ARLINGTON, Texas — Dallas-area soccer fans on Sunday didn’t get the news they wanted, but there’s still plenty to be excited about.

AT&T Stadium in Arlington won’t host the 2026 World Cup final, but it has been awarded nine games, including a semi-final on July 14. That’s more matches than any of the other participating venues got.

What You Need To Know

  • AT&T Stadium in Arlington will host nine 2026 World Cup matches

  • For the duration of the tournament, and due to FIFA regulations concerning corporate sponsorship, the stadium will be renamed Dallas Stadium 

  • AT&T is undergoing upgrades in preparation for the tournament, including the widening of the playing field and the installation of natural grass

  • There are 16 host venues total. MetLife Stadium in New Jersey will host the final

The Dallas Cowboys noted something interesting in a news release Sunday. Because of FIFA regulations concerning corporate sponsors, the stadium will temporarily be renamed Dallas Stadium for the duration of the tournament.

That’s not the only change coming to the massive stadium. Renovations to the stadium are already underway. The reported $295 million project will include an upgrade to suite areas and changes to the playing surface. The field will be widened, and natural grass will be installed in order to comply with FIFA regulations.

There are 16 host venues total. MetLife Stadium in New Jersey will host the final.

Besides a semi-final, AT&T will host group stage matches on June 14, June 17, June 22, June 25 and June 27. It will also host two Round of 32 matches, on June 30 and July 3, as well as one Round of 16 game, on July 6.

This will mark the second time the tournament has been hosted by U.S. venues. In 1994, Dallas hosted six tournament matches at the Cotton Bowl.