The World Cup kicks off in Arlington this Sunday. Here’s how it could affect traffic

Dallas Stadium will host nine World Cup matches between June 14 and July 14, more than any other stadium in the tournament.

ARLINGTON, Texas — The FIFA World Cup arrives in Arlington this Sunday, June 14, and even if you are not going to a match, the tournament could still affect how you get around North Texas.

Dallas Stadium will host nine World Cup matches between June 14 and July 14, more than any other stadium in the tournament. That includes five group-stage matches, two Round of 32 matches, one Round of 16 match and a semifinal on July 14.

For drivers, that means the Arlington Entertainment District will be one of the biggest traffic areas to watch over the next several weeks.

The stadium sits near several major corridors, including I-30, SH-360, Collins Street and Randol Mill Road. Those roads already carry heavy event traffic for Cowboys games, concerts and other major events. The difference with the World Cup is the size of the international crowd, the number of match days and the number of visitors who may not be familiar with driving in North Texas.

Traffic is expected to build several hours before kickoff and remain heavy after matches end. Drivers should plan for the biggest delays near Dallas Stadium, Globe Life Field, Texas Live! and the surrounding parking areas.

I-30 will likely be one of the main routes to watch, especially near the stadium exits. SH-360 could also see heavier traffic from drivers coming from DFW Airport, Grand Prairie, Irving and other parts of the region. Closer to the stadium, Collins Street and Randol Mill Road are expected to be especially busy as fans move in and out of the Entertainment District.

Division Street, also known as Highway 180, is another corridor worth watching. It may become an alternate option for some drivers trying to avoid backups on I-30, but that does not mean it will be clear. If navigation apps start sending large numbers of drivers that way, Division Street could also see heavier congestion, especially near major intersections.

The best advice for drivers is to check traffic conditions before heading through Arlington on match days, even if you are not going to the game. If your route normally takes you near the Entertainment District, it may be worth leaving earlier, using a different route or avoiding the area during peak arrival and exit windows.

Visitors should also remember that Dallas Stadium is in Arlington, not downtown Dallas. Hotels in Dallas, Fort Worth, Frisco, Las Colinas and near DFW Airport may all be part of the World Cup travel picture, but each one comes with a different drive and a different traffic pattern.

The biggest traffic impacts are expected around kickoff and again after the final whistle, but the effects could stretch beyond the stadium area. Airport traffic, rideshare demand, hotel shuttles, charter buses and pedestrian traffic could all add to congestion throughout the day.

For North Texas drivers, the main thing to know is this: World Cup match days will not feel like ordinary summer traffic in Arlington. Plan ahead, allow extra time and keep an eye on real-time conditions before driving near Dallas Stadium.