AT&T Stadium: World Cup 2026 Semi-Final Venue in Dallas
The home of the Dallas Cowboys, hosting World Cup 2026 matches including a semi-final in Arlington, Texas.
Key takeaways
- Hosts one of the two 2026 World Cup semi-finals, plus a quarter-final and a substantial group and round of 32 schedule.
- Capacity 80,000, the second largest stadium at the 2026 World Cup behind only Estadio Banorte (Azteca).
- Climate-controlled with retractable roof, allowing matches to play indoors during peak Texas summer heat.
- Located in Arlington, Texas between Dallas and Fort Worth, with limited public transit and strong reliance on rideshare or driving.
- Home of the NFL's Dallas Cowboys, opened in 2009 at a reported $1.2 billion construction cost.
- Hosted the 2016 Copa America Centenario final between Argentina and Chile.
AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas hosts one of the 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-finals. The home of the NFL's Dallas Cowboys, the stadium opened in 2009 and has been one of the most marquee American stadium venues since. With a capacity of 80,000 it is the second largest venue at the 2026 tournament behind only Estadio Banorte (Azteca), and is climate-controlled to protect both players and fans from the extreme Texas summer heat.
AT&T Stadium anchors the Dallas host city designation, with the stadium itself in Arlington between Dallas and Fort Worth. The stadium hosts a substantial schedule of group-stage matches plus a quarter-final and one of the two semi-finals, putting Dallas at the centre of the 2026 World Cup's deep knockout phase.
Key facts
- Location: Arlington, Texas, United States
- Host city: Dallas
- Capacity: 80,000 (second largest at the 2026 World Cup)
- Surface: Natural grass
- Year built: 2009
- Tenant team: Dallas Cowboys (NFL)
- Roof: Retractable, with full climate control
- 2026 World Cup role: One of two semi-finals, plus a quarter-final, group-stage matches and a round of 32 fixture
Stadium overview
AT&T Stadium opened in May 2009 at a reported cost of $1.2 billion, becoming the largest domed sports stadium in the world at the time. Its retractable roof and end-zone glass doors give the stadium full climate-control capability, a critical feature for any summer-tournament hosting role in Texas where afternoon highs regularly exceed 35 degrees Celsius.
The stadium's most striking feature is the centre-hung video display, a 60-yard-long high-definition video board suspended directly over the playing field. The structure was the largest of its kind when built and remains one of the largest in any sports venue. The seating bowl rises in three tiers around the playing surface, with luxury suites stacking on the side concourses.
AT&T Stadium has hosted Super Bowl XLV (2011), multiple college football national championship games, the 2014 NCAA Final Four, WrestleMania, major concert tours, and Copa America Centenario fixtures including the 2016 final.
Pitch and surface preparation
AT&T Stadium uses natural grass year-round in its current configuration, with the playing surface meeting FIFA's standard 105 metres by 68 metres dimensions. The retractable roof allows the stadium to be opened during cooler periods to maintain grass health, while the climate control system keeps interior temperatures manageable during the peak summer heat.
The combination of climate control, full-dimension grass, and natural-light access through the retractable roof makes AT&T one of the most operationally flexible venues at the 2026 tournament. Matches can be played indoors with the roof closed during peak heat, or with the roof open during evening kick-offs when temperatures are more manageable.
2026 World Cup fixtures
AT&T Stadium hosts a deep schedule:
- Multiple group-stage matches across the first phase of the tournament
- A round of 32 fixture during the new knockout opening round
- A quarter-final during the deeper knockout phase
- One of the two World Cup semi-finals, scheduled for the late knockout phase
The exact match-by-match schedule and kick-off times are on our matches page. The semi-final is scheduled for an early-evening kick-off in Central Time to reach prime-time audiences in the United States and Mexico, plus afternoon European audiences.
Travel and transit
AT&T Stadium is in Arlington, midway between Dallas and Fort Worth. Public transit options to the stadium are limited compared to other 2026 venues. Visitors typically:
- By car: The stadium is at the intersection of I-30 and Highway 360 with substantial on-site parking. Driving from downtown Dallas takes 20-30 minutes off-peak, longer in matchday traffic.
- Trinity Railway Express: The closest TRE station is in Centreport/DFW Airport, with onward shuttle service to the stadium on matchdays. Service runs from both downtown Dallas and downtown Fort Worth.
- By air: Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) is roughly 12 miles north of the stadium, with rideshare and shuttle services available.
Most international visitors stay in downtown Dallas, Uptown, or downtown Fort Worth, with rideshare the most reliable matchday transport option. Allow 45-90 minutes door-to-door including parking and the walk to the stadium.
Past major football events
AT&T Stadium has hosted significant football (soccer) since opening. The 2016 Copa America Centenario final between Argentina and Chile (won by Chile on penalties) was played here, and the stadium has been a regular venue for Mexico national team home matches drawing strong support from the large Mexican-American population in Texas.
The 2024 Copa America hosted the United States and used AT&T Stadium for several key fixtures including the Argentina-Canada semi-final. European club pre-season tours frequently feature AT&T Stadium dates, with regular appearances from Premier League and La Liga sides.
The stadium experience
The stadium experience at AT&T is one of the most spectator-friendly in American sport. The vast scoreboard means every seat has a clear video feed of the match, the climate-controlled interior keeps the experience comfortable regardless of outside conditions, and the broad concourses keep matchday flow manageable even at full capacity.
For 2026 World Cup matches, expect substantial Mexican-American supporter presence at fixtures involving Mexico, plus strong Argentine and Brazilian contingents. The stadium's central location in the heart of Texas football culture makes it a natural draw for fans across the southern United States.
Accommodation and pre-match logistics
Hotel options near AT&T Stadium include cluster accommodation in Arlington itself, where the stadium sits adjacent to Globe Life Field (home of the Texas Rangers) and the broader entertainment district. Most international visitors prefer downtown Dallas or downtown Fort Worth, accepting the longer matchday journey for the broader range of restaurants and bars.
The Dallas FIFA Fan Festival operates throughout the tournament at a central location with free outdoor viewing of every World Cup match plus food and live music.
Related guides
- World Cup 2026 hub, with the full tournament guide.
- Dallas host city guide, with travel and accommodation detail.
- All 16 World Cup 2026 venues.
- All 16 World Cup 2026 host cities.
- Full fixture schedule, by venue and by date.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the capacity of AT&T Stadium for the 2026 World Cup?
AT&T Stadium has a capacity of 80,000 for the 2026 World Cup, the second largest of the tournament's 16 venues. Only Estadio Banorte (Azteca) in Mexico City is larger.
Where is AT&T Stadium located?
AT&T Stadium is in Arlington, Texas, midway between Dallas and Fort Worth. It is at the intersection of Interstate 30 and Highway 360, roughly 12 miles south of Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW). FIFA lists it under the Dallas host city.
Why was AT&T Stadium chosen to host a 2026 World Cup semi-final?
AT&T Stadium's combination of an 80,000 capacity, full climate control with retractable roof, recent track record hosting major football finals (including the 2016 Copa America Centenario final), and central US location made it FIFA's choice for one of the two semi-finals.
Is AT&T Stadium air conditioned?
Yes. The stadium has full climate control with a retractable roof. Matches in the peak Texas summer heat can be played indoors with the roof closed and the interior cooled to a comfortable temperature.
What is the playing surface at AT&T Stadium?
AT&T Stadium uses natural grass year-round in its current configuration, meeting FIFA's standard 105 metres by 68 metres pitch dimensions. The retractable roof allows the surface to receive natural light when conditions allow, supporting grass health.
How do you get to AT&T Stadium?
Public transit options are limited. Most visitors arrive by car (significant on-site parking is available), by rideshare from Dallas or Fort Worth, or via the Trinity Railway Express to a nearby station with onward shuttle service. Allow 45-90 minutes door-to-door from downtown Dallas or Fort Worth.
What 2026 World Cup matches does AT&T Stadium host?
AT&T Stadium hosts a semi-final, a quarter-final, multiple group-stage matches, and a round of 32 fixture. It is one of the most loaded venues at the tournament. Exact kick-off times are published by FIFA on the tournament schedule.
What is the closest airport to AT&T Stadium?
Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) is roughly 12 miles north of the stadium. Dallas Love Field (DAL) is also reasonably accessible. Both have rideshare options to the stadium.
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