Road to USA 2026: discovering the cities that will host the World Cup – Episode 2
Number of games: Nine, including a semi-final – the most games of any host city
1. Affectionately known as “the Ball” by locals, Reunion Tower’s 470-foot-high observation deck offers breathtaking 360-degree views of Dallas. On a clear day, use the telescopes to spot the stadium from over 18 miles away.
2. Dine at Crown Block, the Michelin-recommended steakhouse on the tower’s 17th story.
3. Devour world-famous Texas barbecue at Pecan Lodge, located in the vibrant, jazz-filled, mural-covered neighborhood of Deep Ellum. Try staples like brisket or Southern fried chicken, or sample local favorites such as smoked jalapeño sausage and okra. If there’s any room left, top it off with a Texas Tumbleweed cookie.
4. Everything is bigger in Texas, and the Dallas Arts District is the largest arts district in the nation. Iconic institutions like the Dallas Museum of Art, the Nasher Sculpture Center, and the Crow Museum of Asian Art are getting some new neighbors: brand-new murals that are being painted in Downtown Dallas just for the tournament.
5. Tour the vast AT&T Stadium to see the home of the Dallas Cowboys, the world’s largest domed structure, and over 300 pieces of art. 15. Housed in the Toyota Stadium in Frisco, the National Soccer Hall of Fame showcases 400 pieces of memorabilia, including Women’s tournament trophies and championship jerseys. Visitors can experience the Beautiful Game through virtual reality, design a custom scarf to take home, or build their own fantasy team.
OVERTIME GOALS: ROAD TRIPS FROM DALLAS
Dallas is also the perfect gateway to discovering some of the most fascinating destinations in Texas. From live music and creative energy to historic missions, scenic countryside, and authentic small-town charm, these road trips offer visitors a deeper look at the Lone Star State.
• Austin, Texas – The state capital, famous for its live music scene, food culture, and vibrant nightlife.
• Waco, Texas – A rapidly growing destination known for its historic landmarks, family attractions, and Texas hospitality.
• San Antonio, Texas – Home to the iconic Alamo, the picturesque River Walk, and a rich blend of Mexican and Texan heritage.
• Fredericksburg, Texas – A charming Hill Country town renowned for its wineries, German roots, and scenic landscapes.
• Hico, Texas – A small historic town that captures the spirit of the Old West and authentic rural Texas.
• Lockhart, Texas – Widely considered the barbecue capital of Texas and a must-visit destination for food lovers.
• Marble Falls, Texas – Surrounded by lakes and rolling hills, it offers outdoor adventures and some of the state’s most beautiful natural scenery.
Dallas Stadium (AT&T Stadium)
Capacity: 94,000
Opened: 2009
FIFA World Cup 2026 Schedule: Five group-stage matches, two Round of 32 matches, one Round of 16 match, and one semi-final.
AT&T Stadium is one of the largest and most iconic sports venues in the world. Located in Arlington, between Dallas and Fort Worth, the stadium combines cutting-edge technology, impressive architecture, and an unmatched fan experience, making it one of the premier venues of the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Opened in 2009, the stadium is best known as the home of the Dallas Cowboys, the NFL’s most valuable franchise and five-time Super Bowl champions. Designed by renowned architect Bryan Trubey, the venue features a retractable roof and massive glass doors that can open to create an outdoor atmosphere while maintaining the comfort of a modern indoor stadium.
One of its most famous features is the giant center-hung video board, which stretches nearly 90 meters (295 feet) in length and remains one of the largest high-definition video screens ever installed in a sports arena. Combined with state-of-the-art sound systems and premium seating options, it offers spectators a truly unique viewing experience.
Since its inauguration, AT&T Stadium has hosted many of the biggest sporting and entertainment events in the United States. These include Super Bowl XLV, the 2015 College Football Playoff National Championship, the 2018 NFL Draft, NCAA Men’s Final Four tournaments, Big 12 Championship Games, the Cotton Bowl Classic, AMA Supercross events, world championship boxing matches, and numerous international soccer fixtures.
The stadium has also become a major venue for international football, regularly hosting matches involving the Mexican national team, the Concacaf Gold Cup, and high-profile club friendlies featuring some of the world’s biggest teams.
During the FIFA World Cup 2026, AT&T Stadium will play a central role in the tournament. With nine matches scheduled, including a semi-final, it will host more World Cup games than any other venue, further cementing its reputation as one of the world’s leading sports and entertainment destinations.
Did You Know? The stadium covers more than 3 million square feet and its retractable roof spans approximately 122 meters (400 feet), making it one of the largest and most technologically advanced stadium structures ever built.
