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ARLINGTON, Texas — FIFA announced on Sunday that MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, will serve as the hosting venue for the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final.
That, of course, is not AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, which had been rumored — multiple times — to be FIFA’s leading choice to host its tournament’s final game.
After the announcement was made, various North Texas dignitaries gathered at AT&T Stadium to offer their reactions to the news — among them Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, Dallas Mavericks legend Dirk Nowitzki, Arlington mayor Jim Ross and more.
Here’s what each had to say.
Jerry Jones also released the following statement:
“First, I would like to thank everyone who worked so hard for so long on this process. In particular, Monica Paul with the Dallas Sports Commission, Dan Hunt and the Hunt Family, our great civic leaders, and other partners across North Texas that helped make this collective effort this successful. The teamwork executed during this multi-year journey was extraordinary and something everyone involved should be proud of. On behalf of the Jones Family and the entire Dallas Cowboys organization, we are honored to be selected to host premium matches for the FIFA World Cup 26. We can’t wait to open our doors and provide first-class experiences to fans from around the world who will visit our region to celebrate their countries and for our stadium to provide the greatest stage to the billions watching from home around the globe.”
Mayor Johnson also released the following statement:
“Dallas is the perfect city to host these nine major FIFA World Cup matches, including a semi-final, and is ready to showcase both our passion for football and our hospitality on the world stage. Dallas is the best sports city in the United States, and we have worked tirelessly to make Dallas a truly international city. FIFA’s decision affirms the fact that Dallas has arrived on the world stage, and we are ready to welcome football fans from all over the world to Big D.”
Monica Paul also released the following statement:
“There is no greater sporting event in the world than the FIFA World Cup, and there is no greater place than Dallas to host it. The matches will bring unprecedented attention to Dallas, attracting hundreds of thousands of fans to our region for the largest and most inclusive World Cup in the tournament’s rich history. We look forward to shining in the global spotlight, showcasing Dallas, the stadium and the entire region as a world-class destination for this once-in-a-generation event.”
Dan Hunt also released the following statement:
“We are thrilled and honored by FIFA’s decision to bring a World Cup Semi-final to North Texas in 2026. We have a rich soccer history in Dallas/Fort Worth and this historic announcement not only underscores the world-class nature of our region but also cements our place in the global soccer landscape. Prepare to be a part of something truly special. The world is coming to our doorstep, and together, we will make history.”
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