During the month-long 2026 World Cup, Arlington’s AT&T Stadium will adopt the name Dallas Stadium for international audiences.
FIFA announced on Sunday that Dallas will host nine matches during the 2026 World Cup, the highest number among the three host nations. These matches include five in the group stage, three knockout round matches, and a semifinal, all to be held at AT&T Stadium, home of the Dallas Cowboys, located in Arlington.
To comply with FIFA’s policy against corporate sponsorships on competition venues, AT&T Stadium will temporarily bear the name Dallas Stadium during the World Cup. This decision is aligned with the Dallas ’26 bid for the World Cup, which is named after the largest city in the region.
However, the temporary renaming has stirred mixed reactions. Some social media users expressed dissatisfaction, citing that AT&T Stadium is not in Dallas County. Nevertheless, Arlington Mayor Jim Ross supports the decision, emphasizing that the Dallas name aligns with the broader North Texas region where the games will be held.
The successful bid to host the World Cup involved a collaborative effort across North Texas communities, with Ross acknowledging the contributions of various stakeholders, including Monica Paul and her team at the Dallas Sports Commission.
It’s worth noting that the Dallas Stadium name is currently considered a placeholder and subject to change. Similar renaming of sponsored stadiums will occur elsewhere, such as MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, set to host the World Cup Final.
The 2026 World Cup kicks off on June 11, 2026, in Mexico City, Mexico, with the first game in Arlington scheduled for June 14, 2026. Interested attendees must register their interest through the provided link.
