Arlington is gearing up to host nine matches at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with the first match scheduled for June 14. To mitigate the expected increase in traffic and transit use, North Texas transportation officials are encouraging residents and employers to make temporary travel adjustments.

Transportation Plans

Residents are being advised to carpool, use alternate routes, and shift commute times outside peak travel windows. Employers are also being asked to consider offering flexible schedules or telework options on match days to reduce roadway demand.

Match schedules show expected arrival-related traffic beginning several hours before kickoff and departure-related congestion continuing for several hours after matches conclude. The North Central Texas Council of Governments is coordinating regional transportation planning for the tournament.

Transit Preparations

Transit agencies are preparing for higher ridership, particularly on the Trinity Railway Express. Regular transit users are being advised to allow extra time for boarding and transfers, monitor service updates, and adjust travel schedules when possible.

Road closures are planned around Dallas Stadium on match days, with AT&T Way and Cowboys Way expected to be closed to traffic during events, pending final approval from FIFA. Additional traffic restrictions are expected near the FIFA Fan Festival at Fair Park in Dallas.

Transportation officials emphasize that the temporary travel changes are intended to preserve reliable travel times for commuters, support emergency access, maintain transit capacity, and reduce strain on major roadways during periods of peak demand.

Residents who log alternative commutes, such as carpooling or biking, between June 11 and July 19 will be eligible for prize drawings through the World Cup Commuter Challenge. A Mobile Match Day Travel Guide is available to help plan routes on high-traffic match days.

Original reporting: The Dallas Express — read the source article.