AT&T Stadium — World Cup Stadium Guide
Arlington, USA · Capacity 80,000
Overview
AT&T Stadium, colloquially known as 'Jerry's World' after Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, stands as one of the most spectacular and technologically advanced stadiums in the world. The venue will play a major role in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, hosting nine matches—the most of any venue in the tournament. The stadium's retractable roof, massive video board, and cutting-edge amenities create an experience unlike any other sporting venue, blending American sports culture's emphasis on spectacle with the infrastructure necessary for hosting World Cup football.
Located in Arlington, Texas, between Dallas and Fort Worth, the stadium serves as home to the NFL's Dallas Cowboys, one of America's most valuable sports franchises. The venue has hosted Super Bowls, college football championships, boxing matches, and concerts, establishing itself as one of America's premier entertainment destinations. The stadium's selection as a key 2026 World Cup venue demonstrates FIFA's confidence in American infrastructure and the venue's ability to create an atmosphere worthy of football's greatest tournament despite being designed primarily for American football.
Architecture & Design
HKS, Inc. designed AT&T Stadium to be the most spectacular sports venue in America, creating a structure that cost
.15 billion and features innovations that have influenced stadium design worldwide. The retractable roof, spanning 660,800 square feet, can open or close in approximately 12 minutes, allowing the venue to host events in any weather conditions. The roof's design incorporates massive steel trusses that create the structural support while maintaining the open feel essential to the stadium's atmosphere.The stadium's most famous feature is the center-hung video board, which at the time of installation was the world's largest high-definition screen. The board measures 160 feet wide by 72 feet tall and weighs 600 tons, suspended 90 feet above the playing field. The screen provides instant replays and information to spectators throughout the venue, creating a viewing experience that combines the intimacy of attending live events with the information access of watching on television. The board has become synonymous with the stadium and represents American sports culture's emphasis on technology and spectacle.
The stadium's design prioritizes spectator experience, with extensive hospitality facilities including luxury suites, club seats, and premium dining options that cater to corporate clients and affluent fans. The venue's art collection, featuring works by contemporary artists, creates a museum-like atmosphere that distinguishes it from traditional sports stadiums. The design's emphasis on amenities and technology reflects American sports culture's evolution toward premium experiences that justify high ticket prices.
World Cups Hosted
| Year | Matches | Final | Notable moment |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 9 | No | The stadium will host 9 World Cup matches, the most of any venue in the 2026 tournament, showcasing American sports infrastructure to a global audience. |
Iconic Matches
- 2026 TBD (TBD): The stadium will host 9 matches including potential knockout rounds, making it one of the tournament's most important venues.
Cultural Impact
AT&T Stadium represents American sports culture's emphasis on spectacle, technology, and premium experiences. The venue's massive scale, cutting-edge amenities, and focus on entertainment create an atmosphere that differs significantly from traditional football stadiums but reflects American sporting values. The stadium's selection as a key 2026 World Cup venue will introduce global audiences to American sports infrastructure and demonstrate how the United States approaches major sporting events.
The venue's nickname 'Jerry's World' reflects owner Jerry Jones' vision of creating the ultimate sports and entertainment destination. Jones' willingness to invest over
billion in the stadium demonstrated American sports owners' commitment to creating venues that transcend traditional stadium functions to become entertainment complexes. The 2026 World Cup will test whether this American approach to stadium design can create the atmosphere that football demands, potentially influencing future stadium construction worldwide.Interesting Facts
- The stadium cost .15 billion to build, making it one of the most expensive sports venues ever constructed.
- The center-hung video board measures 160 feet wide by 72 feet tall and weighs 600 tons.
- The retractable roof spans 660,800 square feet and can open or close in approximately 12 minutes.
- The stadium will host 9 World Cup matches in 2026, the most of any venue in the tournament.
- The venue's art collection features works by contemporary artists, creating a museum-like atmosphere.
- The stadium has hosted Super Bowls, college football championships, boxing matches, and major concerts, establishing it as a premier entertainment destination.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many World Cup matches were played here?
AT&T Stadium will host 9 FIFA World Cup matches in 2026, the most of any venue in the tournament.
Did this stadium host a World Cup final?
The stadium will not host the 2026 World Cup Final, which will be held at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
When was the stadium built?
Built 2006-2009 at a cost of
.15 billion, the stadium features a retractable roof and the world's largest center-hung video board.Why is this stadium historically important?
As one of America's most spectacular and technologically advanced stadiums, AT&T Stadium will showcase American sports infrastructure to a global audience during the 2026 World Cup.