Soccer News
Dallas named a host city for FIFA World Cup 26 soccer semifinals
It helps cement Dallas' status as a player in the soccer world.
Dallas has been chosen as one of 16 cities across North America and Mexico to host the FIFA World Cup 26. According to a release, nine matches in the event will be played at AT&T Stadium in Arlington.
That represents a bit of a consolation prize, since Dallas got neither the opening game, which went to Los Angelas, nor the final, which went to New York. But Dallas did net the most group stage matches.
FIFA World Cup 26 is anticipated to be the biggest sports event ever, with three Host Countries, 16 Host Cities, 48 teams, and 104 matches uniting an entire continent to showcase a momentous new tournament format. With all those countries, cities, teams, and games, FIFA World Cup 26 will surely be the most inclusive tournament ever, engaging fans across 16 stadiums and billions worldwide.
The tournament will take place in June and July 2026.
In a statement, Dallas Sports Commission Executive Director Monica Paul said there is no greater sporting event in the world and will bring great riches and fortune about DFW.
"The matches will bring unprecedented attention to Dallas, attracting hundreds of thousands of fans to our region for the largest and most inclusive World Cup in the tournament's rich history," Paul said. "We look forward to shining in the global spotlight, showcasing Dallas, the stadium, and the entire region as a world-class destination for this once-in-a-generation event."
In 1994, Dallas served as a FIFA World Cup host city with matches played at the historic Cotton Bowl Stadium.
FC Dallas President and Dallas FIFA World Cup 26 Chairman Dan Hunt said in a statement that it helps showcase Dallas' role in the soccer world.
"We have a rich soccer history in Dallas/Fort Worth and this historic announcement not only underscores the world-class nature of our region but also cements our place in the global soccer landscape," Hunt said.
They anticipate that millions will travel to Dallas and the 15 other Host Cities across the United States, Mexico, and Canada for FIFA World Cup 26 matches: Atlanta, Boston, Guadalajara, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Mexico City, Miami, Monterrey, New York/New Jersey, Philadelphia, San Francisco Bay Area, Seattle, Toronto, and Vancouver.
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