Dallas, Texas
Your Complete 2026 World Cup Guide
At a Glance
- Location
- Dallas, Texas, USA
- Population
- 1.3 million
- Time Zone
- CDT (UTC-5)
- Stadiums
- 1 venue
- Matches Hosted
- 9 matches
- Best Way to Get Around
- DART Rail + World Cup Event Shuttles
Last Updated: by KickoffAdventures Editorial Team
Overview
AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas will host 9 FIFA World Cup 2026 matches—the MOST of any city in North America—including one of two semifinals on July 14. The stadium, known as "Jerry's World," features a retractable roof, capacity of 92,000, and the world's largest HD video board (60 yards long). Located 20 miles west of Dallas in Arlington (halfway between Dallas and Fort Worth), the stadium has no permanent rail service—World Cup event shuttles are expected from CentrePort Station (TRE Line) but driving/rideshare remains most common.
The Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex offers 1,500+ hotels (150,000+ rooms) ranging from budget Arlington hotels near the stadium ($100-180/night) to luxury Dallas Uptown properties ($150-280/night). Expect 2-3x surge pricing for the semifinal match. The NEW Loews Arlington Hotel (888 rooms, opened 2024) is connected to the stadium complex and serves as VIP headquarters. Pro tip: Stay in Arlington for walking distance to stadium, or choose Fort Worth Stockyards for authentic Texas culture at lower prices than Dallas ($90-180/night).
Dallas offers diverse experiences: world-class BBQ (now $25-40 per person due to beef inflation), Fort Worth Stockyards cattle drives, JFK history (Sixth Floor Museum), and Reunion Tower skyline views. The metro is extremely car-dependent—rental cars ($40-60/day) are essential. WARNING: I-30 gridlock is not just 'traffic'—it's a parking lot on match days. Budget 2x expected travel time. June-July weather is dangerously hot (98-105°F) but AT&T Stadium is fully air-conditioned with retractable roof.
⚽World Cup Stadium
Getting Around
Dallas-Fort Worth is EXTREMELY car-dependent. Unlike NYC or LA, public transit is inadequate for World Cup fans. Arlington (where AT&T Stadium is) has NO permanent rail service—World Cup event shuttles are expected from CentrePort/DFW Airport Station (TRE Line) but details not finalized.
To AT&T Stadium from Dallas:
1. Rental Car (Recommended if staying 3+ days): Take I-30 West toward Arlington, Exit 29 for Collins Street, follow signs to stadium. 30-40 minutes normal, 60-90 minutes with I-30 gridlock on match days. Parking $50-100 ($150+ for semifinal). CRITICAL: Leave 2-3 hours before kickoff or risk missing start.
2. Uber/Lyft (Recommended for single matches): $40-80 normal pricing, $100-150 surge on match days. Post-match wait 60-90 minutes due to I-30 gridlock. Book 3+ hours before kickoff to lock in lower rates.
3. Hotel Shuttles: Many Arlington hotels offer free shuttles on event days (call ahead to confirm). Best option if staying near stadium.
4. World Cup Shuttles (Expected but not confirmed): DART and NCTCOG plan event shuttles from CentrePort/DFW Airport Station (TRE Line) to AT&T Stadium. Estimated $15-25, 30-40 min ride. Check closer to 2026 for confirmation.
DART Light Rail (Dallas Only):
Useful for exploring Dallas (downtown, Uptown, Deep Ellum) but NOT for stadium access without shuttles. Single ride $3, day pass $6. Orange Line connects DFW Airport to downtown (45 min). Trains every 15-20 minutes.
I-30 Gridlock Reality:
Locals don't use the word 'traffic' lightly. I-30 West becomes a parking lot 2-3 hours before kickoff. Stay in Arlington if you care about the match, Dallas if you care about the party—don't try to do both in one night on match days.
Pro Tips:
- Book Arlington hotels with free parking (most offer it) and shuttles
- Dallas hotels charge $20-40/day parking—factor this into budget
- Fort Worth is 15 miles from stadium (closer than Dallas 20+ miles)
- Avoid I-30 West 2-3 hours before kickoff (absolute gridlock)
Where to Stay
Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex has 1,500+ hotels (150,000+ rooms), but prices spike 100-150% during World Cup, with 2-3x surges for the semifinal. Book 3-6 months in advance for best rates and availability.
Sport Fan's Budget Strategy:
- Arlington (Stadium Area): $100-180/night (2-3x surge for SF) | Walking distance | BEST VALUE
- NEW: Loews Arlington Hotel (888 rooms, opened 2024) connected to stadium complex
- Live! by Loews (older property, smaller but walkable)
- Fort Worth Stockyards: $90-180/night | Authentic Texas | 15 miles to stadium | Closer than Dallas
- DFW Airport Area: $80-150/night | Budget option | 20 min to stadium
- Downtown Dallas: $120-220/night | Walkable city center | 20 miles to stadium | I-30 gridlock risk
- Uptown Dallas: $150-280/night | Trendy nightlife | 22 miles to stadium | I-30 gridlock risk
Money-Saving Tips:
1. Stay in Arlington (walking distance to stadium, free hotel parking, lower prices than Dallas)
2. Fort Worth Stockyards cheaper than Dallas with authentic Texas experience AND closer to stadium (15 miles vs 20-22)
3. DFW Airport area cheapest option ($80-150) but nothing to do outside hotels
4. Drive instead of rideshare if staying 3+ days (rental $40-60/day saves vs $80-300 rideshare per match)
5. Book directly with hotels for better cancellation policies
Pro Tips:
- Arlington Entertainment District hotels (Loews Arlington, Live! by Loews, DoubleTree) within walking distance
- Most Arlington hotels offer free shuttles to stadium on event days (call ahead to confirm)
- Dallas hotels charge $20-40/day parking—Arlington hotels free
- Fort Worth Stockyards combines affordability with unique Texas culture (cattle drives, rodeos, honky-tonks)
- Avoid Downtown Dallas for stadium access—same distance as Uptown but I-30 gridlock is worse
- Local Wisdom: Stay in Arlington if you care about the match, Dallas if you care about the party—don't try to do both in one night
Neighborhood Breakdown
Arlington (Stadium Area)
Best For
Budget travelers, stadium access priority, families with cars
Distance to Stadium
0.5-2 miles
Travel Time
10-15 minutes walk or 5 min drive
Pros
- •Closest hotels to AT&T Stadium (0.5-2 miles walking distance)
- •NEW Loews Arlington Hotel (888 rooms, opened 2024) + Live! by Loews
- •Free hotel shuttles to stadium on event days (check availability)
- •Entertainment District with restaurants, bars, and Texas Live!
- •20 minutes from DFW Airport (cheapest Uber/rideshare)
Cons
- •Not a walkable neighborhood outside Entertainment District
- •Limited public transit (World Cup shuttles expected from CentrePort)
- •Requires car/rideshare to reach Dallas attractions (20 miles)
- •Suburban sprawl feel, not traditional tourist area
Downtown Dallas
Best For
Business travelers, sightseeing, Dallas experience seekers
Distance to Stadium
20 miles
Travel Time
30-40 min drive (60-90 min with I-30 gridlock)
Pros
- •Walkable downtown with restaurants, museums, and nightlife
- •DART light rail connects to DFW Airport (Orange Line)
- •Reunion Tower, Dealey Plaza, Arts District within walking distance
- •More hotel options and competitive pricing than Arlington
- •Better dining variety and urban atmosphere
Cons
- •20 miles from AT&T Stadium (30-40 min drive, worse with I-30 gridlock)
- •No direct public transit to Arlington (must drive or rideshare)
- •Stadium parking $50-100 (cheaper to rideshare from downtown)
- •Downtown can feel empty evenings/weekends outside events
- •I-30 West becomes parking lot 2-3 hours before kickoff
Uptown Dallas
Best For
Mid-budget travelers, nightlife lovers, walkable neighborhoods
Distance to Stadium
22 miles
Travel Time
35-45 min drive (60-90 min with gridlock)
Pros
- •Most walkable Dallas neighborhood with trendy restaurants and bars
- •Katy Trail for jogging and biking (urban green space)
- •McKinney Avenue Trolley (free historic streetcar)
- •Safe, upscale area with boutique hotels and shopping
- •Close to Klyde Warren Park and Arts District
Cons
- •22 miles from AT&T Stadium (35-45 min drive, worse with traffic)
- •No direct public transit to Arlington
- •Parking at hotels $25-40/day
- •More expensive than Downtown or Arlington
- •I-30 gridlock makes match-day timing stressful
Fort Worth (Stockyards)
Best For
Budget travelers, authentic Texas culture, cowboy experience
Distance to Stadium
15 miles
Travel Time
25-35 min drive
Pros
- •Cheaper than Dallas ($90-180 vs $120-280)
- •Historic Stockyards with daily cattle drives (11:30 AM & 4 PM)
- •Authentic Western bars, honky-tonks, and rodeos
- •15 miles from AT&T Stadium (closer than Dallas)
- •Unique Texas experience beyond typical city hotels
Cons
- •Less hotel variety than Dallas
- •Requires car/rideshare (no rail to Arlington)
- •Stockyards area touristy and gets crowded
- •Limited late-night dining compared to Dallas
DFW Airport Area
Best For
Budget travelers, early departures, late arrivals
Distance to Stadium
20 miles
Travel Time
20-25 min drive
Pros
- •Cheapest option in DFW metro ($80-150/night)
- •20 minutes to AT&T Stadium (closer than Dallas)
- •Free airport shuttles (most hotels)
- •Good for multi-city World Cup trips (quick airport access)
- •Chain hotels with predictable amenities
Cons
- •Nothing to do outside hotels (suburban office parks)
- •Requires car/rideshare for everything
- •No walkable restaurants or attractions
- •Far from Dallas or Fort Worth city centers (20+ miles)
Top Things to Do
Dallas-Fort Worth offers world-class BBQ, Western culture, and Texas-sized attractions. Plan 3-4 full days to experience highlights beyond match days.
Must-See Attractions:
- AT&T Stadium Tours - $35, 1.5-2 hours, see Cowboys locker room and world's largest HD video board (attstadium.com/tours)
- Fort Worth Stockyards - Free (cattle drives 11:30 AM & 4 PM), 3-4 hours, authentic Western experience
- Sixth Floor Museum - $20, 2-3 hours, JFK assassination history at Dealey Plaza
- Reunion Tower GeO-Deck - $20, 1-2 hours, 360° Dallas skyline views (sunset recommended)
- Dallas Arboretum - $17, 2-3 hours, 66-acre gardens on White Rock Lake
Food Scene (Texas BBQ Essential—Inflation Alert):
- Pecan Lodge: $25-35, Deep Ellum classic (2+ hour wait, order online ahead). Beef rib (dinosaur bone) $35-50.
- Cattleack BBQ: $25-40, Thu-Sat mornings only, best in city (sells out by noon). 2-meat plate $30-35.
- Terry Black's BBQ: $25-35, Deep Ellum (faster line than Pecan Lodge, great brisket).
- Lockhart Smokehouse: $20-30, Bishop Arts District (Central Texas-style, shorter lines).
- Tex-Mex: Joe T. Garcia's (Fort Worth, $15-25), Mi Cocina (Uptown, $18-30), Mia's Tex-Mex (multiple locations, $12-20).
- Steakhouses: Bob's Steak & Chop House ($40-80), Y.O. Ranch Steakhouse (Stockyards, $35-60), Del Frisco's Double Eagle ($50-100).
Note: BBQ prices have skyrocketed due to beef inflation. Budget $25-40 per person for a full meal (was $15-20 in 2022). Portions are massive—one plate can feed 2 people if you split sides.
Nightlife:
- Deep Ellum: Dallas arts district with live music, bars, street art (free to explore). Best for 20s-30s crowd.
- Fort Worth Stockyards: Honky-tonks (Billy Bob's Texas—world's largest honky-tonk, White Elephant Saloon). Best for country/Western vibes.
- Uptown Dallas: Trendy bars and rooftop lounges (Concrete Cowboy, Whiskey Ranch, Happiest Hour). Best for 30s-40s crowd.
Day Trips (if extending trip):
- Austin: 3 hours south, live music capital, 6th Street nightlife, BBQ, Tex-Mex
- San Antonio: 4.5 hours south, River Walk, Alamo, authentic Tex-Mex
Survival Tip for June-July: Plan indoor activities from 1 PM - 6 PM (museums, malls, BBQ restaurants). The heat is not just uncomfortable—it's dangerous. The sun stays out until 8:45 PM, so you can explore outdoors in the evening.
Budget Tip: Fort Worth Stockyards cattle drives are FREE (twice daily at 11:30 AM & 4 PM). BBQ and Tex-Mex offer great value ($20-40 per person for massive portions).
Must-See Attractions
AT&T Stadium Tours
Tour the world's largest domed stadium with retractable roof. See Cowboys locker room, field, art collection including world's largest HD video board (60 yards long). Self-guided or VIP tours available. Stadium known as "Jerry's World" after Cowboys owner Jerry Jones. World Cup 2026 semifinal venue.
Cost
$35 adults, $30 kids (VIP tours $100+)
Time Needed
1.5-2 hours
Best Time
Weekday mornings (fewer crowds)
How to Get There
Drive or rideshare (no public transit to Arlington)
Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza
Museum chronicling JFK assassination at the Texas School Book Depository. Exhibits detail November 22, 1963 events, Kennedy presidency, 1960s culture. Overlooks Dealey Plaza where assassination occurred. Powerful historical experience. Timed entry tickets recommended.
Cost
$20 adults, $16 seniors, $14 kids
Time Needed
2-3 hours
Best Time
Weekday mornings (book online in advance)
How to Get There
DART Green/Orange Line to West End Station (10 min walk)
Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District
Historic livestock market transformed into Western entertainment district. Daily cattle drives at 11:30 AM and 4 PM (free). Cowboy culture, honky-tonk bars, Western shops, rodeos on weekends. Authentic Texas experience with saloons, steakhouses, and live country music.
Cost
Free (cattle drive & walking), rodeo $20-40
Time Needed
3-4 hours
Best Time
Late morning for cattle drive, evening for nightlife
How to Get There
Drive or rideshare (30 min from Dallas, 15 min from Arlington)
Reunion Tower GeO-Deck
Iconic Dallas landmark with 360-degree observation deck 470 feet above ground. Interactive telescopes, HD screens, and indoor/outdoor viewing. Sunset views spectacular. Downtown skyline, AT&T Stadium visible on clear days. Bar and restaurant at base (Wolfgang Puck).
Cost
$20 adults, $18 seniors, $14 kids
Time Needed
1-2 hours
Best Time
Sunset (1 hour before) for best photos
How to Get There
DART Green/Red/Blue/Orange Line to Union Station (5 min walk)
Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden
66-acre garden on White Rock Lake shore. Seasonal flowers, sculptures, themed gardens. Spring blooms (March-May) spectacular with 500,000 tulips. Summer concerts in amphitheater. Peaceful escape from city. Pack picnic or eat at on-site cafe.
Cost
$17 adults, $14 seniors, $10 kids
Time Needed
2-3 hours
Best Time
Spring mornings (8-11 AM before heat)
How to Get There
Drive or rideshare (15 min from downtown)
Weather & When to Visit
High
98°F
(37°C)
Low
76°F
(24°C)
Rain
5 days/month
Humidity
55-60%
World Cup Season (June-July 2026)
- Temperature: 98-105°F (37-40°C) daily averages, 8-10 days over 100°F in July
- Heat Reality: This is not just hot—it's dangerous. Heat stroke risk is real.
- Rainfall: Low (2-3 inches/month, 5 rainy days) but afternoon thunderstorms possible
- Humidity: 55-60% (not as bad as Houston but still muggy)
- Heat Index: Feels like 105-110°F when combining heat + humidity
- Stadium Advantage: AT&T Stadium has retractable roof + full air conditioning
- Sun: Stays out until 8:45 PM (evening outdoor activities possible)
What to Pack:
- Sunscreen SPF 50+ (Texas sun is brutal, reapply every 2 hours)
- Sunglasses and wide-brim hat
- Light, breathable clothing (cotton or moisture-wicking)
- Reusable water bottle (drink 3-4 liters/day minimum)
- Light jacket for over-air-conditioned indoor spaces (restaurants, stadium)
- Umbrella or rain jacket (for afternoon thunderstorms)
Survival Strategies:
- 1 PM - 6 PM: Stay indoors (museums, malls, BBQ restaurants). This is peak heat.
- Morning (before noon): Outdoor activities (Arboretum, cattle drives, stadium tours)
- Evening (after 7 PM): Outdoor dining, Deep Ellum, Stockyards nightlife
- Hydration: Drink water constantly (3-4 liters/day). Carry water bottle everywhere.
- Stadium: Fully air-conditioned—heat NOT an issue inside. Parking lots are scorching (shade structures minimal).
- Rental Car: Essential to have strong AC. Walking more than 10 min outdoors is brutal in July.
Tip: Unlike NYC or LA, Dallas heat is INTENSE and dangerous. Plan indoor activities during peak afternoon hours (1-6 PM). AT&T Stadium's retractable roof means matches won't be cancelled for weather, but outdoor tailgating is brutal in July heat. The sun stays out until 8:45 PM, so you can enjoy outdoor activities in the evening when temps drop to 85-90°F.
Money-Saving Tips
- Stay in Arlington for best value—walking distance to stadium, free hotel parking, 30-50% cheaper than Dallas Uptown, avoid I-30 gridlock
- Fort Worth Stockyards offers authentic Texas experience at lower prices than Dallas ($90-180 vs $150-280/night) AND closer to stadium (15 miles vs 20-22)
- DFW Airport area is cheapest ($80-150/night) but nothing to do outside hotels—good for multi-city trips
- Rent a car if staying 3+ days—saves vs rideshare ($40-60/day rental vs $80-300 per match round-trip)
- Avoid Dallas Uptown unless nightlife is priority—pay 50-100% more for same stadium access + I-30 gridlock stress
- BBQ inflation is real: Budget $25-40 per person (was $15-20 in 2022). One plate feeds 2 people if you split sides
- Fort Worth Stockyards cattle drives are FREE (11:30 AM & 4 PM daily)—best free attraction in DFW
- Book Arlington hotel with free shuttle to stadium—saves $50-100 parking + 1-2 hour exit wait + I-30 gridlock
- Arrive at BBQ restaurants at opening time to avoid 2+ hour lines (Pecan Lodge 11 AM, Cattleack 10 AM Thu-Sat)
- DART light rail day pass ($6) useful for exploring Dallas—but NOT for stadium access without World Cup shuttles (check CentrePort Station shuttles closer to 2026)
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick Facts
Population
7.6 million (metro)
Time Zone
CDT (UTC-5)
Currency
USD ($)
Language
English, Spanish
Emergency
911
Major Airports
DFW - 20 mi