Arlington Pushes for FIFA Stadium Naming Rights Ahead of 2026 World Cup

City of Arlington Seeks Global Recognition During 2026 FIFA World Cup

As excitement builds for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, scheduled to be hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, the city of Arlington, Texas is lobbying to ensure it gains international visibility. The city is calling for the inclusion of “Arlington” in the official name of AT&T Stadium, one of the venues selected for the global tournament.

Why Arlington Wants Naming Recognition

AT&T Stadium, home of the Dallas Cowboys, is one of the most iconic sports venues in the world. However, it is often geographically associated with Dallas, despite being located in the heart of Arlington. City leaders argue that hosting multiple World Cup matches—including a potential semifinal—offers a rare opportunity to highlight Arlington on the world stage.

Mayor Jim Ross of Arlington voiced concerns that without proper name attribution, the city's economic and cultural contributions risk being overshadowed by its larger neighbors.

Key Points from Arlington’s Appeal

• Global Viewership: The tournament is expected to draw billions of viewers worldwide.
• Local Investment: Arlington has invested heavily in infrastructure and tourism to support large-scale events like the World Cup.
• Geographic Accuracy: The stadium is physically located in Arlington, not Dallas.

FIFA’s Current Venue Naming Policy

FIFA typically applies uniform naming practices to venues that do not always reflect host city names. This consistent branding helps for logistical reasons, but can sideline specific localities. In Arlington’s case, the stadium may simply be referred to as “Dallas Stadium” during the tournament unless adjustments are made.

Potential Economic Benefits for Arlington

Securing proper stadium naming could bring significant advantages:

• Boost in Tourism: More traveler recognition can boost hotel stays, restaurant visits, and local activities.
• Brand Visibility: A heightened global profile may attract future events, businesses, and partnerships.
• Community Pride: Residents and local businesses would benefit from the international acknowledgment.

Looking Ahead to 2026

The countdown to the 2026 FIFA World Cup has already begun, and Arlington is making its case loud and clear. Whether FIFA will officially recognize the stadium’s location as Arlington remains uncertain, but local officials are committed to ensuring the city receives the global spotlight it deserves.

For now, Arlington continues to prepare for what is expected to be one of the most watched sporting events in history—one that could reshape the city's international identity for years to come.