2026 World Cup match schedule to be announced Sunday
ARLINGTON, Texas - The hints and rumors about AT&T Stadium being chosen to host the next FIFA World Cup final will soon be cleared up.
FIFA, the governing body of the World Cup, will formally announce the dates and locations for the 2026 World Cup matches on Sunday.
British tabloid The Sun reported last month that the decision had already been made and that the final match would be played in Arlington.
The Dallas Sports Commission is only saying it’s optimistic.
FIFA World Cup 2026 final venue has not been confirmed, sources say
Rumors are swirling that North Texas has been selected as the location for the 2026 World Cup Final. Sources tell FOX 4 that no plans have been confirmed.
FIFA executives last toured AT&T Stadium this past October.
The 2026 World Cup is being hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. It will be the biggest ever with 48 teams.
Matches will be played in 16 cities spanning all three countries, with most of the games in U.S. cities.
There’s been speculation the shortlist for the final came down to AT&T Stadium, Sofi Stadium in Los Angeles, and Met Life Stadium in New Jersey.
But all the suspense will end once FIFA reveals which cities will host which matches and when including the coveted final.
The broadcast will be carried live on FOX 4 at 2 p.m.
The anticipation of the World Cup final possibly coming to North Texas is brewing.
It would be a dream come true for Michael Peticolas, owner and founder of Peticolas Brewing Company in Dallas’ Design District.
Even his logo was inspired by a crest worn by a soccer club.
Like many of us, Peticolas is anxious for FIFA’s announcement of the 48-team tournament schedule for the 2026 World Cup.
"I will find out when everybody else finds out," Arlington Mayor Jim Ross said.
Mayor Ross will be at an exclusive watch party Sunday afternoon inside AT&T Stadium.
The city of Arlington has already been chosen as a host city for the 2026 World Cup.
Upgrades in security, transportation, and infrastructure have already been in the works.
AT&T Stadium to get $180M renovation ahead of 2026 World Cup
The new upgrades are a part of the $295 million renovation plan for the 14-year-old stadium that was announced last year.
With more innovative projects coming, like the air taxi program, one of the first in the country.
"If you can imagine, you fly into Arlington airport and then you get on a four-passenger electric air taxi that looks like a big drone," Ross explained. "It flies you to the entertainment district, just like the Jetsons. That will be up and running before the World Cup."
For the last three World Cups, Peticolas has packed his taproom for watch parties and named beer after different host countries.
Now, his life-long love of the game will be in his backyard.
FIFA representatives will be at AT&T Stadium Sunday for a small group at the watch party, including community leaders and local sports leaders.