In a surprising turn of events, AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, has been overlooked as the host for the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final. The honor has been bestowed upon MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. However, AT&T Stadium will still play a significant role as it has been selected to host nine matches, including a crucial semifinal.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is slated to be the biggest tournament in history, with a total of 104 matches played by 48 teams spread across three host countries - the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Despite missing out on the grand finale, AT&T Stadium has emerged as the venue with the most matches in the tournament.

The journey for Arlington's AT&T Stadium will begin with several Group Stage matches scheduled on June 14, June 17, June 22, June 25, and June 27. Additionally, the stadium will welcome two Round of 32 matches and a Round of 16 match, ensuring that fans in Texas will have plenty of opportunities to witness the World Cup action firsthand.

While the disappointment of not hosting the final might sting for AT&T Stadium, it is noteworthy that the stadium's selection to host a significant number of matches underscores its stature as a world-class sporting venue. The decision reflects the efforts made by Dan Hunt, president of the Dallas World Cup Organizing Committee, and Jerry Jones, owner of the Dallas Cowboys, who left no stone unturned in persuading FIFA of AT&T Stadium's capabilities.

FIFA delegations had visited North Texas multiple times to assess the area's suitability, and FIFA President Gianni Infantino even experienced the stadium's capacity when he attended the Cowboys' game against the New York Jets on September 17. The stadium's ability to accommodate over 90,000 spectators creates an electrifying atmosphere for major events.

MetLife Stadium, the chosen venue for the World Cup Final, has a strong track record when it comes to hosting prominent sporting events, having previously hosted the 2014 Super Bowl and notable soccer matches. The location itself, teeming with a diverse immigrant population where soccer is deeply ingrained, adds to the appeal.

The eagerly awaited 2026 World Cup marks a significant milestone as it will be the first tournament organized jointly by three countries - the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Mexico has previously organized the World Cup in 1970 and 1986, while the United States hosted the tournament in 1994. For Canada, this will be their inaugural hosting experience.

With the tournament expanding from 32 to 48 teams and from 64 to 104 matches, the 2026 World Cup promises to captivate soccer fans around the world. The tournament's opening match will take place on June 11, 2026, at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. Canada will see their first match on June 12, 2026, at Toronto's BMO Field, while the United States' first match will also be on the same day at SoFi Stadium near Los Angeles. The final match is scheduled for July 19, 2026, at MetLife Stadium.

Although AT&T Stadium may have missed out on hosting the World Cup Final, its role in hosting multiple matches further cements its status as a sporting hub. Soccer enthusiasts can still anticipate a thrilling and memorable World Cup experience as the tournament unfolds across North America in 2026.