North Texas – The wait is almost over and within 24 hours we will find out whether Dallas will host the 2026 FIFA World Cup Finals.
“It's a dream come true for a soccer fan to be able to have the World Cup final here at home,” said Edward Salas, a longtime soccer fan.
Back in June 2022, Dallas was chosen as one of 16 North American cities to host some of the FIFA World Cup matches in 2026, but FIFA officials announced on Sunday which city would ultimately host the World Cup finals. We plan to announce whether the event will be held. And some media reports predict that AT&T Stadium in Arlington will get that slot.
Soccer fan Carlos Ferrfino said, “It has to be in 'Jerry's World' and it has to be. I know he's going to do everything he can to get it here.” “AT&T Stadium is one of the most beautiful stadiums in the entire world.”
We met a few soccer fans at the Soccer 90 store in Frisco. They say the chance to watch a World Cup match in their own backyard, finals or not, is what makes their dreams come true.
“Germany when I was six years old, then South Africa, Brazil, Qatar, and now the United States. You know, it's a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” Ferfino said.
“I save every penny from work to buy tickets,” Ezequial Beteta said.
Experts say hosting the World Cup finals at AT&T Stadium would draw international attention to North Texas.
“Imagine a million tourists coming to town if we get this great news on February 4th. Imagine having 12 to 18 Super Bowls in five and a half weeks. “It's going to be,” said Larry Lundy, Dallas' longtime sports marketing director.
“All the people, the other countries, the atmosphere, that's what football fans live for,” Salas said.
FIFA officials will reveal the full World Cup match schedule and the location of the final match tomorrow in a special live broadcast starting at 2:00 pm CT.
The date for the final has already been set for July 19, 2026.