AT&T Stadium, located in Arlington, Texas, has been chosen to host nine matches in the upcoming 2026 World Cup. While this news has been met with mixed reactions from soccer fans across the Metroplex, businesses in the DFW soccer scene are already gearing up for a massive boost in revenue from World Cup visitors.
The announcement came during a live broadcast by FIFA, soccer’s international governing body, on Sunday afternoon. AT&T Stadium was selected to host more matches than any other city in the tournament, including a semifinal game. However, the World Cup Final was awarded to MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, leaving some fans in the DFW area feeling conflicted.
Christopher Mangena, a disappointed soccer fan, expressed his frustration, stating, “Because I really thought it would come down here, given the infrastructure that Dallas has.” Many fans had high hopes that the Final would take place at AT&T Stadium, especially after British tabloid The Sun reported it last month. Siobhan Hartley, assistant manager at The Londoner pub in Addison, shared the sentiment, saying, “We’re disappointed the final won’t be here. But it’s just great for Dallas that we’re going to have so many games here, that really is exciting.”
Despite the disappointment among some fans, businesses in the DFW soccer scene are eagerly anticipating the influx of World Cup crowds. The Londoner pub, known for its lively atmosphere during high-profile soccer matches at AT&T Stadium, is already making preparations. They plan to stock up on beer and offer easy food options to cater to the hundreds of thousands of fans expected to visit DFW for the tournament. Additionally, they will utilize social media platforms like Facebook to advertise their offerings and ensure fans know when to arrive.
The impact of hosting nine World Cup matches cannot be understated for businesses in the DFW area. The surge in visitors is expected to provide a significant boost to the local economy, with increased revenue from tourism, hospitality, and retail sectors. Soccer fans from around the world will have the opportunity to experience the vibrant soccer culture in Dallas and contribute to the city’s thriving sports scene.
While the disappointment of not hosting the World Cup Final lingers, the excitement surrounding the nine matches to be held at AT&T Stadium is palpable. Soccer fans and businesses alike are eagerly awaiting the arrival of the tournament, ready to embrace the spirit of the World Cup and create lasting memories in the heart of Texas.