The World Soccer Matches 2026 are set to be a monumental event, marking the first time the tournament will be hosted by three countries: the United States, Mexico, and Canada. With 16 host cities and venues spread across North America, this Cup promises not only thrilling soccer matches but also incredible opportunities to explore diverse cultures, landmarks, and attractions. Check out the two locations in Texas- Dallas and Houston!

Dallas, Texas – AT&T Stadium

Dallas Venue Highlights

AT&T Stadium, famously known as “Jerry World”, is one of the largest and most technologically advanced stadiums in the world. With a capacity of 94,000, it is an architectural marvel featuring a retractable roof and one of the largest high-definition video boards in sports. The stadium is home to the Dallas Cowboys and frequently hosts major sporting events, concerts, and entertainment spectacles. Its state-of-the-art amenities, luxurious suites, and immersive fan experience make it a premier venue for hosting a FIFA World Soccer match.

Things to Do Near the Stadium

Dallas is a vibrant city filled with history, culture, and entertainment. If you're in town for a match at AT&T Stadium, here are some must-visit attractions:

Near AT&T Stadium (Arlington, TX)

• Texas Live! – A dynamic entertainment district located right next to the stadium, featuring restaurants, bars, live music, and sports lounges to enjoy pre- and post-game festivities.

• Globe Life Field – Just across the street from AT&T Stadium, this is the home of the Texas Rangers. Catch a baseball game or take a stadium tour.

• Six Flags Over Texas – One of the most famous amusement parks in the U.S., featuring thrilling roller coasters and family-friendly rides.

• River Legacy Park – A peaceful escape from the city with hiking and biking trails along the Trinity River.

Things to Do in Dallas (30-Minute Drive from the Stadium)

• Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza – A must-visit for history buffs, this museum chronicles the life, legacy, and assassination of President John F. Kennedy at the very location where it happened.

• Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden – A 66-acre urban oasis with stunning seasonal flower displays, walking paths, and scenic views of White Rock Lake.

• Deep Ellum – Dallas’ iconic arts and music district, known for its live music venues, vibrant street art, and craft breweries. Great for nightlife, unique shopping, and dining.

• Reunion Tower – One of the most recognizable landmarks in the Dallas skyline, offering a 360-degree observation deck with breathtaking views of the city.

• Perot Museum of Nature and Science – A fantastic stop for families or science enthusiasts, featuring interactive exhibits, dinosaur fossils, and space exploration displays.

• Dallas Museum of Art – One of the largest art museums in the country, featuring an extensive collection of European, Asian, and American art.

• Bishop Arts District – A charming neighborhood filled with local boutiques, coffee shops, and top-rated restaurants offering a more relaxed experience away from the downtown crowds.

How to Enjoy Dallas Beyond the Stadium

Dallas is a city that blends modern innovation with Western charm. To make the most of your visit:

• Indulge in Texas BBQ – Dallas is home to some of the best barbecue joints in the country. Be sure to try Pecan Lodge, Cattleack BBQ, or Hutchins BBQ for authentic smoked brisket and ribs.

• Experience the Cowboy Culture – Visit the Fort Worth Stockyards (about 30 minutes from Dallas) for rodeo events, cattle drives, and country music in a historic Western setting.

• Shop in Style – The Dallas Galleria and NorthPark Center are premier shopping destinations offering luxury brands and unique boutiques.

• Explore the Food Scene – In addition to BBQ, Dallas is known for Tex-Mex cuisine, gourmet steakhouses, and trendy food halls like Legacy Food Hall.

• Catch a Concert or Game – Besides soccer, you can watch the Dallas Mavericks (NBA), Dallas Stars (NHL), or FC Dallas (MLS) while in town. The city’s music scene also brings top-tier concerts to venues like the American Airlines Center and Dos Equis Pavilion.

Road Travel & Tips for Navigating Dallas & Arlington

Dallas is a car-friendly city, but traffic can be challenging. Here are some tips for smooth travel:

• Avoid Rush Hour – Traffic is heaviest from 7:00–9:30 AM and 4:00–7:00 PM. If driving from Arlington to downtown Dallas, plan accordingly.

• Use Ride-Sharing or Public Transit – DART (Dallas Area Rapid Transit) offers light rail and bus services, though most visitors rely on Uber or Lyft for convenience.

• Parking at AT&T Stadium – Event-day parking fills up quickly, so it’s best to pre-book parking via the stadium’s official website or park at Texas Live! for easier access.

• RV-Friendly Parking & Camping – If traveling by RV, staying near Dallas attractions and using rideshare services to get to the stadium is a smart move.

Why Dallas is a Great City to Host a World Soccer Match

Dallas is an ideal host city for a FIFA World Soccer match, offering a mix of modern infrastructure, a thriving sports culture, and a central U.S. location that makes it accessible to fans traveling from across the country and the world.

• AT&T Stadium’s Size & Technology – With a capacity of 94,000, cutting-edge technology, and a climate-controlled retractable roof, the venue is perfect for large international events.

• International Travel Hub – Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) is one of the busiest airports in the world, offering direct flights to numerous international destinations.

• Passionate Soccer Community – Dallas has a strong soccer culture, with FC Dallas as an MLS team and one of the top youth soccer programs in the country. The city has also hosted major international soccer matches before.

• Diverse & Exciting Atmosphere – Dallas is home to a diverse population, ensuring an exciting blend of cultures, food, and fan engagement.

• Proven Track Record of Hosting Major Events – From the Super Bowl to the College Football Playoff, Dallas has successfully hosted high-profile global sporting events.

Houston, Texas – NRG Stadium

Houston Venue Highlights

NRG Stadium, with a capacity of 72,220, is a versatile, world-class venue that hosts everything from NFL games (home to the Houston Texans) to rodeos, concerts, and international soccer matches. Known for being the first NFL stadium with a retractable roof, it provides a comfortable game-day experience regardless of weather conditions. With top-tier facilities, excellent sightlines, and a history of hosting major sporting events, it’s a premier destination for FIFA World Soccer matches.

NRG Stadium is part of the larger NRG Park complex, which includes the Astrodome, NRG Arena, and NRG Center, making it a central hub for sports and entertainment in Houston.

Things to Do Near the Stadium

Houston is a dynamic city with a mix of science, culture, and outdoor beauty. If you're attending a match at NRG Stadium, take some time to explore these nearby attractions:

Near NRG Stadium

• Houston Zoo – Located just a few miles from the stadium, this 55-acre zoo is home to over 6,000 animals, making it a great stop for families.

• Hermann Park – A beautiful green space featuring walking trails, picnic areas, pedal boats, and the scenic McGovern Centennial Gardens.

• Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo – If visiting in March, experience the world’s largest rodeo hosted at NRG Stadium, featuring rodeo events, concerts, and carnival fun.

Things to Do in Houston (Short Drive from NRG Stadium)

• Space Center Houston – One of Houston’s top attractions, this NASA-affiliated center offers interactive exhibits, real spacecraft displays, astronaut training experiences, and tours of Johnson Space Center. A must-visit for space enthusiasts!

• Houston Museum District – Home to 19 museums, this area is a cultural hotspot with options for art lovers, history buffs, and science enthusiasts. Popular stops include:

• Museum of Fine Arts, Houston – One of the largest art museums in the U.S.

• Houston Museum of Natural Science – Famous for its dinosaur skeletons and planetarium.

• Children’s Museum Houston – An interactive museum perfect for families.

• Buffalo Bayou Park – A 160-acre urban oasis where visitors can bike, kayak, or take a scenic walk along Houston’s waterfront. The park features unique underground cistern tours, public art installations, and skyline views.

• The Galleria – The largest shopping mall in Texas, featuring high-end designer stores, popular retailers, restaurants, and even an indoor ice skating rink.

• Discovery Green – A lively downtown park that frequently hosts concerts, festivals, food trucks, and outdoor movie nights.

• Houston’s Theater District – One of the country’s largest performing arts districts, home to the Houston Symphony, Houston Ballet, and Broadway-caliber shows.

How to Enjoy Houston Beyond the Stadium

Houston is a sprawling city with a mix of big-city attractions and Southern hospitality. To get the most out of your visit:

• Indulge in Houston’s Famous Food Scene – Houston is one of the best food cities in America, known for its Tex-Mex, barbecue, and diverse international cuisine. Must-try spots include:

• Killen’s BBQ – One of the most famous barbecue joints in Texas.

• Ninfa’s on Navigation – A Houston institution known for fajitas and margaritas.

• Crawfish & Noodles – Houston has a thriving Vietnamese-Cajun food scene, and this spot is known for its spicy crawfish boils.

• Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen – A go-to for fresh Gulf Coast seafood.

• Check Out Houston’s Nightlife – Areas like Midtown, Montrose, and Washington Avenue are packed with bars, live music venues, and rooftop lounges.

• Visit the Houston Rodeo (If in Season) – If you're visiting in March, don’t miss the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, which brings together rodeo competitions, live concerts, carnival rides, and Texas-sized food.

• Explore Houston’s Cultural Neighborhoods –

• Chinatown & Asiatown – A massive hub for authentic Asian cuisine, bubble tea, and unique shopping.

• The Heights – A trendy neighborhood with craft breweries, boutique shopping, and great brunch spots.

• EaDo (East Downtown) – Home to Houston Dynamo FC’s soccer stadium, graffiti murals, and cool taco spots.

Road Travel & Tips for Navigating Houston

Houston is one of the largest cities in the U.S., so getting around requires some planning:

• Expect Heavy Traffic – Houston is known for congested highways, especially during rush hour (7:00–9:00 AM & 4:00–7:00 PM).

• Use Toll Roads for Faster Travel – Some highways, like the Sam Houston Tollway and Hardy Toll Road, can help avoid traffic, but they require EZ TAG or TxTag payment.

• Public Transportation is Limited – While METRORail has a few light rail lines, the city is best navigated by car or rideshare (Uber/Lyft).

• Parking at NRG Stadium – There are multiple parking lots around NRG Park, but spots fill up quickly on game days. Consider arriving early or using park-and-ride shuttle services.

• RV-Friendly Stays Near Houston –

• Lake Houston Wilderness Park – A beautiful campground surrounded by nature, offering a peaceful retreat away from the city.

• Traders Village RV Park – Located closer to the city, this RV park is near a large flea market and offers full hookups.

Why Houston is a Great City to Host a World Soccer Match

Houston’s diverse population, sports culture, and modern infrastructure make it an excellent choice for hosting FIFA World Soccer matches at NRG Stadium.

• World-Class Soccer Community – Houston is home to Houston Dynamo (MLS) and Houston Dash (NWSL), and the city frequently hosts international soccer matches and tournaments.

• Massive International Population – Houston is one of the most diverse cities in the U.S., with a global community that will bring energy and passion to the games.

• Top-Tier Venue – NRG Stadium’s climate-controlled environment, massive seating capacity, and state-of-the-art amenities make it a premier location for a global sporting event.

• Houston is an International Hub – With George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) and William P. Hobby Airport (HOU), the city is easily accessible from around the world.

• Proven Track Record for Hosting Major Events – Houston has successfully hosted events like the Super Bowl, NCAA Final Four, and Copa América, proving it can handle large-scale international crowds.

As Dallas and Houston prepare for the 2026 Cup, Texas is a must-visit for your itinerary. The state boasts a rich culture full of sports-loving experiences, good food and unique cultural offerings.