{"id":376254,"date":"2026-07-17T01:06:13","date_gmt":"2026-07-17T01:06:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/376254\/"},"modified":"2026-07-17T01:06:13","modified_gmt":"2026-07-17T01:06:13","slug":"a-look-back-at-the-top-moments-from-tarrant-countys-first-world-cup","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/376254\/","title":{"rendered":"A look back at the top moments from Tarrant County\u2019s first World Cup"},"content":{"rendered":"

by Chris Moss, Fort Worth Report
July 16, 2026<\/p>\n

Over the past month, the 2026 FIFA World Cup brought together thousands of fans from across the globe to celebrate the beautiful game of soccer in the city of Arlington.<\/p>\n

After North Texas\u2019 nine matches, the most of any host city, it may be hard to recall each of those moments. Luckily, the Fort Worth Report documented it.<\/p>\n

From fan marches to raucous watch parties, here are the top moments from Tarrant County\u2019s World Cup debut.<\/p>\n

Honorable mention: Fans of Japan and Norway bring traditions to Arlington<\/p>\n

\"\"Norway players perform the Viking row after the World Cup round of 32 soccer match between Ivory Coast and Norway in Arlington, June 30, 2026. (Tony Gutierrez | AP archives)<\/p>\n

\"\"Norway fans perform a Viking row before the World Cup round of 32 soccer match between Ivory Coast and Norway in Arlington, June 30, 2026. (Jessica Tobias | AP archives)<\/p>\n

\"\"Japan supporters collect trash from the stadium following the World Cup Group F soccer match between Japan and Sweden in Arlington, June 25, 2026. (Sam Hodde | AP archives)<\/p>\n

One of the most intriguing parts of the World Cup was seeing fan moments on social media. Specifically, two national fan bases of the 15 teams that played in Arlington went viral for completely different reasons.<\/p>\n

Fans of Japan are known as the most respectful at the World Cup. Following the team\u2019s two games in Arlington, Japan supporters continued their tradition<\/a> of leaving the stadium better than when they arrived by picking up trash.<\/p>\n

Meanwhile, Norway went into the tournament with tempered expectations but emerged as one of the most successful underdogs behind star striker Erling Haaland, who took kindly to the Texas spirit<\/a>. Videos of the Norwegian fans\u2019 \u201cViking row\u201d celebration went viral, and local attendees got to join in<\/a> following the team\u2019s 2-1 victory over Ivory Coast.<\/p>\n

Honorable mention: Jordan fans wave goodbye to first WC berth at Levitt Pavilion<\/p>\n

\"\"Fans sit in front of a screen watching Jordan play Argentina in the FIFA World Cup on June 27, 2026. (McKinnon Rice | Fort Worth Report)<\/p>\n

\"\"A fan waves his keffiyeh in the air in support of Jordan at Levitt Pavilion in Arlington on June 27, 2026. (McKinnon Rice | Fort Worth Report)<\/p>\n

\"\"Fans, one holding a darbuka drum and the other waving a keffiyeh, stand in support of Jordan at the Levitt Pavilion on June 27, 2026. (McKinnon Rice | Fort Worth Report)<\/p>\n

Reigning world champion Argentina took the field at Dallas Stadium against Jordan, who had already failed to reach the knockout stages with two straight losses.<\/p>\n

However, you wouldn\u2019t be able to tell that the game was Jordan\u2019s last of the tournament from the energy of its fans.<\/p>\n

Over the weekend ahead and during the game, Visit Jordan sponsored a fan event at the Levitt Pavilion to celebrate the team<\/a>\u2019s first World Cup berth. Despite the Arab nation\u2019s 3-1 loss, the energy from its goal will live on in the hearts of fans.<\/p>\n

5. Arlington hosts semifinal thriller between Spain and France<\/p>\n

\"\"Spain fans pass Globe Life Field as they head to Dallas Stadium for the World Cup semifinal in Arlington on July 14, 2026. (Chris Moss | Arlington Report)
\n\"\"Miguel Briega, fan from Spain, chants during a parade before the World Cup Spain vs. French game July 14, 2026, at Dallas Stadium in Arlington. (Christine Vo | Fort Worth Report)<\/p>\n

Spain\u2019s 2-0 win over France in Dallas Stadium\u2019s final World Cup game represented the finishing touch on a monthslong celebration of sports and culture.<\/p>\n

The European rivals were the top two ranked teams worldwide at the time of the game, and Spain fans came out in full force<\/a> to support their team ahead of the game.<\/p>\n

The match didn\u2019t disappoint. Spain, the technical underdogs, took control and advanced to the World Cup final. Fun fact: The teams that will face each other in the final, Spain and Argentina, each played in Arlington twice during the tournament.<\/p>\n

4. Mansfield welcomes soccer to its doorstep<\/p>\n

\"\"Equipment stands ready for the Czechia national soccer team as part of the team\u2019s open practice June 6, 2026, at Texas Health Mansfield Stadium. (Joseph Morgan | Fort Worth Report)<\/p>\n

\"\"North Texas SC players prepare on the sidelines with trainers before the inaugural match, July 4, 2026, at Texas Health Mansfield Stadium. (Joseph Morgan | Fort Worth Report)<\/p>\n

\"\"Members of the Czech Republic national soccer team jog around the perimeter of the pitch during their open practice June 6, 2026, at Texas Health Mansfield Stadium. The practice marked one of the team\u2019s first public appearances in Texas ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. (Joseph Morgan | Fort Worth Report)<\/p>\n

The World Cup\u2019s impact isn\u2019t just felt in cities like Arlington, Dallas and Fort Worth. In North Texas, the impact reached Mansfield.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The city officially opened its new multisport stadium to the Czech national team<\/a>, fans<\/a> and the North Texas Soccer Club<\/a> over the span of a month. The moment signified a new beginning for the city, as leaders aim to make it another regional soccer gateway.<\/p>\n

3. U.S. and Mexico fans celebrate the home tournament<\/p>\n

\nUnited States fans cheer as their team scores a second goal in the 82nd minute in a match against Bosnia-Herzegovina on July 1, 2026, in Arlington. (Maria Crane | Fort Worth Report\/CatchLight Local\/Report for America)\n<\/p>\n

\"\"Fans cheer during the World Cup Mexico vs. England game July 5, 2026, at Texas Live! in Arlington. (Christine Vo | Fort Worth Report)<\/p>\n

In the first World Cup in North America since 1994, all three host countries successfully won a knockout stage game and advanced to the round of 16.<\/p>\n

Though the three teams didn\u2019t play in Arlington during this World Cup, jerseys representing Mexico and the U.S. flooded Tarrant\u2019s bars and spaces<\/a> like Sundance Square for watch parties.<\/p>\n

2. Messi makes history in Arlington<\/p>\n

\"\"Argentina\u2019s Lionel Messi, left, runs celebrating after scoring the opening goal during the World Cup Group J soccer match between Argentina and Austria in Arlington, June 22, 2026. (Julio Cortez | AP archives)
\n\"\"Argentina fans cheer and sing outside Dallas Stadium before the World Cup match between Argentina and Austria on June 22, 2026, in Arlington. (Maria Crane | Fort Worth Report\/CatchLight Local\/Report for America)<\/p>\n

In the days ahead of Argentina\u2019s first game in Arlington, the stage was set for one of the sport\u2019s most historic goals. In the country\u2019s first match of the tournament, Lionel Messi scored a hat-trick that drew him level with previous record-holder Miroslav Klose for the most goals in World Cup history.<\/p>\n

Though it may have felt like a foregone conclusion that Messi would score against Austria in Arlington, the reaction was still the same when the moment happened: pure jubilation and a goal for the record books<\/a> in Tarrant County.<\/p>\n

1. The first match and the Dutch invasion<\/p>\n

\"\"Thousands of Netherlands fans walk in the Dutch Orange Bus parade June 14, 2026, to Dallas Stadium in Arlington. (Christine Vo | Fort Worth Report)<\/p>\n

\"\"Abilene resident Nathan Sanders welcomes fans to Texas with free sweet tea before the World Cup\u2019s Netherlands vs. Japan game June 14, 2026, at Dallas Stadium in Arlington. Sanders said he felt compelled to be a welcoming presence. (Christine Vo | Fort Worth Report)<\/p>\n

The World Cup\u2019s opener took place in Mexico City three days before the tournament arrived at Dallas Stadium, but the energy in Arlington for the first Tarrant County World Cup match couldn\u2019t be contained.<\/p>\n

Fears, doubts and anticipation all washed away when the Netherlands\u2019 Orange Army swarmed the Entertainment District ahead of a thrilling 2-2 draw with Japan.<\/p>\n

Between the sights, energy and success of the first match, it was inevitable that this moment<\/a> in time would eclipse the rest of the tournament.<\/p>\n

\"\"San Antonio resident Geronimo Gauchat, left, kicks the ball to his dad Dominic Gauchat before the World Cup\u2019s Netherlands vs. Japan game June 14, 2026, at Dallas Stadium in Arlington. Dominic has connections to four teams in the World Cup and said despite the rankings, anything can happen. (Christine Vo | Fort Worth Report)<\/p>\n

Disclosure: Jordan Tourism Board is a financial sponsor of the Fort Worth Report and the Arlington Report.<\/p>\n

Chris Moss is a reporter for the Arlington Report. Contact him at chris.moss@arlingtonreport.org<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Photo editor: Maria Crane. Additional photography by Chris Moss, Joseph Morgan, McKinnon Rice, Christine Vo and AP.<\/p>\n

At the Arlington Report, news decisions are made independently of our board members and financial supporters. Read more about our editorial independence policy here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

This <a target=”_blank” href=”https:\/\/fortworthreport.org\/2026\/07\/16\/a-look-back-at-the-top-moments-from-tarrant-countys-first-world-cup\/”>article<\/a> first appeared on <a target=”_blank” href=”https:\/\/fortworthreport.org”>Fort Worth Report<\/a> and is republished here under a <a target=”_blank” href=”https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nd\/4.0\/”>Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License<\/a>.<img src=”https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/fortworthreport.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/cropped-favicon.png?resize=150%2C150&amp;ssl=1″ style=”width:1em;height:1em;margin-left:10px;”><\/p>\n

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