‘We have set the standard’: Arlington Mayor Jim Ross on what went right during World Cup matches at Dallas Stadium

City officials say June hotel revenue reached a record $31 million as Arlington hosted eight FIFA World Cup matches so far.

ARLINGTON, Texas — Arlington is celebrating what city leaders are calling a record-breaking month for tourism after hosting eight FIFA World Cup matches, even as the tournament has yet to conclude.

Mayor Jim Ross said the city’s efforts during the tournament have exceeded expectations, from welcoming international visitors to generating record hotel revenue.

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“We have set the standard for the World Cup and everything out there,” Ross said in an interview with WFAA on Thursday. 

According to the City of Arlington, hotels generated a record $31 million in revenue in June 2026. The previous record was $23.5 million, set in November 2024, representing a 27% increase.

“I knew we were going to set a record. I didn’t know we were going to blow it that far out of the water,” Ross said.

The city also launched what officials described as the first ‘Ambassador Row’ program by a North American host city, placing multilingual ambassadors from the team’s countries near the stadium to help international visitors navigate any potential travel issues, such as losing a passport.

Ross said the initiative has drawn attention beyond North Texas.

“Our federal government is looking at what we did here and thinking this needs to be done in other places for other international events,” Ross said. “The Secretary of State for the U.S. has come in here and said, ‘We’re gonna recommend that L.A. do this for the Olympics.'”

Beyond the economic impact, Ross said one of the tournament’s biggest successes has been the atmosphere created by fans from around the world.

“I have been blown away by how everybody is treating each other,” Ross said.

Although Arlington hosted eight World Cup matches, Ross said he still believes the city should have been selected to host the tournament’s championship match.

“The president of FIFA didn’t tell me we should’ve picked Dallas, but I think they’re sitting thinking we should’ve had the final here in Texas,” Ross said. “He has told me that we have the best stadium ever worldwide.”

Looking ahead, Ross said Arlington plans to continue pursuing major international sporting events. He said the city hopes to play a role in the FIFA Women’s World Cup and remains committed to attracting future global competitions.

“We are going to stay active and involved in chasing these types of opportunities,” Ross said.

Ross also shared a longtime personal goal for the city.

“To have the Cowboys playing in a Super Bowl right here in Arlington, that would be really cool,” Ross said.

With the World Cup nearing its conclusion, Ross said the past month has demonstrated Arlington’s ability to host major international events and showcase the city on a global stage.