World Cup's Arlington Leg Hits High Gear: Round of 16, Semifinal on Tap at AT&T Stadium

Plano, Texas — AT&T Stadium's FIFA World Cup run shifts into its most consequential phase Friday, with the Arlington venue preparing to host a Round of 32 finale, a Portugal-Spain knockout, and a semifinal across the next 11 days.

Australia and Egypt meet Friday at 1 p.m. to close the Round of 32. The following Monday, July 6, brings the tie of the round: Portugal versus Spain at 2 p.m., a matchup that carries the weight of Iberian rivalry on the sport's biggest stage.

A semifinal on July 14 at 2 p.m. anchors the stadium's tournament legacy. Nine World Cup matches in total — more than any other venue in the expanded 2026 field — have positioned the DFW area as a centerpiece of the first 48-team men's World Cup.

The convergence of World Cup dates with the July 4th holiday has created a surge in visitors across the northern suburbs, with Plano hotels and dining districts reporting elevated foot traffic as international fans spread out across the metroplex.

Sources: NBC DFW, AT&T Stadium.