FIFA World Cup in pictures

15 photos that capture the thrilling FIFA World Cup opener in Dallas

Thirty-two years after Dallas last hosted FIFA World Cup action in 1994, the world's biggest sporting event returned to North Texas in spectacular fashion. On Sunday, June 14, a rainy morning gave way to blue skies and a packed Dallas Stadium as 69,285 fans witnessed what commentators later hailed as the best match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup so far: a dramatic 2-2 draw between Japan and the Netherlands in the Group F opener.

But the thrills didn't just happen on the pitch. Before the match, seas of orange-clad Dutch supporters transformed the Arlington Entertainment District into a global pep rally - complete with their famous Big Orange Bus. Afterwards, passionate Japanese fans who'd been waving bright blue bags in a frenzy during the game then used them to clean up trash before they left the stadium.

Just as memorable for local attendees was the first look at AT&T Stadium's World Cup makeover — complete with FIFA branding and its temporary tournament name, Dallas Stadium — along with a grass pitch that had been grown using specially installed technology.

Scroll through the gallery of 15 photos by talented Getty photographers, above, to relive the energy, emotion, color, and unforgettable moments from the 2026 FIFA World Cup opener in Dallas.

Then get fired up for Game 2 in Dallas: England vs. Croatia on Wednesday, June 17.

Netherlands v Japan: Group F - FIFA World Cup 2026

Photo by Charlotte Wilson/Getty Images

Japan fans cheer in the stands during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group F match between Netherlands and Japan at Dallas Stadium on June 14, 2026 in Arlington, Texas.

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Star power

Dallas Cowboys remain NFL’s most valuable team at staggering $16 billion

Photo by Evan Bernstein/Getty Images

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Despite last season’s record of 7-9-1 and this season’s opening loss to the New York Giants, the Dallas Cowboys remain the NFL’s golden team.

CNBC’s annual ranking of the NFL’s most valuable franchises once again puts the Cowboys at No. 1. Jerry Jones’ team is worth an estimated $16 billion based on 2025 figures, up from $12.5 billion the previous year. Just as noteworthy: The ’Boys were the only team to break the $1 billion mark for revenue, pulling in nearly $1.3 billion last year.

Jones, the team’s owner, president, and general manager, has practically transformed the Cowboys into an ATM. He bought the team in 1989 for only $150 million. Based on CNBC’s $16 billion estimate, the team’s value has jumped 10,567 percent over more than three decades.

In a 2016 interview with CNBC, Jones explained why he purchased the ’Boys: “I bought the Cowboys because I just wanted to be associated with sports and football. And I didn’t buy them for money.”

Two years later, Jones told Bloomberg that no amount of money would ever persuade him to sell the team.

“They’re a long-term asset, and my immediate family — which has been a part of making them what they are today — [will] own the Cowboys long after I’m gone,” he said.

Jerry Jones, Cowboys movie premiere Jerry Jones has good reason to give a thumbs up. Photo by Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images

The Cowboys make up just one component of Jones’ vast wealth. He also holds investments in the energy, real estate, hospitality and restaurant sectors. The Bloomberg Billionaires Index estimates his net worth at $20.9 billion.

Behind the Cowboys on CNBC’s most-valuable roster are the Los Angeles Rams, at $14.5 billion; Las Vegas Raiders, $13 billion; New York Giants, $12.5 billion; and New England Patriots, $12.25 billion.

What about the Cowboys’ archrival, the Philadelphia Eagles? With an estimated value of $11.5 billion, the Eagles roost at No. 8, according to CNBC.

And the Lone Star State’s other NFL team, the Houston Texans, sits at No. 15 with an estimated value of $9.9 billion.

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