Hotels and Lodging for the FIFA World Cup 2026: Dallas Edition

Dallas-Fort Worth is expected to be one of the busiest cities during the FIFA World Cup 2026. AT&T Stadium in Arlington — which will be known as Dallas Stadium during the tournament — is set to host nine matches, more than any other venue.

The schedule runs from mid-June into mid-July, which means hotel demand is not likely to be limited to one weekend or one short burst. Instead, room demand should build in waves throughout the tournament.

One of the most important things for travelers to understand is that matches are being played in Arlington, not in downtown Dallas. Arlington sits between Dallas and Fort Worth, and travelers who search only in Dallas may miss some of the best lodging options in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

The good news is that the wider DFW metro has a huge number of hotels, several business districts, strong airport access, and many different price points. Travelers who book early and stay flexible on location should have a much better chance of finding the right fit.

TL;DR FIFA World Cup 2026 Dallas hotel and lodging outlook

Expect hotel demand in Dallas-Fort Worth to stay high during the World Cup, especially in Arlington and in areas with easier access to the stadium. If hotels close to the action get too expensive or sell out, nearby cities and suburbs may offer better options.

• AT&T Stadium in Arlington will host nine World Cup matches, including a semifinal match.

• Workforce travelers and crews planning on coming to the Dallas area will need to plan ahead, consider lodging outside the Dallas area, and/or look to lodging partners like Corpay Lodging for help in securing hotel rooms during World Cup tournament dates.

• Arlington is closest to the stadium, but Dallas, Fort Worth, and Irving will offer additional choices.

• DFW Airport and Las Colinas can be smart middle-ground locations.

• Prices will likely rise around match dates, especially near Arlington and popular city areas.

• Short-term rental (STR) regulations are less strict in Dallas than many other World Cup host cities.

• Nearby suburbs may offer better value for travelers willing to commute.

• Transportation planning matters because the stadium does not have a direct rail station, although rail transit throughout the area will be running and buses will take ticketholders close enough to the stadium to walk the rest of the way.

What workforce travelers and crews in Dallas-Fort Worth should expect during the World Cup

The FIFA World Cup 2026 soccer tournament across North America will primarily affect leisure travel demand. Workforce travelers and project-based crews in Dallas and the surrounding area will likely also feel pressure across the lodging market during tournament dates.

The World Cup is a major international event that will drive up lodging demand in each host city market. Multiple games in Dallas, stretched across weeks, will affect lodging well beyond the stadium area. As stadium-adjacent hotels fill with fans, hotel demand is likely to spill out into surrounding business and workforce lodging markets. In some cases, DFW-area workforce travelers should anticipate that secondary and tertiary markets will experience tighter inventory and elevated pricing.

Many challenges will emerge for companies with employees and crews traveling in and through the Dallas-Fort Worth area during June and July 2026:

• Elevated hotel pricing across primary and surrounding markets

• Limited extended stay and project block supply

• Possibly complex and time-consuming travel as hotels closest to job sites and along transit corridors sell out

• Changing cancellation and rescheduling policies

• Little to no flexibility regarding late bookings and schedule adjustments

• Reduced supply in neighboring towns as inventory tightens

The lodging market will likely be very saturated, requiring organizations with Dallas-based projects, service work, infrastructure jobs, field operations, and/or rotating crews to plan for less than ideal circumstances. Teams with inflexible project timelines will probably face high lodging costs and fewer options compared to typical conditions.

Companies who will need to book lodging in the DFW area could benefit from:

• Securing lodging as soon as possible

• Adjusting travel policy rate caps in Dallas-Fort Worth and the surrounding areas

• Widening acceptable lodging radiuses (and planning for travel/logistics)

• Considering surrounding cities instead of a single preferred area

• Leveraging contingency plans for when/if sold-out conditions arise

• Working with a lodging partner like Corpay Lodging to source alternative options

In other words: expect pricing pressure and limited supply across the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

What to consider when planning a trip to Dallas for the FIFA World Cup 2026

When planning a World Cup trip to Dallas, the biggest thing to know is that staying “in Dallas” is only one option. The stadium is in Arlington, a city that sits in between Dallas and Fort Worth, so where you stay will shape your match-day experience.

If being as close to the stadium as possible matters most, Arlington may be the easiest choice. If you want nightlife, restaurants, and a bigger city stay, Dallas may be a better fit. If you want a different city experience with a more laid-back feel, Fort Worth may be worth considering.

For many visitors, the smartest move may be staying somewhere central like Irving, Las Colinas, or near DFW Airport. These areas can make it easier to reach different parts of the metro while also giving travelers more hotel choices.

Keep in mind: Dallas and the surrounding areas are car-oriented. Public transportation exists, but it’s not robust and may not provide adequate routing for many stadium trips. Travelers should think about driving time, rideshare costs, and traffic when planning their trips.

Dallas isn’t just Dallas; it’s Dallas-Fort Worth

Dallas-Fort Worth works more like one large metro area than two separate cities. Also known as the DFW Metroplex, its geography spans from Dallas to Arlington to Fort Worth, and encompasses many other counties and cities. 

That means travelers can stay in multiple parts of the region and still attend matches. It does not mean everything is close together, though. Distances can be significant, and traffic can add time quickly. For most visitors, widening the search beyond Dallas proper will open up many more options for lodging. 

Where to stay in Dallas: hotel and lodging options

The best place to stay depends on what kind of trip experience you’re after.

Arlington is the obvious choice for travelers who want to be closest to the stadium. Hotels here may book quickly, but staying nearby can make match days much simpler.

Dallas is a strong fit for travelers who want a bigger city experience. Areas like Downtown, Uptown, and surrounding neighborhoods offer restaurants, nightlife, shopping, and many hotel options. The tradeoff is a longer trip to the stadium.

Fort Worth can be a great option for visitors who want a different city feel, historic districts, and potentially better value than some Dallas locations. It is farther west, but still part of the same regional lodging picture.

Irving and Las Colinas may be some of the smartest practical choices. They sit near DFW Airport and between Dallas and Arlington, giving travelers a useful middle ground that offers convenience with a decent hotel selection.

Travelers looking to save money may also want to consider suburban areas such as Plano, Garland, or Denton.

How much you should expect to pay for lodging in Dallas

Hotel prices in Dallas-Fort Worth are likely to rise during the World Cup, especially around knockout matches and the biggest match dates. While the average cost for a night at a Dallas hotel is around $216, budget options tend to sit just below $100. 

Travelers staying in Arlington, Downtown Dallas, Uptown, or popular Fort Worth districts should expect some of the highest prices. Hotels near the stadium may also have tighter availability.

Visitors looking for lower rates may find better value in Irving, airport areas, or outer suburbs. These locations may not be as exciting, but they can be practical if budget is the priority.

Booking early will likely make a big difference. In a region this large, being flexible regarding location and neighborhood may save more money than trying to wait for last-minute deals.

How short-term rental regulations are affecting lodging options in Dallas

Dallas has more flexible restrictions on short-term rentals than many other World Cup host cities, so a Dallas Airbnb or VRBO might suit you for your stay. Without a doubt, short-term rentals will help expand lodging choices throughout the DFW Metroplex.

Transportation options while staying in Dallas-Fort Worth for the World Cup 2026

Transportation will be a major part of planning any Dallas World Cup trip. While AT&T Stadium does not have direct rail service, match day buses will be provided to ticket holders. Overall, the DFW area has a robust light rail system that World Cup attendees should plan to make use of.

DART serves much of Dallas, and Trinity Railway Express connects Dallas and Fort Worth, which can still be useful for travelers staying near those lines. A bus service will connect match attendees to the stadium, although a half-mile walk the rest of the way is anticipated.

Driving is straightforward in theory, but traffic and parking may be the bigger challenge. On major match days, roads around the stadium are likely to be busy well before kickoff.

The stadium area has more than 12,000 official parking spaces plus overflow lots within a 15-to-30-minute walk. Current World Cup parking pricing is listed on Fifa’s partner site, JustPark. 

Lodging options within driving distance of Dallas

Travelers do not need to stay in Dallas or Arlington to make the trip work. The wider metro includes many surrounding areas with hotels, extended-stay options, and many of these offer lower prices.

These areas can be especially helpful for families, groups, long stays, project-based stays, and travelers renting a car. The tradeoff is commute time.

Plano, Texas hotel and lodging options

Plano can be a good fit for travelers who want a polished suburban stay with plenty of hotel choices. It has many midscale and upscale hotels, along with restaurants and shopping.

National chains and business hotels in Plano often advertise rates below typical downtown Dallas options in off-peak periods. During the World Cup, Plano should function as a value-oriented option for visitors willing to drive or rideshare into more central areas.

Garland, Texas hotel and lodging options

Garland may appeal most to budget-focused travelers. It sits northeast of Dallas and has access to DART light rail and major highways.

The tradeoff is convenience. Garland is less ideal for quick stadium trips, but it may offer lower hotel rates than more central areas.

Irving, Texas hotel and lodging options

Irving may be one of the smartest lodging alternatives to Dallas in the region. It sits between Dallas and Arlington, is close to DFW Airport, and offers a wide mix of hotels.

For travelers balancing airport access, city access, and match-day travel, Irving can be hard to beat. It may not have the personality of Dallas neighborhoods, but a hotel stay in Irving can make logistics easier.

Denton, Texas hotel and lodging options

Denton can be a good option for travelers who care most about value. It is a university city — both the University of North Texas (UNT) and Texas Woman’s University (TWU) are located in Denton — with a growing hotel base and may offer lower prices than more central parts of the region.

The tradeoff is the drive. Denton is farther from Arlington, so it is usually a better fit for longer stays or budget-focused travelers than for fans attending multiple matches.

FAQs

Where to stay in Dallas-Fort Worth for the World Cup?

The best place to stay depends on your priorities. Arlington is best for stadium proximity. Dallas is ideal for travelers who want the bigger city experience. Fort Worth can be a great fit for visitors who want something different. Irving, Las Colinas, and airport areas may offer the best balance of convenience and flexibility. Travelers focused on value may want to consider Plano, Garland, or Denton.

The most important point is not to limit your search to Dallas proper. The wider Metroplex offers many practical options for fans.

Is there public transportation in Dallas-Fort Worth for the World Cup?

Yes, but with limits. DART and Trinity Railway Express can help travelers move around the region, especially between Dallas and Fort Worth. However, AT&T Stadium does not have a direct rail station, so most visitors will still need a car, rideshare, shuttle, or another final leg to reach the venue.

Will the FIFA World Cup 2026 affect workforce lodging in Dallas-Fort Worth?

Almost certainly. Workforce travelers and travel managers should expect higher hotel demand, reduced lodging inventory, and elevated pricing across Dallas and nearby markets during June and July.

Could surrounding markets outside Dallas also sell out?

Yes. As DFW inventory constricts, demand will likely spread beyond the DFW area into nearby cities so that even secondary and tertiary markets could experience limited availability during peak World Cup match periods.

How could the World Cup in Dallas-Fort Worth affect ongoing workforce projects and crew travel?

Projects limited scheduling flexibility will face increased lodging costs and fewer hotel options than normal — even during the busy summer season. Travelers of all kinds should expect difficulty in securing extended-stay lodging inventory and group blocks close to tournament dates.

What should companies in need of workforce lodging in Dallas during the World Cup do?

Book as early as possible. Remain flexible on where your crew stays. Prepare backup options in case of disruption. Organizations with ongoing travel in the Dallas area will benefit from working with a lodging partner like Corpay Lodging for reliable access to inventory across multiple Dallas-area markets.

Summary: Hotel and lodging in Dallas for the World Cup

Dallas-Fort Worth will host more World Cup matches than any other city in 2026, with AT&T Stadium — also called Dallas Stadium — in Arlington set to host nine matches.

For travelers looking for lodging during the World Cup, it is important to note that the Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) Metroplex offers a wide region of options for lodging outside of just one area. Arlington is closest to the action, but Dallas, Fort Worth, Irving, and nearby suburbs may all be smart options depending on budget and travel style.

For many visitors, booking early and searching broadly across the DFW Metroplex will be the best strategy. Travelers who stay flexible on location should have the best chance of finding workable prices, better availability, and a smoother overall trip.

For business travelers, travel managers, or truckers who will need a place to stay while traveling through the Dallas area for work during the tournament window, Corpay Lodging can help. We simplify the chaos of workforce travel, saving you time and money in the process. Reach out about free membership today.