ARLINGTON, Texas — We sit, and we wait.
On Feb. 4, the world will find out which stadium will host the coveted 2026 World Cup Final.
If numerous reports from recent years ring true, that game will be played AT&T Stadium in Arlington. To date, there have been three separate, unconfirmable reports -- the most recent one making headlines this week -- claiming that Jerry World will host the single biggest sporting event in the world a few years from now.
It's already known AT&T Stadium will host some 2026 World Cup tournament games leading up to the final. But the final itself? We won't know that until its formal announcement arrives on Feb. 4, when we'll learn exactly how many games AT&T Stadium will host for the largest FIFA World Cup in history, which is set to feature 48 nations and 104 games.
Regardless, changes are coming to AT&T Stadium to prepare for these games.
Most notably, and in order to adhere to FIFA's playing field regulations, the playing surface at the Arlington stadium will need to be addressed. Cowboys officials have told WFAA in the past that their plan is to raise the playing surface in order to meet the dimensions required for World Cup matches.
FIFA regulations call for a field that's about 105 meters long and 68 meters across. In terms of U.S. measurements, that's about 75 yards across. By comparison, a football field is 50 yards across. So, any extra room needed for a FIFA regulation field would for make a tight squeeze at the American football stadium, even with sidelines included.
A raised, wider field installed above the current one will also cut into some of the lower bowl seating at the stadium.
But with more than 90,000 seats in the building, there should be plenty to go around.
Aside from that, AT&T Stadium is reportedly starting at least a portion of a $295 million renovation project -- called the "AT&T Stadium Interior Refresh" -- this month. These updates include freshening up its premium clubs and suites, and installing new millwork and finishes, according to the Sports Business Journal. While the SBJ said the renovations were expected to start this month, these upgrades aren't expected to be completed until July 2025.
While the scope of the renovations are not intended radically change the way the stadium looks and feels, sources told the SBJ that they are designed to “refresh premium spaces ahead of some key lease renewals, and upgrade technology and other back-of-the-house services ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.”
The $295 million renovation is the biggest upgrade for AT&T Stadium since it first opened in 2009.
The 2026 World Cup tournament will be played in 16 host cities across North America throughout June and July of 2026.
The World Cup Final will take place on July 19, 2026.
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