Visiting Arlington, TX for FIFA & Big Soccer Events: A Full Guide for Fans
- Meagan Boyd
- Oct 30
- 4 min read
Host City: Arlington, Texas
Venue: AT&T Stadium (Home of the Dallas Cowboys)
Event: FIFA World Cup 2026™
Match Schedule - AT&T Stadium, Arlington
(Exact kickoff times will be confirmed by FIFA, but these dates are official host allocations as of 2025)
Date | Round | Match Type |
June 14, 2026 | Group Stage | Opening Group Match |
June 18, 2026 | Group Stage | Match 2 |
June 21, 2026 | Group Stage | Match 3 |
June 25, 2026 | Group Stage | Match 4 |
June 28, 2026 | Group Stage | Match 5 |
July 2, 2026 | Round of 32 | Knockout Match |
July 6, 2026 | Round of 16 | Knockout Match |
July 12, 2026 | Quarterfinal | Elite 8 Match |
July 15, 2026 | Semifinal | Final Four Clash |
🏟️ AT&T Stadium will host nine total matches, including one semifinal - making it one of the most active World Cup venues in North America.
Top Things to Do in Arlington (Between Matches)
1️⃣ Explore the Entertainment District
📍 Location: Right next to AT&T Stadium
Texas Live! – a massive dining and nightlife hub featuring Troy’s (Troy Aikman’s restaurant), sports bars, and live music.
PBR Texas & Sports & Social Arlington – perfect for watching other World Cup games on giant LED walls.
Loews Arlington Hotel – upscale hotel and rooftop bar with skyline views.
2️⃣ Adrenaline & Adventure
Six Flags Over Texas – classic roller coasters, family rides, and summer events.
Hurricane Harbor Water Park – great for cooling off in the Texas heat.
Arlington Skatium & Urban Air Adventure Park – indoor activities for families.
3️⃣ Cultural & Local Attractions
National Medal of Honor Museum (opening 2025) – world-class exhibit honoring American heroes.
International Bowling Museum & Hall of Fame – fun and surprisingly interactive.
Arlington Museum of Art – rotating exhibits and community events downtown.
Levitt Pavilion – free outdoor concerts on weekends.
4️⃣ Food & Drink Favorites
Cane Rosso Arlington – authentic Neapolitan pizza.
Prince Lebanese Grill – local favorite featured on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives.
J. Gilligan’s Bar & Grill – home of the original Irish Nachos.
Legal Draft Beer Co. – craft brewery, often with live music and food trucks.
5️⃣ Day Trips Nearby
If you’re in town for a week or more:
Dallas (25 min) – visit Deep Ellum for music & nightlife or the Perot Museum of Nature & Science.
Fort Worth (25 min) – check out the Stockyards, rodeos, and craft whiskey tours.
Grand Prairie (10 min) – home to Epic Waters Indoor Waterpark and Ripley’s Believe It or Not.
What to Bring to AT&T Stadium
✅ Essentials
Mobile Ticket: The stadium uses digital ticketing only - download in advance.
Clear Bag: Must follow the NFL/FIFA clear bag policy.
Portable Phone Charger: Long game days + photos + replays = dead batteries.
Team Jersey or Scarf: Represent your nation!
Light Jacket: Air conditioning inside the stadium can be chilly.
Debit/Credit Card: The stadium is cashless.
🚫 Prohibited Items
According to AT&T Stadium’s official policy:
❌ Backpacks, large purses, or computer bags
❌ Cans, bottles, or coolers
❌ Flags on poles or banners larger than 3’x5’
❌ Tripods, large cameras, or GoPros
❌ Weapons, fireworks, drones, or noisemakers
❌ Smoking, vaping, or e-cigarettes inside
Only clear plastic bags (12″×6″×12″ max) or small clutches (4.5″×6.5″) are permitted.
Transportation & Parking Tips
Rideshare Drop-Off: Dedicated Uber/Lyft zones on Randol Mill Rd. and Nolan Ryan Expy.
Parking: Pre-purchase online through the AT&T Stadium app or Texas Live! parking portal.
Public Transit: Arlington’s VIA Rideshare service offers low-cost citywide rides.
Tailgating: Allowed in select lots - must purchase tailgate parking passes early.
Where to Stay
Closest to the Stadium:
Live! by Loews Arlington
Sheraton Arlington Hotel
Holiday Inn Arlington NE
Nearby & Affordable:
Courtyard by Marriott
Comfort Suites Arlington
Hampton Inn & Suites near Six Flags
Luxury Options (15 - 25 min drive):
The Worthington Renaissance Fort Worth
Hotel Drover, Fort Worth Stockyards
The Adolphus, Dallas
Sample 3-Day Fan Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival & Atmosphere
Check into your hotel and explore Texas Live!
Grab dinner at Troy’s, then enjoy live music or karaoke.
Day 2: Game Day
Morning workout or coffee at Inclusion Coffee in Downtown Arlington.
Arrive 3 hours early to tailgate or tour AT&T Stadium.
Watch the match - soak up the energy!
After-party at PBR Texas or head to J. Gilligan’s for late-night eats.
Day 3: Explore & Relax
Visit Six Flags or the Medal of Honor Museum.
Brunch at Prince Lebanese Grill or Cane Rosso.
Evening stroll through the Levitt Pavilion or Downtown Arlington murals.
Insider Tips
Texas heat in June/July can reach 95°F+ - hydrate constantly.
Stadium Wi-Fi is strong, but 4G/5G service may lag during high attendance.
Plan for longer security lines - FIFA matches bring larger global crowds.
Official FIFA merchandise will be available at both AT&T and nearby pop-up fan zones.
Download the FIFA Fan Guide App (to be released 2026) for live transport, fan zone maps, and match schedules.
Arlington will be one of the most electric host cities of the FIFA World Cup 2026™. Between world-class soccer, top-tier entertainment, and genuine Texas hospitality, fans will have an unforgettable experience both on and off the field.
Whether you’re cheering for Brazil, England, Mexico, or Team USA - Arlington is ready to host you in style.
IN THE AREA?
If you’re visiting during the tournament, book a Training Session, Ninja Warrior or Obstacle Course Training Class between match days at local DFW facilities - an exciting way to stay active while in town! Contact our AqilFitness Training Solutions team for custom sessions near Arlington or Grand Prairie.
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