Arlington, Texas city guide: Everything England and 2026 World Cup fans need to know

Arlington's AT&T Stadium – or Dallas Stadium as it will be known as at the 2026 World Cup – will host nine matches, including England's Group L clash with Croatia and one of the tournament's two semi-finals.

Located between Dallas and Fort Worth in the heart of North Texas, Arlington is best known as the home of the NFL's Dallas Cowboys.

During the World Cup, however, the city will become one of the busiest football destinations in the United States, welcoming supporters from around the globe.

Whether you're following England, attending one of the knockout matches or simply exploring Texas during the tournament, FootballGroundGuide takes a look at everything fans need to know about visiting Arlington during the 2026 World Cup.

2026 World Cup fixtures at AT&T Stadium

AT&T Stadium will host five group‑stage matches and four knockout games, including a semi‑final.

Dallas Stadium Group Stage fixtures

• Netherlands vs Japan – Sunday, 14 June (Group F)
• England vs Croatia – Wednesday, 17 June (Group L)
• Argentina vs Austria – Monday, 22 June (Group J)
• Japan vs Sweden – Thursday, 25 June (Group F)
• Jordan vs Argentina – Saturday, 27 June (Group J)

Dallas Stadium Knockout fixtures

• Match #78 (Round of 32) – Tuesday, 30 June (Group E runners‑up vs Group I runners‑up)
• Match #88 (Round of 32) – Friday, 3 July (Group D runners‑up vs Group G runners‑up)
• Match #93 (Round of 16) – Monday, 6 July (Winner Match 83 vs Winner Match 84)
• Match #101 (Semi-Final) – Tuesday, 14 July (Winner Match 97 vs Winner Match 98)

FIFA Fan Festival and Fan Zones in Texas

The official FIFA Fan Festival for Dallas will be held at Fair Park.

Supporters can expect:

• Live screenings of World Cup matches
• Food and drink vendors
• Football activities and entertainment
• Live music and cultural events
• Family-friendly attractions

For fans without tickets, the Fan Festival will be the best place to watch matches alongside supporters from around the world.

Texas Live!, located next to AT&T Stadium, is also expected to become one of the busiest unofficial fan gathering spots during the tournament.

What else is there to do in Arlington?

Arlington offers far more than football, with a mix of culture, green spaces, family attractions and entertainment all within easy reach of AT&T Stadium.

Arlington Museum of Art – Located in the heart of Downtown Arlington, the museum hosts rotating exhibitions covering everything from contemporary art to photography and local culture. It’s a good option for fans looking for something quieter away from the matchday crowds.

River Legacy Park – Stretching along the Trinity River, this huge urban park offers shaded walking and cycling trails, wildlife viewing and peaceful green spaces — ideal for escaping the Texas heat. It’s one of the best outdoor spots in the city.

Downtown Arlington – A compact but lively district filled with independent cafes, craft breweries, restaurants and live‑music venues. It’s a great place to explore in the evenings, with a more local feel than the Entertainment District around the stadium.

UTA Planetarium – Part of the University of Texas at Arlington campus, the planetarium is a popular family attraction with immersive shows and educational exhibits. A good choice if you’re travelling with children or looking for an indoor activity.

Six Flags Over Texas – One of the biggest theme parks in the region, and located right next to AT&T Stadium. With rollercoasters, water rides and live entertainment, it’s a major draw for visitors and an easy way to spend a full day between fixtures.

Where to eat and drink near AT&T Stadium?

Arlington’s Entertainment District is packed with places to eat and drink, and matchdays around AT&T Stadium create one of the liveliest atmospheres in North Texas.

Texas Live! – Around a 5–10-minute walk.
It is the ultimate pre-match destination. Packed with bars, giant screens and food outlets, it will likely be one of the busiest places in Arlington during the World Cup.

Hurtado Barbecue – 15–20 minute walk.
It is widely regarded as one of the best barbecue restaurants in North Texas. Expect brisket, ribs, sausages and Tex‑Mex‑influenced sides. It’s popular, so queues are common, but worth it.

The Tipsy Oak – 15–20 minute walk.
A lively gastropub known for its burgers, craft cocktails and buzzing outdoor patio. It’s a great choice for groups looking for a relaxed but energetic pre‑match atmosphere.

Rodeo & Rye – 15–20 minutes walk.
A stylish whiskey bar offering excellent cocktails and a more laid‑back setting than the larger venues nearby. Perfect if you want a quieter drink before the crowds build around the stadium.

J. Gilligan's Bar & Grill – 20–25 minutes walk.
A long‑standing Arlington institution famous for its Irish Nachos and friendly sports‑bar atmosphere. Crucially, it also runs a matchday shuttle service to AT&T Stadium, making it a popular base for fans throughout major events.

How to get to AT&T Stadium

Walking

Fans staying in Arlington's Entertainment District can reach the stadium on foot within 10 to 20 minutes.

Uber and Lyft

For most visitors, rideshare services will be the simplest option.

Expect:

• Dedicated pickup and drop-off zones
• Heavy traffic before and after matches
• Surge pricing around kick-off and full-time

Matchday Shuttle Services

The official public transport option will connect the Trinity Railway Express (TRE) network with AT&T Stadium.

The process works as follows:

1. Take the TRE from Dallas or Fort Worth.
2. Exit at CentrePort/DFW Airport Station.
3. Board the complimentary matchday shuttle bus.
4. Travel to the designated stadium bus hub.
5. Walk approximately half a mile to the stadium entrances.

A valid match ticket will be required to use the complimentary shuttle service.

Driving and Parking

Parking is available around the stadium, but it can be expensive, ranging from $20 to $70+.

Allow extra time for traffic, particularly after matches.

Public Transport

Unlike many major World Cup host cities, Arlington does not have a conventional rail system.

The city's Via Arlington on-demand transport service is available but may be slower than rideshare options on busy matchdays.

Where to stay near AT&T Stadium

Arlington has a wide range of accommodation options, from premium hotels within walking distance of AT&T Stadium to more affordable choices a short drive away.

Best hotels within walking distance of AT&T Stadium

These hotels are located in the Entertainment District, putting you just a 10 to 15‑minute walk from both AT&T Stadium and Texas Live!. They’re ideal for fans who want to stay close to the action and avoid matchday traffic.

Live! by Loews – Arlington
A modern, upscale hotel right beside Texas Live!, offering excellent facilities, bars, restaurants and views of both stadiums. Perfect for supporters wanting a premium matchday experience.

Sheraton Arlington Hotel
Situated next to the convention centre and Globe Life Field, the Sheraton offers spacious rooms, a large pool area and easy pedestrian access to the stadium.

Courtyard by Marriott Arlington Entertainment District
A reliable mid‑range option with comfortable rooms and a great location. Popular with travelling sports fans thanks to its proximity to both stadiums.

Best Budget Hotels near Dallas Stadium

If you’re looking to save money while staying within a short drive of the stadium, these hotels offer good value without being too far from the action.

Red Roof Inn Arlington
A simple, affordable option close to the Entertainment District. Ideal for fans who just need a clean room and easy access to the stadium.

Days Inn by Wyndham Six Flags
Located near Six Flags Over Texas, this hotel offers budget‑friendly rooms and quick access to the main roads leading to AT&T Stadium.

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Arlington
A popular mid‑budget choice with free breakfast, comfortable rooms and convenient access to both the stadium and theme park.