We tried to tell you.
As the World Cup moves into its knockout stages, fans from several countries have experienced matches in some of the United States’ top stadiums. Among those earning positive reviews throughout the tournament are Dallas Stadium in Arlington and Los Angeles Stadium in Inglewood, California. What about the venue for the World Cup final?
Sunday’s announcement drew mixed reactions from soccer fans across the metroplex. Businesses involved in the DFW soccer scene expect a huge boost from World Cup visitors. NBC 5’s Keenan Willard shows how they’re already preparing for 2026.
After Saturday’s England-Panama match at New York New Jersey Stadium, a few English fans and journalists wondered why cities like Dallas and Los Angeles weren’t considered for the final. The biggest complaints from Saturday included the commute to the stadium in New Jersey, the stadium’s pitch and the venue’s general design.
FIFA officially revealed New York/New Jersey Stadium (normally known as MetLife Stadium) as the venue for the World Cup final in February 2024. The area was picked over Dallas due to New York’s international reputation. More global fans are familiar with New York City than with Arlington.
Read more from our media partners, The Dallas Morning News.
Dallas was named one of 16 host cities for the 2026 World Cup back in June 2022. Though Arlington’s AT&T Stadium was rumored as the favorite to host the final, that honor went to New York/New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium.