Arlington in the Running to Host 2026 World Cup Games
By Kyle Weeks, Office of Communication
Posted on January 30, 2020, January 30, 2020

World Cup trophy

Arlington: The American Dream City could once again find itself in the global spotlight when the 2026 World Cup comes to North America.

Tournament organizers chose a United Bid for 2026, meaning the games will be played across three countries: United States, Canada and Mexico.

Seventeen U.S. cities are competing for ten spots, including Arlington:

  • Arlington/Dallas
  • Atlanta
  • Baltimore
  • Boston
  • Cincinnati
  • Denver
  • Houston
  • Kansas City
  • Los Angeles
  • Miami
  • Nashville
  • New York/New Jersey
  • Orlando
  • Philadelphia
  • San Francisco/Bay Area
  • Seattle
  • Washington, DC 

Being chosen as a host city is much larger than just one match. According to the bid plan, chosen cities will host between five and seven matches. All matches from the quarterfinals on are expected to be played in the U.S. The matches in Arlington would be played at the iconic AT&T Stadium.

What’s Next?

Gina Miller, vice president of media and communications with FC Dallas, is part of the team working to secure a selection. Miller spoke to the Arlington City Council Tuesday about the effort. 

According to Miller, soccer officials will visit potential host cities later this year. Former U.S. Soccer President Dan Flynn is leading the process. The selected cities are expected to be announced late this year or early next year.

Arlington continues to build a strong international reputation as a soccer city. AT&T Stadium has become a second home for the Mexican National Team. El Tricolor, as the team is known, will play its ninth match at the venue this year on Mar. 29, 2020. Tickets are available online at MexTour.org. Additionally, North Texas Soccer Club, an affiliate of FC Dallas and current USL League One champions, will play its 2020 home games in Arlington. 

“We’re incredibly excited about Arlington being in the running for the 2026 World Cup and the opportunity to showcase our world-class Entertainment District on an international stage,” Arlington Mayor Jeff Williams said. “We’re also thrilled about the North Texas Soccer Club playing their home games at Globe Life Park in 2020 and the momentum that continues to build for the soccer culture throughout the DFW Metroplex.” 

According to a study commissioned by Boston Consulting Group, the 2026 World Cup would bring between $160 million and $620 million dollars in incremental economic activity to each host city. The tournament is expected to generate more than $5 billion in short-term economic activity across North America. 

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