Lower-bowl sideline seats deliver the cleanest tactical view of midfield play. Club levels offer wider seats, better concourses, and indoor lounges. The upper bowl is high but the rake keeps the action readable; end-zone seats behind the goals are best for set-piece atmosphere and supporter-section energy. Be aware that a few upper-deck rows have the video board cutting into the highest part of the frame; for soccer this is rarely an issue but worth noting when choosing seats.
Matchday experience
Plan to arrive at AT&T Stadium **at least 90 minutes before kickoff** for the World Cup. FIFA security perimeters extend well beyond the stadium walls, with bag policy enforcement, ticket scanning, and credential checks before you reach the gates. Clear bag rules are standard; review the latest FIFA matchday guidance before traveling.
## Inside the bowl Concessions span Texas barbecue, Tex-Mex, regional craft beer, and global menus expanded for the tournament. Concourses are wide but crowd densely at halftime; the upper levels tend to move faster. Family-friendly zones, accessible seating, and sensory rooms are available; check the stadium app for locations.
## Atmosphere and first-timer tips The atmosphere with the **roof closed** is genuinely loud, with sound trapped under the arches and amplified by the video board. Supporter sections behind the goals carry the chants. Bring layers regardless of weather: the air conditioning runs cold even on hot days. The walk from official lots and shuttle drops can be 15 to 25 minutes; wear comfortable shoes and carry water. Cashless payments are the default across the stadium.
Weather & climate
North Texas in June and July is **hot and humid**, with daytime highs frequently in the mid-90s Fahrenheit (mid-30s Celsius) and overnight lows that stay warm. Afternoon thunderstorms can roll in quickly, particularly in June, sometimes with strong winds and lightning. Humidity makes outdoor waiting uncomfortable for crowds unused to Texas summers.
## What the roof changes This is where AT&T Stadium's **retractable roof** becomes a tournament asset. FIFA can close the building for daytime kickoffs to keep the pitch and crowd shielded from heat and storms, or open it for evening matches when temperatures drop. Plan for an air-conditioned bowl regardless of the forecast and stay hydrated during the journey in. Outside the stadium, dress for full Texas summer: light layers, sun protection, and water for the walk between transit, parking, and the gates.
Tickets
Official 2026 FIFA World Cup tickets for AT&T Stadium are sold exclusively through **FIFA.com/tickets**, with phased sales windows announced by FIFA. Pricing varies by match round, category, and seat location, with higher demand expected for knockout-stage and semifinal fixtures. **Accessible seating**, companion seats, and assistive listening options are available; request these directly through FIFA's accessibility process. **Hospitality packages** at AT&T Stadium are sold through FIFA's official hospitality program and include premium seating, lounge access, and curated food and beverage. Travel and ticket bundles outside the official FIFA channels carry varying levels of consumer protection; read terms carefully. For real-time inventory, allocations, and resale, the FIFA platform remains the source of truth throughout the tournament.