Tears flowed and emotions ran high as FIFA confirmed that the reigning world champions, and arguably the greatest player of all time, will take the field at AT&T Stadium for World Cup matches.
The North Texas FIFA World Cup Organizing Committee may have felt a tinge of disappointment at missing out on hosting the 2026 Final. Yet consolation came in the form of AT&T Stadium being awarded the largest slate of matches in the tournament, nine in total, including a coveted semifinal.
That reward grew even sweeter on Saturday.
When FIFA unveiled the group-stage schedule, it handed five matches to the Cowboys’ home turf, two of them featuring Lionel Messi and Argentina.
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Argentina will take the field in Arlington on June 22 against Austria and again on June 27 versus Jordan, both fixtures in Group J.
The stadium Jerry Jones built in Arlington will also stage two Group F clashes: the Netherlands vs. Japan on June 14, and Japan against a European playoff qualifier on June 25.
The other group stage contest at AT&T Stadium will be a heavyweight showdown in Group L, with England facing Croatia on June 17.
In all, North Texas will welcome a dazzling lineup: Two former world champions (Argentina and England), a three-time runner-up (the Netherlands), and a nation that has finished in the top three of the last two World Cups (Croatia).
“It’s a very emotional moment,” Monica Paul, the president of the North Texas FIFA World Cup Organizing Committee, said from Washington after the World Cup schedule was announced.
Three years ago, Dallas was officially named a World Cup host city. But the local organizing committee has worked tirelessly for eight years to transform the region into a true epicenter of the world’s biggest sporting event.
When asked if she realized the historical legacy this meant for the region, Paul paused for a moment, fighting back tears. After regaining her composure, she spoke while her voice trembled with emotion.
“It’s incredibly moving to see everything come to life. Over the past eight years, so many people have helped us reach this point. I’m proud of what we’ve been able to accomplish,” Paul said.
Paul noted that with the teams now confirmed to play at AT&T Stadium, it won’t be long before decisions are made on which squad will select North Texas as their base camp.
“We’ve already met with several teams, and site visits are scheduled this week, possibly starting as early as tomorrow [Sunday] and continuing through next week,” Paul said. “We’ll be showcasing our base camps and training facilities. The teams are evaluating not only what works best for them, but also what will be most convenient for their fans.”
At Friday’s group-stage draw at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, Dan Hunt, co-chair of the North Texas World Cup Organizing Committee, called the group seeding an early Christmas gift, given the prospect of seeing top players and elite teams compete at AT&T Stadium.
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When Saturday brought the official confirmation of Messi’s presence, alongside powerhouses Argentina, the Netherlands, and England, Hunt again leaned into the holiday spirit.
“Today was like opening your presents and finding the batteries already inside, fully charged, ready to enjoy,” Hunt said.
Messi’s stature grows even larger ahead of the World Cup, after being crowned an MLS champion with Inter Miami CF on Saturday.
Hunt emphasized that FIFA’s decision to award AT&T Stadium five marquee group-stage matches was no coincidence.
“[FIFA] knew everything about us as a leadership team, our commitment to AT&T Stadium and what it can deliver, plus the facilities and infrastructure across the metroplex. That’s what secured those five games,” Hunt said. “There was intense competition for these matches, and FIFA had to decide where the strongest business and social case could be made. I think we did a great job of selling the metroplex, and I’m as thrilled as I’ve ever been. We truly won the lottery.”
As the son of Lamar Hunt, the pioneer of professional soccer not only in North Texas but across the United States, Dan Hunt expressed deep pride in contributing to both the growth of the sport and the broader community.
“I know what this will be. I understand what it means, but this isn’t about me. I’m grateful to have done this alongside so many great people”, he said. “Outside of being a dad, this is one of the greatest honors of my life. To be part of this, to share this passion with my fellow Texans. I hope it inspires a lifelong love of soccer and creates lasting memories for many people.”
How to buy 2026 World Cup tickets for AT&T Stadium games featuring Lionel Messi, Argentina
The next chance to apply for World Cup tickets, including specific matches in North Texas, opens next week on Dec. 11.
Lionel Messi, Argentina officially headed to AT&T Stadium for 2026 World Cup
Arlington’s AT&T Stadium will host a tournament-high nine matches in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Japan, The Netherlands, Croatia and England will also feature.
Find more World Cup coverage from The Dallas Morning News here.