The A to Z of FIFA World Cup 2026™ in Dallas
The world’s biggest sporting event is finally here. And so is our expert guide to enjoying an epic summer of soccer in Dallas.
A is for Argentina
The reigning champions are back to defend their title, led by the great Lionel Messi. Two of their group stage matches are happening here, so expect a major Argentinian invasion, with official watch parties at bars like The Branca Room.
B is for Broadcast Center
The story of FIFA World Cup 2026™ will officially be told from Dallas, with up to 5,000 international journalists, pundits and hosts based at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center Dallas throughout the tournament.
C is for Classic Football Shirts
The British purveyors of vintage soccer jerseys have opened a FIFA World Cup 2026™ pop-up in Dallas. Expect rare and beautiful tops - from Maradona and Messi to Beckham and Beckenbauer - to wear with pride on match days.
D is for Dallas Stadium
AT&T Stadium has been temporarily renamed by FIFA for its soccer transformation, which has also involved raising and widening the pitch, and replacing the turf with fresh Kentucky bluegrass.
E is for Electric Shuffle
The high energy Deep Ellum bar is screening every World Cup game, with all-day $25 beer and margarita pitchers whenever the US or England are playing.
F is for Fan Festival
FIFA Fan Festival™ Dallas is kicking off at Fair Park every match day, with giant screens, mini pitches, live music, family-friendly games and food trucks. Best of all, it’s completely free – you just have to register beforehand.
G is for GOALS
With a record 48 teams and 104 matches, this will be the largest World Cup ever. As a result, experts are predicting a serious surge in scoring, with between 280 and 310 goals expected. (By comparison, 172 goals were scored at Qatar 2022).
H is for Harwood Arms
Arguably Dallas' best football pub, you can expect a carnival-like atmosphere at this Uptown favorite throughout FIFA World Cup 2026™. (Their Scotch eggs are a must-order too).
I is for #IfThenSheCan
A groundbreaking World Cup art installation, you’ll find #IfThenSheCan – The Exhibit: Game Changers in pride of place at Fair Park. The exhibit features 26 life-sized lime green statues of iconic women who’ve improved sports from behind the scenes.
J is for Jorg’s Café Vienna
Plano’s iconic European bar-restaurant will be one of the best spots to watch Austria and Germany matches. After all, who doesn’t like a hot, spicy bratwurst and a cold stein of lager with their soccer?
K is for Klyde Warren Park
The city’s most famous urban green space will be hosting free daily “Global Watch Parties”, with matches broadcast on a massive outdoor screen. Just bring your own lawn chairs, blankets and enough snacks to last through extra time and penalties.
L is for Life’s Good Bar and Grill
The official home of Barcelona supporters in North Texas will be a superb spot for enjoying Spain’s games. Plus, it also serves one of the best burgers in town.
M is for Margarita Mile Cup
A fun, interactive twist on Dallas’ famous Margarita Mile, this bracket-style competition allows visitors to drink and vote on limited-edition, tournament-inspired margaritas at bars across the city.
N is for Netherlands
Among the dark horses to win FIFA World Cup 2026™, the Dutch are playing their first match in Dallas, and will mark the occasion with a fun-loving ‘Orange Fanwalk’ to the stadium. If you’d rather enjoy the action from a seated position, head to the renowned Henk’s European Deli near North Park Mall, where the Heineken flows like water and the Hot Amsterdam Sandwich is the stuff of legend.
O is for Offside
Soccer’s most contentious (and misunderstood) rule, it’s also the sport’s most ferociously debated. If there’s ever an awkward silence during a match, simply raise the topic and watch the conversational flood gates open.
P is for Peticolas
This award-winning Design District brewery is not only screening games, but also making special FIFA World Cup 2026™ themed beers for the occasion. Highlights include “Melee in the USA” (a 5.5% ABV American Pale Ale) and “TKO in Mexico” (a Mexican-style lager brewed with blue corn).
Q is for Queens Head
A new London-style pub opening just in time for FIFA World Cup 2026™, the Queens Head promises “full pints and hearty plates” while you enjoy the games. (And those hearty plates will hold English favorites from crispy fish and chips to gooey shepherd’s pie).
R is for RedBall Project
A fun art installation bouncing about Dallas during FIFA World Cup 2026™, this 15ft inflatable red ball will pop up daily in different neighborhoods, including Downtown, the Arts District, Deep Ellum and Bishop Arts.
S is for Soccer: More Than A Game
A fast-paced, family-friendly exhibition at the Perot Museum, Soccer: More Than A Game explores the physics, biology, and technology behind the world's most beloved sport.
T is for TOCA Social
Soccer’s answer to Top Golf, TOCA Social is a buzzy interactive games bar in Grandscape, where you can practice your own skills - and immediately recreate goals - while watching the matches.
U is for Uber Shuttles
The cheat code for getting to the match without having to worry about parking or extortionate surge fees. Uber will be running 50-seat vans to and from Dallas Stadium for $45 each way.
V is for Vanta
Downtown Dallas’ rooftop soccer pitch, on top of the Plaza of the Americas, has partnered with Nike for a six-week soccer activation. Think daily match viewings, free rooftop pickup games, new product launches – and up to $60,000 in winnable prizes.
W is for Women’s World Cup
Great news: the US is also hosting the Women’s World Cup in 2031, and Dallas is among the favorites for the final.
X is for XG
If you want to impress any diehard soccer fans, casually mention this metric - a measurement of the probability of a shot resulting in a goal. It’s also a surprisingly effective way to make fans feel better after a loss: “The team played so well, their XG was fantastic, they were just super unlucky.”
Y is for Yerba Mate-infused Beefeater Gin, Campari and Cocchi Torino Sweet Vermouth
The ingredients of ‘The Hand of God’, the headline World Cup cocktail at The Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek. Three other cocktails (‘The Last Strike’, ‘The Hat Trick’ and ‘The Rise of the King’) are also available, while the hotel’s iconic Mansion Bar will feature hand-drawn illustrations from famous World Cup moments.
Z is for ZaZa
The Uptown hotel is launching ‘World Cup Aprés Sport Cabanas’ for fans to relax and recharge every day from 6-9pm. Members of the public can rent poolside cabanas and enjoy cocktails, curated music and VIP bottle service, while watching the evening games on a big screen.