Overview
Dallas, the Big D, will be a spectacular host city for FIFA World Cup 2026, featuring 9 matches at the iconic AT&T Stadium in Arlington. Dallas will host 6 group stage matches, 1 Round of 32 match, 1 Round of 16 match, and 1 semifinal match, making it one of the most important host cities in the tournament. This prestigious tournament will showcase Dallas's rich soccer culture, diverse population, and world-class entertainment industry. From the historic Dealey Plaza to the vibrant Deep Ellum arts district, from world-class museums to legendary BBQ joints, Dallas offers an unparalleled World Cup experience that combines the passion of global football with the warmth of Texas hospitality. With its perfect summer weather, cutting-edge stadium technology, and vibrant multicultural communities, Dallas promises unforgettable memories for soccer fans from around the world.
Getting Around
Airport
Dallas/Fort Worth International (DFW) - 17 miles from downtown
Distance to city center: 15-30 minutes
Public Transport
DART rail and buses, enhanced service planned for World Cup
Metro/bus passes available
Ride-Hail
Uber, Lyft available
Convenient for stadium access
Safety & Common Scams
Safety Tips
Generally safe with enhanced World Cup security measures. Standard big city precautions recommended.
- • Keep valuables secure and out of sight
- • Use official transport and licensed taxis
- • Stay aware of your surroundings, especially at night
- • Keep copies of important documents
Quick Facts
Essential Info
- Population: 7.6 million (metro area)
- Airport: Dallas/Fort Worth International (DFW) - 17 miles from downtown
- Public Transport: DART rail and buses, enhanced service planned for World Cup
- Best Time to Visit: June-July 2026 (World Cup period) - perfect weather
Travel Info
- Currency: USD
- Language: English, Spanish (widely spoken)
- Timezone: CST (UTC-6)
- Safety: Generally safe with enhanced World Cup security measures. Standard big city precautions recommended.
Must-See Attractions
Dealey Plaza
Historic site and JFK memorial, birthplace of Dallas
Dallas Arts District
Largest urban arts district in the US with world-class museums
Reunion Tower
Iconic 561-foot observation deck with panoramic city views
Dallas Museum of Art
Premier art museum with over 24,000 works spanning 5,000 years
Dallas World Aquarium
Combined aquarium and zoo featuring marine life and exotic animals
Pioneer Plaza
Public park with world's largest bronze monument of cattle drive
Fair Park
277-acre complex with Art Deco architecture and State Fair of Texas
Deep Ellum
Vibrant arts and entertainment district with live music and dining
Dallas & AT&T Stadium Restaurant Guide
From stadium-area quick bites to world-class Michelin-starred dining, discover the best restaurants for your World Cup 2026 experience in the Big D.
Restaurants Near AT&T Stadium (Arlington, TX)
Texas Live!
Entertainment complex with multiple restaurants, bars, and live music near the stadium
1650 E Randol Mill Rd, Arlington • 0.5 miles from stadium
$15-30 per person
J. Gilligan's Bar & Grill
Local favorite with Irish pub atmosphere, famous for Irish nachos and burgers
400 E Abram St, Arlington • 2 miles from stadium
$10-20 per person
Babe's Chicken Dinner House
Family-style Southern comfort food with fried chicken and all the fixings
104 N Center St, Arlington • 3 miles from stadium
$15-25 per person
Hurtado BBQ
Award-winning Texas BBQ with brisket, ribs, and traditional sides
205 E Front St, Arlington • 4 miles from stadium
$20-35 per person
Iconic Dallas Foods & Where to Get Them
Texas BBQ
Slow-smoked brisket, ribs, and sausage with traditional Texas sides
Hurtado BBQ, Pecan Lodge, Lockhart Smokehouse
$20-35 per person
Tex-Mex Cuisine
Authentic Tex-Mex with fajitas, enchiladas, and margaritas
Mi Cocina, El Fenix, Meso Maya
$15-30 per person
Chicken Fried Steak
Breaded and fried steak with cream gravy, Texas comfort food classic
Babe's Chicken Dinner House, AllGood Cafe, Bread Winners Cafe
$12-20 per person
Kolaches
Czech pastry filled with sausage, cheese, or fruit - Texas breakfast staple
Kolache Factory, Village Baking Co, Local bakeries
$3-8 per kolache
Fine Dining & Michelin-Starred Restaurants
Tatsu Dallas
Only Dallas-Fort Worth restaurant awarded a Michelin star for exceptional Japanese cuisine
3309 Elm St, Dallas • Deep Ellum
$100+ per person
Revolver Taco Lounge
Chef Regino Rojas' tasting menu experience, James Beard Award finalist
2646 Elm St, Dallas • Deep Ellum
$50-100 per person
Meridian Restaurant
Chef Junior Borges' acclaimed Brazilian eatery with unique dishes
5650 Village Glen Dr, Dallas • The Village
$50-100 per person
Bar Colette
Cozy cocktail bar in West Village, James Beard Award finalist for Best New Bar
3699 McKinney Ave, Dallas • West Village
$50-100 per person
Neighborhood Dining Highlights
Deep Ellum
Tatsu Dallas
Michelin-starred Japanese cuisine
$100+ per person
Revolver Taco Lounge
James Beard Award finalist
$50-100 per person
Uptown
Bar Colette
James Beard Award finalist cocktail bar
$50-100 per person
Mi Cocina
Popular Tex-Mex chain
$15-30 per person
Bishop Arts District
Pecan Lodge
Award-winning Texas BBQ
$20-35 per person
Lockhart Smokehouse
Traditional Texas BBQ
$20-35 per person
Quick & Budget-Friendly Options
Kolache Factory
Texas breakfast staple with Czech pastries filled with sausage and cheese
$3-8 per kolache
Whataburger
Texas fast-food chain famous for large burgers and breakfast taquitos
$5-12 per person
Dining Tips for World Cup Visitors
Reservation Strategy
- • Fine dining: Book 1-2 months ahead
- • Popular spots: Use Resy, OpenTable apps
- • Walk-ins: Try off-peak hours (2-5 PM)
Match Day Dining
- • Pre-game: Eat 2-3 hours before kickoff
- • Stadium area: Book reservations well ahead
- • Post-game: Dallas restaurants stay open late
Itineraries
24-Hour Itinerary
- • Morning: City tour and local breakfast
- • Afternoon: Stadium visit and fan zone
- • Evening: Match or local nightlife
48-Hour Itinerary
- • Day 1: Full city exploration and attractions
- • Day 2: Stadium experience and local culture
- • Extended time for relaxation and dining
Matches in this City
9 World Cup Matches
View the complete schedule for Dallas
Fan Zones & Watch Parties
Official Fan Zone
Main gathering area for World Cup fans with giant screens and entertainment.
- • Location: City center
- • Hours: Match days + extended hours
- • Features: Food vendors, merchandise, live music
Watch Parties
Local bars and venues showing matches with fan-friendly atmosphere.
- • Sports bars in downtown area
- • Beachfront venues for outdoor viewing
- • Family-friendly options available
World Cup Stadiums
AT&T Stadium
Capacity
80,000 (expandable to 100,000)
Distance from Downtown
20 miles from downtown
Transportation
Shuttle service, DART rail, ride-sharing
Map
Where to Stay
The Adolphus
Historic luxury hotel with elegant architecture and upscale amenities
Omni Dallas Hotel
Contemporary hotel with city views and multiple dining options
The Ritz-Carlton Dallas
Luxury hotel in Uptown with fine dining and spa services
Travel Tips
Getting Around
DART rail and buses, enhanced service planned for World Cup is the best way to explore the city. Consider purchasing a day pass for unlimited rides.
Weather
80-95°F (27-35°C) - Pack accordingly and stay hydrated, especially during outdoor activities.
Safety
Generally safe with enhanced World Cup security measures. Standard big city precautions recommended. - Keep valuables secure and be aware of your surroundings.
Plan Your Trip
Get detailed travel guides, match schedules, and exclusive fan tips.