The real reason why Dallas and Arlington lost their bid to host 2026 FIFA World Cup Final
Three weeks ago, when the Dallas Cowboys lost to the Green Bay Packers in the playoffs, AT&T Stadium saw their final real disappointment. FIFA’s declaration on Sunday that the 2026 World Cup Finals will not take place at Arlington’s AT&T Stadium was one of those infrequent “big wins” that yet left the fanbase feeling heartbroken.
Even though AT&T Stadium was chosen to host nine games—the most of any venue—including a semifinal, Sunday’s announcement still saw DFW emerge victorious in the playoffs, even though it ultimately felt like another Cowboys wildcard loss.
Shortly after the announcement, former Dallas Cowboys running back Emmitt Smith declared, “There is some disappointment here; I gotta speak my mind,” during a press-only gathering at AT&T Stadium. “It’s unbelievable that New Jersey defeated us.” Brother, amen.
Every news from overseas claimed for almost a year that the world’s largest soccer match was coming to this location. None of the local bid leaders knew for sure whether these claims were true in the days, weeks, and months before Sunday’s announcement. Though they were unsure, they were optimistic. They wanted to believe it, and judging by their response on Sunday, almost all of them did.
“I knew it was up in the air; FIFA has been good about keeping things close to the chest,” Arlington mayor Jim Ross said. “We knew that it was just a rumor. We had no proof of any of that. We all wanted that final game.
Rather, we were given nine of them. I’m content with that. Rather than Katt Williams, comedian Kevin Hart co-hosted the embarrassing made-for-TV event in which the whole program was unveiled in a Miami production studio. “Soccer star” Kim Kardashian was one of America’s co-hosts for this television program. Emmitt Smith is right, as anyone who has ever been to a game at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium will attest.
Owner of the Dallas Cowboys, Jerry Jones, who fought FIFA so hard to have the championship game held here, remarked, “It was a helluva battle.” “We nearly made it there. We feel let down. Indeed, we are. Without a doubt. It has nothing to do with New Jersey or even the location.
This has to do with New York City surpassing all of Dallas-Fort Worth and all other cities that are slated to host World Cup matches between the United States, Canada, and Mexico in 2026. New York is New York. Even the most devoted and devoted DFW admirer would concede, “Okay, I get it.” Jerry stated that the reality of New York City outweighed DFW’s bid. There is no denying New York’s perception.
AT&T Stadium may be 84 times the venue of a MetLife Stadium, and not many tourist destinations can compete with New York. “I know there were some disappointed faces down there, but I’m thrilled,” former Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki said at the event. “I’m excited for this region.
The World Cup semifinal will be an incredible atmosphere. I’m not too disappointed. I’m thrilled.” That is the correct attitude. Event planners had not planned for any scenario where AT&T Stadium was picked to host nine matches. They had thought four or five.
It will be an earthquake of finances to host nine matches. More than 90,000 spectators from all over the world will be present for the nine matches. “This is comparable to nine Super Bowls,” co-owner Dan Hunt of FC Dallas remarked. Ross brushed off the notion that public transportation played a role in Arlington’s loss in the competition.
He is accurate. This is ultimately about New York City. The United States of America versus New York. The fact that Jerry was able to convince people and that Arlington’s AT&T Stadium was even considered to host the 2026 World Cup Finals speaks highly of the bid that was made.
Jerry declared, “This is the biggest sporting event that has ever happened in our area.” We’re going to take it to a place they never imagined. What this area is capable of, I know.
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