Arlington Sets Tourism Record After 2026 Global Soccer Tournament
Published on July 28, 2026
By Arlington Convention & Visitors Bureau
Arlington welcomed hundreds of thousands of visitors from around the world this summer as AT&T Stadium hosted nine matches during the 2026 global soccer tournament, generating unprecedented economic activity for the city's hotels, restaurants, attractions and local businesses while showcasing Arlington on the world's biggest stage.
Nine matches in total were played in Arlington, including the tournament’s semifinal match, with an average crowd of 70,205 spectators seeing a total of 15 nations from four confederations compete at AT&T Stadium. Across the tournament, 631,843 fans attended matches in Arlington, creating an electric atmosphere throughout the city and bringing visitors from around the world to experience Arlington's hospitality, entertainment and attractions.
"This summer was a milestone for Arlington," said Brent DeRaad, President & CEO of the Arlington Convention & Visitors Bureau. "Hosting more matches than any other venue gave us a once-in-a-generation opportunity to introduce Arlington to the world. The increased demand across our hotels, restaurants, attractions and entertainment district demonstrated Arlington’s ability to host major international events and deliver experiences that keep visitors coming back."
Arlington Mayor Jim Ross said the tournament highlighted Arlington’s place as a global destination for major events and celebrations.
“Hosting these matches put Arlington on a world stage,” said Arlington Mayor Jim Ross. “The world’s top four men’s soccer teams played here, we hosted hundreds of thousands of visitors, and we introduced numerous international dignitaries to our incredible entertainment district and city. I am very proud of the many City of Arlington staff members and everyone else in our community who came together to provide world-class hospitality to our visitors. Congratulations to the many Arlington businesses that benefited in such a big way from this event.”
The tournament's impact was especially evident across Arlington's hospitality industry. In June, Arlington hotels generated a record $31 million in room revenue, surpassing the previous all-time monthly record of $23.6 million set in November 2024 by more than 30%. The previous record month was fueled by three Dallas Cowboys home games, the Mike Tyson–Jake Paul fight and Arlington
Convention Center business, underscoring the extraordinary demand generated by this summer's international event.
Stacey Snyder, Regional Director of Operations for Equinox Hospitality and Board Chair of the Arlington Tourism Public Improvement District, highlighted the positive impact the tournament had on Arlington’s hotels and hospitality businesses while reinforcing the city’s reputation as a premier destination for major events.
“It was gratifying to see so many Arlington hotels and other businesses attract international and domestic soccer fans who wanted to stay close to the action,” said Stacey Snyder, Regional Director of Operations for Equinox Hospitality and Board Chair of the Arlington Tourism Public Improvement District. “Hosting these matches in Arlington further strengthens our city’s reputation as the place to stage the biggest and best events.”
While the matches brought visitors to Arlington, the city gave them plenty of reasons to stay. Fans explored Downtown Arlington, the Entertainment District and neighborhoods throughout the city, dining, shopping and discovering local attractions. During each match, tournament guests generated activity across Arlington’s hospitality industry, with an average of 27 Arlington hotels and 38 Arlington restaurants welcoming visitors and supporting the local economy.
The tournament also elevated Arlington's international profile, introducing millions of viewers to the city's world-class venues, hospitality offerings and entertainment district. As Arlington continues to attract major sporting events, conventions and leisure travelers, the momentum created this summer is expected to generate lasting benefits for the local tourism economy.
"An event of this magnitude only happens because of the people who make Arlington special," DeRaad said. "We’re grateful to City of Arlington officials and every hospitality employee, volunteer, public safety professional, business owner and community partner who played a role in welcoming guests from around the world. Their dedication reflected the true spirit of our city and helped create a moment Arlington will be proud of for years to come."
Soccer Tournament by the Numbers
- 9 matches hosted
- 631,843 total match attendance
- 70,205 average attendance per match
- 27 Arlington hotels hosting tournament guests per match (average)
- 38 Arlington restaurants serving tournament guests per match (average)
- $31 million in June hotel room revenue
- 32% increase over Arlington's previous monthly hotel room revenue record
The success of this tournament reflects the strength of Arlington's tourism community and the partnerships that make major events possible. As the city continues to welcome visitors from around the world, the impact of this summer will be felt for years to come.
ABOUT THE ARLINGTON CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU
The Arlington Convention & Visitors Bureau markets sells and promotes the city as a premier sports, business and leisure destination to generate visitor spending, tax revenue and jobs. With 16.5 million visitors annually and more than 8,000 hotel rooms, Arlington's tourism and hospitality industry employs 15,000 people. The ACVB's continued commitment to growth and development promises even more exciting transformations for the future, positioning the city as a prime destination for leisure visitors, meetings and events. To learn more about the Arlington Convention & Visitors Bureau, visit arlington.org.