Everything is Bigger in Texas. World Cup 2026 definitive guide.
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If there is a spiritual home for the massive scale of the 2026 World Cup, it is Dallas. Or more accurately, Arlington, where the colossal AT&T Stadium (often called "Jerry World") rises from the Texas plains like a modern-day Colosseum. With 9 matches—more than any other host city—Dallas is the undisputed heavyweight champion of this tournament.
But here is the truth the glossy brochures won't tell you: Dallas is a logistical challenge. The stadium is 20 miles from downtown Dallas and 15 miles from Fort Worth, stranded on an island with virtually no public rail connection. The June heat is unforgiving, often touching 100°F. And the "city" is actually a sprawling Metroplex larger than the state of Connecticut.
Choose wisely: Downtown Dallas for city life, Fort Worth for culture, or Arlington for stadium convenience only.
This is a car city. Rent one, or be prepared for expensive rideshares and shuttle buses.
It will be 95°F+. Stay hydrated, wear sunscreen, and plan outdoor activities for mornings.
Citizens of Visa Waiver Program countries can use ESTA for short stays. Others require a B-2 tourist visa. Check status as of Dec 2025 and apply early.
Check ESTA EligibilityBook flights to DFW or DAL. Secure rental cars early as inventory will be tight. Choose your base: Dallas, Fort Worth, or Arlington.
Confirm match tickets. Reserve tables at top BBQ spots like Terry Black's or Pecan Lodge (lines are long).
Lock in eSIMs. Plan your stadium transport strategy (shuttle vs parking pass). Check the weather forecast.
AT&T Stadium: The world's largest column-free interior and the massive 'Jerrytron' video board.
Owner Jerry Jones built this stadium to be a spectacle, and it succeeds. The defining feature is the video board, which stretches 60 yards from 20-yard line to 20-yard line. It is so massive that punters sometimes hit it. With a capacity of 80,000+ (expandable to 100,000+), it is a fortress of noise and scale.
Getting There: The stadium is in Arlington, 20 miles from Dallas. There is NO train. You must drive, shuttle, or rideshare. Plan for traffic.
Arrive 3-4 hours early. Tailgating is a religion here. The parking lots are a party zone.
Strict clear bag policy. NFL rules apply. Bring minimal items to speed up entry.
Traffic leaving the stadium is legendary. Wait it out at a nearby bar (Texas Live!) or be patient.
The safest way to buy tickets is through the official FIFA portal. Registration typically opens 12-18 months before the tournament.
FIFA Official SiteMissed the draw? Trusted resale platforms offer verified tickets, though prices will be higher for high-demand matches like the Semi-Final.
Check SeatGeekBecause the stadium is in Arlington (the middle of nowhere), you have three choices: Downtown Dallas (city vibe, long drive), Fort Worth (cowboy culture, medium drive), or Arlington (convenience, zero culture).
0.2 miles to Stadium
19 miles to Stadium
0.8 miles to Stadium
In Dallas, a car is freedom. Roads are wide and parking is plentiful (except at the stadium). Essential for exploring beyond your hotel.
DFW is global and huge. Love Field (DAL) is smaller, closer to downtown, and home to Southwest Airlines.
Arlington is the largest US city without public transit. No trains go to the stadium. Rely on official shuttles or rideshare if you don't drive.
Brisket is king. Try Terry Black's, Pecan Lodge, or Cattleack (lunch only, Thu/Fri). Expect lines.
Cheese enchiladas, fajitas, and frozen margaritas. Try Mariano's (inventor of the frozen margarita machine).
Dallas does high-end steak like nowhere else. Nick & Sam's or Al Biernat's for a splurge.
Dallas and Fort Worth offer two very different experiences. "Dallas" is modern glitz; "Fort Worth" is cowboys and culture.
Dealey Plaza. The site of JFK's assassination. Somber, essential history. Book tickets weeks in advance.
Twice daily cattle drives. Real cowboys, honky-tonks, and Billy Bob's Texas. A must-see.
The music and arts district. Dozens of bars, murals, and live blues/rock venues. Great for nightlife.
The sun is dangerous here. Wear a hat, use sunscreen, and drink water constantly. If you stop sweating, seek medical help.
Texans are friendly, loud, and proud. "Southern Hospitality" is real—strangers will talk to you. Cowboy boots are business attire.
Everything is bigger. Portions, trucks, voices. Embrace the scale.
The NFL team is religion here. The star logo is everywhere.
Standard is 20%. Service industry workers rely on it.
Brutal heat. 95°F+ (35°C+). AC is freezing inside. Bring layers.