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DALLAS, TEXAS – AUGUST 7: FIFA World Cup Trophy is displayed at AT&T Stadium on August 7, 2024 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Omar Vega/FIFA via Getty Images)
DALLAS – In exactly one month, the 2026 FIFA World Cup will kick off in cities across North America.
With 48 teams and 104 matches across three countries, this will be the largest World Cup ever staged — and Dallas will be one of the most active host cities in the nation.
World Cup in Dallas
AT&T Stadium, which will be called Dallas Stadium during the tournament, will host nine matches.
Dallas’ full match schedule is as follows:
Group Stage: Sunday, June 14: Netherlands vs JapanGroup Stage: Wednesday, June 17: England vs CroatiaGroup Stage: Monday, June 22: Argentina vs AustriaGroup Stage: Thursday, June 25: Japan vs SwedenGroup Stage: Saturday, June 27: Jordan vs Argentina
Matches that will be determined by performance:
Round of 32: Tuesday, June 30Round of 32: Friday, July 3Round of 16: Monday, July 6Semi-final match: Tuesday, July 14
Stadiums in Frisco and Mansfield will also act as base camps for teams from Sweden and Czcheia.
Global Superstars at Dallas Stadium 
LUSAIL CITY, QATAR – NOVEMBER 26: Lionel Messi #10 of Argentina drives the ball during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group C match between Argentina and Mexico at Lusail Stadium on November 26, 2022 in Lusail City, Qatar. (Photo by VCG/VCG via Getty
Some of world football’s biggest stars are confirmed to be taking the pitch at Dallas Stadium. Among them is Lionel Messi of Argentina, whose presence alone is expected to draw massive international attention. Possibly the most celebrated player in the world, Messi helped lead Argentina to become the current World Cup champions, is widely regarded as one of the standout athletes of this year’s tournament.
Fans in North Texas will also have the opportunity to watch Henry Kane of England, the captain of the England team known for his prowess as a high-scoring forward. The match-up between England and Croatia featuring Kane is expected to be one of the must-see fixtures of the group stage.
Fair Park Fan Festival
For those who don’t have a ticket to the game, the official FIFA fan fest at Fair Park in Dallas will turn into a massive watch party during the World Cup.
Fans can catch every match on giant screens at the Pavillion, plus enjoy live music, cultural events, a play area for children, and more.
The best part is that it’s free. Premium tickets will also be available for purchase.
U.S. Men’s National Team 
ARLINGTON, TX – MARCH 24: Gio Reyna #7 of the United States turning with the ball during the CONCACAF Nations League Final between Mexico and USMNT at AT&T Stadium on March 24, 2024 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Robin Alam/ISI Photos/Getty I
It’s possible the U.S. Men’s National Team could play in Dallas, depending on if they can advance from the group stage to the knockout round.
The team is in Group D, along with Paraguay, Australia, and Turkey. USMNT is the highest-ranked team in the group.
The first match for the U.S. Men’s National Team is on Friday, June 12 against Paraguay. Coverage starts at 5 p.m. on FOX 4. Then on Friday, June 19, the U.S. takes on Australia with coverage starting at noon. Their final group stage match is on Thursday, June 25 against Turkey. Coverage starts at 8 p.m.
In the last World Cup, the USMNT made it to the knockout round. The closest the team has ever been to a title was nearly 100 years ago when it finished third.
Virtually no one expects the USMNT to win the entire thing, but FOX Sports is thinking big with a new promotional campaign – the Impossible Dream.
Security Upgrades 
Dallas area law enforcement is ramping up security for the World Cup.
Fans can expect to see more officers on the ground for matches and fan festivals.
Dallas police are getting more than $22 million in federal funding for staffing and high-tech equipment like new cameras, portable anti-ramming barriers, and utility vehicles. Another $10 million is set aside for drones.
Art and Exhibits 
The World Cup will also leave its mark on North Texas through art.
What’s being called the largest public art mural in Dallas is going up along the Trinity River at Harold Simmons Park. The mural will celebrate soccer, nature, and community, and is expected to take about 15 days to complete.
The George W. Bush Presidential Center is debuting a new soccer exhibit that aims to showcase Dallas’ long history with the worldwide sport. “Game Changer, United by Sports” will feature memorabilia from FC Dallas, Trinity FC, and the National Soccer Hall of Fame.
The Source: The information in this story comes from FOX 4 reporters Tisia Muzinga, Paige Ellenberger, and live interviews. Other details are from FOX Sports and FIFA.