Best Places to Stay, Eat, and Hang Out in Dallas for the World Cup 2026

Modern game room with foosball and ping pong table in a Landing property in Dallas, TX

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Dallas is one of the premier sports hubs in Texas, and this summer, it is stepping onto the world stage. While the tournament’s primary location is technically Arlington, the region is hosting a tournament-high nine FIFA World Cup matches, making it the most exciting place to catch the action in the U.S.

Where Is the World Cup Happening in Dallas?

All matches will take place at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, which will be temporarily rebranded as “Dallas Stadium” for the tournament. This world-class center for sports is ready to welcome guests from every corner of the globe.

What Matches Are Hosted in Dallas?

Here’s the full lineup of games coming to Dallas Stadium:

Group Stage Matches

  • Sun, June 14: Netherlands vs. Japan (Group F)
  • Wed, June 17: England vs. Croatia (Group L)
  • Mon, June 22: Argentina vs. Austria (Group J)
  • Thu, June 25: Japan vs. Playoff Winner* (Group F)
  • Sat, June 27: Jordan vs. Argentina (Group J)

Knockout Stage Matches

  • Tue, June 30: Round of 32 match
  • Fri, July 3: Round of 32 match
  • Mon, July 6: Round of 16 match
  • Tue, July 14: Semifinal match

*Playoff winners (specifically the European Play-off Final B winner) will be determined prior to the tournament.

Travel Tips for World Cup Visitors

A little planning goes a long way in the DFW Metroplex, so here are some travel tips to help fans enjoy the World Cup in North Texas.

Booking Tips

Fly into DFW or DAL

Dallas–Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) is the main global airport hub. That said, don’t sleep on Dallas Love Field (DAL) airport, especially if you’re flying within the U.S. or from Mexico. It’s much closer to Downtown Dallas.

Book Early, 6 to 9 Months Out

Hotels around Arlington, near the stadium, are already filling fast. For better convenience and price, look at nearby areas like Irving (specifically Las Colinas), Grapevine, or Fort Worth.

Consider Group Stays

If you’re traveling with family or friends, short-term rental apartments in neighborhoods like Deep Ellum or Oak Cliff can be significantly cheaper per person than booking multiple hotels or suites.

Fan Zones You Won’t Want to Miss

FIFA Fan Festival in Fair Park

This is the official World Cup hub in Dallas, complete with massive TVs, live music, and global food stalls. This 277-acre Art Deco complex will be the heartbeat of the party.

Texas Live! In Arlington

Right next to the stadium, this is an entertainment option like no other. With a 100-foot LED screen and multiple drink venues, it’s a wide range of fun for every soccer fan.

Klyde Warren Park

A park built over a highway in Downtown. It will host smaller, family-friendly watch parties surrounded by food trucks and walkable restaurants.

Dallas Summer Weather

The Heat is Real

June and July regularly hit 92°F-100°F (33°C-38°C). Every minute outdoors counts, so plan your drive or walk accordingly.

Welcome to AC Culture

Texans love air conditioning. You’ll go from melting outside to freezing in your accommodations. Pack a light hoodie for when you’re on-site at restaurants or the airport.

Hydrate. Then Hydrate Again

Drink way more water than you think you need. The Texas sun doesn’t mess around.

Getting Around Dallas During the World Cup

Getting around the sprawling Dallas-Fort Worth area during the World Cup takes a little Texas-style strategy. The stadium is located in Arlington, while most Fan Zones, nightlife, and watch parties are in Dallas. That means you’ll likely mix and match a few different transportation options depending on the day and the match.

Special Event Transit (Train + Shuttle)

Because Arlington doesn’t have a permanent train system, the region has rolled out one just for the World Cup.

How it works

  • Take the Trinity Railway Express (TRE) to Centreport/DFW Airport Station.
  • From there, hop on an official FIFA World Cup shuttle that runs directly to the stadium.

Good News for Sundays

Normally, the TRE doesn’t run on Sundays, but for the World Cup, a special Sunday service has been confirmed on match days.

Getting to the TRE from Dallas

Use DART (Dallas Area Rapid Transit) light rail to reach Union Station or Victory Station, then transfer to the TRE. It’s the easiest way to avoid game-day traffic altogether.

Rideshare Options

This will be the most popular option, and it might work well if you play it smart.

The “Walk-Away” Trick

After the match, don’t request an Uber or Lyft right at the AT&T Stadium gates. Traffic will be gridlocked, and surge pricing will be brutal. Instead, walk 10-15 minutes north toward Division St or Lamar Blvd before requesting your ride. You’ll get picked up faster and save a surprising amount of money.

Timing Matters

For a 3 PM kickoff, plan to leave Dallas no later than 1 PM. That “quick” 20-mile drive can easily turn into a 90-minute trip on match days.

Rental Cars & Parking

If you want full flexibility, this is the best option for guests.

Best for Exploring

A rental car makes it easy to visit places like the Fort Worth Stockyards or the National Soccer Hall of Fame in Frisco on non-match days.

Parking Reality Check

  • Expect to pay $50-$100+ to park near the stadium on match days.
  • Book your parking using apps like ParkWhiz or SeatGeek. Many lots won’t accept cash, and availability disappears fast.

Walkable “Mini-Hubs”

You can’t walk between cities in the DFW area, but you can choose neighborhoods that minimize driving.

Arlington Entertainment District

If you stay near Texas Live!, you can walk to the stadium and completely skip transit on match days. This is the easiest setup if your main goal is the game itself.

Uptown & Downtown Dallas

Both are highly walkable and well-connected. You’ll find:

  • The free M-Line Trolley in Uptown
  • DART trains to Fan Zones and TRE connections
  • Tons of bars, restaurants, and watch parties within walking distance

Where to Stay in Dallas for the World Cup

Choosing where to stay for the World Cup in Dallas really comes down to one question. Do you want to be closer to the matches or closer to the party?

Best Monthly Rentals in Dallas

If your stay is a little longer and you want a place that feels like home, complete with full kitchens, cozy living spaces, and room to spread out, these monthly Landing rentals are some of the best spots across Dallas, Arlington, and Fort Worth.

The “Game Day” Favorites

Arlington & Grand Prairie are your closest neighborhood options to the stadium, ideal if minimizing traffic is your top priority.

Providence in the Park in Arlington

An excellent location just south of the stadium, about a 10-minute drive or a very short rideshare. Providence in the Park feels like a resort, with two pools, a 24/7 fitness center, an outdoor lounge with a fireplace, a business center with WiFi, and a leash-free bark park.

101 Center in Arlington

Top-tier and right in Downtown Arlington, 101 Center is walkable to local breweries and close to the stadium district. Highlights include downtown Arlington’s largest pool, a spacious sun deck, an outdoor multimedia grilling pavilion, and a 24-hour fitness center. With on-site spots like Inclusion Coffee and Kintaro Ramen, everything you need is right downstairs.

Liv+ Arlington in Arlington

Another standout near UT Arlington and the stadium. Liv+ Arlington has a resort-style pool and hot tub, fire pits, a two-story clubhouse, conference rooms, pet-friendly spaces, and covered garage parking, perfect for longer stays.

The Duvall in Grand Prairie

A great middle ground about 15 minutes from the stadium, with easier highway access to Dallas. The highlight at The Duvall? A lazy river-style pool, plus a modern fitness center, grilling stations, and a pet play area.

The “Culture & Nightlife” Hubs

Stay here if Fan Fests, bars, and walkable neighborhoods are just as important as the matches. Plan for 60-90 minutes of travel on game days, but unbeatable vibes the rest of the time.

Cortland on McKinney in Uptown

An elite choice is Uptown Dallas in one of Dallas’s most walkable, high-end neighborhoods. Ride the free trolley, walk to nightlife, and come home to high-rise luxury at Cortland on McKinney with a 24/7 concierge, cabana-lined pool, and floor-to-ceiling windows.

Lofts at Sylvan Thirty in West Dallas / Kessler Park

Trendy and surprisingly strategic. Lofts at Sylvan Thirty sits on the “stadium side” of Dallas, which can mean cheaper Ubers on game days. Enjoy a resort-style pool, fitness center, game room, EV charging, pet spa, and on-site dining.

The Mark at Midtown in North Dallas

A relaxed, resort-style option near the Galleria is The Mark at Midtown, ideal if shopping and a quieter home base are part of your plan. Enjoy a cabana-lined pool, TRX-equipped fitness center, and pet-friendly perks. Best for longer stays if you don’t mind a longer commute to the stadium.

Magnolia Galleria in North Dallas

A sleek, modern stay near top shopping and dining at the Galleria. Smart home features, in-unit wine chillers, a resort-style pool, a yoga studio, and EV charging make Magnolia Galleria a polished place to recharge between matches. Expect a heavier commute on game days.

The “Western Experience”

If you want cowboy culture between matches, Fort Worth is the spot to be in, and it still connects easily to Arlington via train.

The Henderson in Fort Worth

Best overall Fort Worth option is The Henderson. Near Downtown and Near Southside, with easy access to the TRE Train at T&P Station, which links to World Cup shuttles. Features include a resort-style pool, skyline views, a pet park, fireplaces, and a dedicated coworking space.

Shelby at Northside in Fort Worth

Steps from the Stockyards and perfect for visitors chasing the classic Texas vibe, stay at Shelby at Northside. Amenities include an infinity pool, two-story fitness center, pet spa, shuffleboard, and community grilling areas, though expect a longer commute to the stadium.

Best Short-Term Rental Options in Dallas

For fans visiting just for the matches, these short-term Landing stays make it easy to rest, recharge, and explore Dallas between games, all complete with premium amenities.

The “Game Day” Favorites

​​Perfect for quick trips built around match schedules, these properties keep you close to the stadium so you can spend less time commuting and more time soaking up the World Cup energy.

The Biltmore in Arlington

The Biltmore is a solid mid-range choice in the heart of Arlington. Enjoy a pool, landscaped courtyards, clubhouse, bark park, and playground, easy and convenient for match days.

Viceroy at Central Park in Grand Prairie

Another excellent middle-ground stay with fast highway access is Viceroy at Central Park. Amenities include a resort-style pool with a hot tub, a fitness center, a movie theater, a fireplace lounge, a dog park, and covered parking.

The “Culture & Nightlife” Hub

Best for fans who want their stay to feel as fun as the matches. Best walkable neighborhoods, late nights, great food, and easy access to watch parties.

Macallan on Ross in Old East Dallas

Right on the edge of downtown and close to Deep Ellum for BBQ and live music is Macallan on Ross. Enjoy a sparkling pool, fireside lounge, fitness studio with yoga and cycling, coworking spaces, and a dog park.

The “Western Experience”

Ideal if you want to pair the World Cup with a taste of Texas culture, offering a more relaxed pace, classic local character, and room to explore beyond match days.

Broadway Chapter in Fort Worth

One of the best short-term stays in Fort Worth is Broadway Chapter. Near T&P Station for easy TRE access, this property features an infinity-edge pool, Peloton-equipped fitness center, lounge with coffee bar, library, Zoom rooms, and outdoor fire lounges.

Best Dallas Neighborhoods for World Cup Fans

Finding the best neighborhood in Dallas for the World Cup comes down to how you want to experience match days and everything in between. From stadium-side convenience to culture-packed streets, these neighborhoods set the tone for your stay.

Arlington Entertainment District, The Match Day Hub

Best for: Fans who want zero travel stress on match days.

Walkable to the stadium and Texas Live!, nonstop game-day energy, no rideshare surge pricing, limited Dallas culture, and mostly sports venues and parking lots.

Deep Ellum, The Party Hub

Best for: Fans who want nightlife, crowds, and culture.

Street art, live music, legendary BBQ, packed bars, and close to the FIFA Fan Festival. It will be loud, busy, and a longer drive to the stadium.

Downtown & Arts District, The Luxury & Transit Hub

Best for: Fans who want comfort, transit access, and a polished city stay.

Walkable to Union Station and TRE trains, near major watch parties and media hubs. Downtown Dallas & the Arts District will be the most expensive areas with heavier weekend traffic.

Bishop Arts District, The Local Hub

Best for: Fans who want a local, laid-back Dallas experience.

Charming, walkable streets, top-tier food and coffee, relaxed vibe, no direct rail to the stadium, and fully reliant on rideshares.

Fort Worth Near Southside & Downtown, The Cowboy Hub

Best for: Fans who want a classic Texas experience with better price value.

Close to the Stockyards, more affordable stays, authentic cowboy culture, and farther from Dallas Fan Festivals and nightlife.

Things to Do in Dallas Between Matches

If you’ve got time between kickoffs, you’re in luck. There’s plenty of things to do in Dallas, like visit world-class museums, try the legendary BBQ and icy margaritas, and experience a dose of real Texas culture. With June and July heat in full effect, the sweet spot is a mix of indoor adventures, late-night activities, and anything near air conditioning or water.

Where to Eat (The “Big Three”)

Texas BBQ, A Non-Negotiable

You cannot leave Texas without trying brisket. It’s a must. These are the best BBQ spots in Dallas:

  • Pecan Lodge in Deep Ellum: Famous for its piled-high “Trough” of meats. There’s usually a line, but it’s worth every minute.
  • Terry Black’s BBQ in Deep Ellum: Huge space, incredible ribs, and a faster-moving line if you’re short on time.
  • Lockhart Smokehouse in Bishop Arts: Old-school Central Texas style. Meat is served on butcher paper, just as it should be.

Tex-Mex, Another Must

Dallas is the birthplace of the frozen margarita, so yes, you should absolutely have one. Here are the best Tex-Mex restaurants in Dallas:

  • Meso Maya in Downtown: Elevated, authentic Mexican cuisine. Don’t skip the Mole Poblano.
  • El Fenix in Downtown: A Dallas institution since 1918 and a go-to for classic cheese enchiladas and strong nostalgia.

Late-Night & Casual

  • Fuel City Tacos: A gas station near downtown serving some of the best street tacos in the city. Open 24/7 and beloved by locals.

Where to Drink & Watch Matches

The Londoner Pub (Multiple Locations)

The unofficial HQ for English fans and soccer fans in general. Expect chants, pints, and loud match energy.

Katy Trail Ice House in Uptown

A massive outdoor beer garden right off a popular walking trail. On a cool summer evening, this spot is peak Dallas vibes. Order a Summer Beer (a local favorite) and settle in.

Harwood Arms in Harwood District

A cozy, upscale British-style pub with great screens and an excellent Scotch list, perfect if you want something a little more low-key.

Texas Live! In Arlington

Right next to the stadium and absolutely electric. If you don’t have a match ticket, this is the loudest, most high-energy place to watch the game.

What to Do in Dallas Between Matches

For History Buffs

The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza is located in the former Texas School Book Depository. This museum explores the assassination of JFK.

For the Yeehaw Experience

Have a cowboy experience in Fort Worth and visit the Fort Worth Stockyards. It’s about 30 minutes from Dallas and completely worth the trip. Catch a live cattle drive (twice daily), grab a drink at Billy Bob’s Texas (the world’s largest honky-tonk), and even watch a rodeo.

To Beat the Heat

Dallas has great museums worth going to, plus you get to enjoy the AC during the day. Perot Museum of Nature and Science is interactive, high-tech, and a great option for an afternoon reset. The Dallas Museum of Art (DMA) is located in the Arts District and is free to enter.

For the Insta-Worthy View

The iconic Reunion Tower, known as The Ball, is the perfect spot for sunset pics for a 360-degree view of the Dallas skyline, especially as the city lights start to come on.

Ready for the World Cup in Dallas?

From electric match days at AT&T Stadium to late nights in Deep Ellum, massive Fan Fests, legendary BBQ, and a full-on Texas summer vibe, Dallas is set to be one of the most exciting World Cup host cities in 2026. With a little planning, choosing the right neighborhood, timing your travel, and knowing how to get around, you can spend less time stressing and more time soaking it all in.

That’s where Landing comes in. Our fully-furnished apartments across Dallas, Arlington, and Fort Worth give you the space, comfort, and flexibility you need for a World Cup stay, whether you’re here for a few matches or the full tournament. With full kitchens, in-unit laundry, fast WiFi, stylish furnishings, and dedicated workspaces, you’ll have a true home base to rest, reset, and celebrate every win.

Find Your World Cup Stay

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Sara Ruiz

Sara is a Social Media Manager at Landing who’s visited over 80 cities in the U.S. (and counting!). Based in Mexico City, she thrives on discovering hidden gems, from cozy coffee shops to inspiring local art scenes, and loves finding ways to make every new destination feel like home.
Picture of Sara Ruiz

Sara Ruiz

Sara is a Social Media Manager at Landing who’s visited over 80 cities in the U.S. (and counting!). Based in Mexico City, she thrives on discovering hidden gems, from cozy coffee shops to inspiring local art scenes, and loves finding ways to make every new destination feel like home.

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