An inside look at Dallas-Fort Worth's last-ditch efforts to bring the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final to Arlington

WFAA
Author: Matt Houston (WFAA)
Published: 8:31 PM CDT October 24, 2023
Updated: 11:24 PM CDT October 24, 2023

ARLINGTON, Texas — Metroplex leaders are making one last push to convince FIFA executives that the 2026 World Cup Final should be played in Arlington.

AT&T Stadium is guaranteed to host a few World Cup matches, but securing the last game of the tournament, and the maximum number of contests, would be an unprecedented boon to the local economy, analysts say. 

At most, Arlington could host eight matches. 

For months, soccer industry insiders have speculated that DFW is a frontrunner to secure the final.  

"We think we're in the mix, obviously," Dallas Cowboys executive vice president of business operations Chad Estis said Tuesday. "We were initially thrilled just to be able to host games. But we're competitive and maybe a little greedy, so trying to position ourselves for that final is something we've been hard at work on."

The Texas Rangers run to the world series gives Arlington another opportunity to prove it can host sports' biggest events. The visiting FIFA officials can't ignore it.

Cowboys VP of business operations Chad Estis: pic.twitter.com/jhNEXuK8me

— Matt Houston (@MattCHouston) October 24, 2023

FIFA World Cup chief operating officer Heimo Schirgi and other officials visited AT&T Stadium Tuesday for the last time before they plan to announce the tournament schedule. 

The group checked on setups for security, concessions and hospitality, and media.

They also analyzed the Dallas Cowboys' progress redesigning the stadium's playing surface to make room for a larger, natural grass pitch.  

"There is nothing that's not to like here," Schirgi said. "This is amazing."

The Texas Rangers run to the world series gives Arlington another opportunity to prove it can host sports' biggest events. The visiting FIFA officials can't ignore it.

Cowboys VP of business operations Chad Estis: pic.twitter.com/jhNEXuK8me

— Matt Houston (@MattCHouston) October 24, 2023

Some estimates suggest the World Cup will generate more than $400 million for the region and create roughly 3,000 jobs. Securing the matches also offers cities a rare opportunity to promote themselves on a global stage. 

The tournament is easily the world's largest sports spectacle. 

"This will be the largest event we've ever seen here in the North Texas area," Dallas Sports Commission executive director Monica Paul said Tuesday. "In essence, you have everything the Super Bowl has... We might have eight matches at AT&T Stadium, so we'd be looking at roughly eight Super Bowls."

Arlington is guaranteed a few matches, but securing the maximum 8 contests would be an unprecedented boon to the local economy.

Hosting a single World Cup match is similar to hosting the Super Bowl. Imagine multiplying that economic impact by (potentially) 8. pic.twitter.com/qxixow6nab

— Matt Houston (@MattCHouston) October 24, 2023

Local leaders are trying to convince FIFA officials that Arlington's booming entertainment district, with three major stadiums practically across the street from each other, is uniquely poised to host the World Cup final. 

FC Dallas president Dan Hunt envisions using Choctaw Stadium and Globe Life Field to host concerts on the days before the matches. Texas Live, the area's premiere entertainment venue, would also host thousands of fans for food, drinks, and music. 

Across the street, the Arlington Convention Center and its connected Loews hotels will be open by 2026. Construction on the nearby Medal of Honor Museum will also be finished. 

"You could cordon this whole area off and do a ticketed event of 200,000 or more," he said. "This would be something that I think would set the record. FIFA wants to continue to innovate. By doing this, we're doing something I'm not sure will ever be done again."

Arlington's rapidly-developing entertainment district is key to local leaders' pitch. There are three major stadiums basically across the street from each other.

FC Dallas president Dan Hunt envisions hosting concerts at Choctaw or Globe Life on days leading up to a match. pic.twitter.com/IwfpAeHax6

— Matt Houston (@MattCHouston) October 24, 2023

Hunt added that Jerry Jones and his family have never shown more interest in something unrelated to the Dallas Cowboys. 

The North Central Texas Council of Governments and other stakeholders are also developing a transportation plan to ensure international travelers can get to Arlington from DFW and Love Field. Officials said they discussed those plans with FIFA Tuesday. 

The World Series and next year's MLB All-Star Game will serve as test-runs that help leaders develop better transportation strategies ahead of 2026. 

The Texas Rangers' postseason success also comes at a key time, elevating the district's profile on the national stage. 

"FIFA is here and there's a lot of positivity around sports and the entertainment district," Estis said. "That can't hurt. They're very well aware of what this district has to offer and, certainly, we've been speaking to them about that." 

"The appetite for sports in this region is second-to-none," Schirgi said. "It's a special place. There is a special feeling coming here."