The FIFA World Cup Semi-Finals Are in Dallas and Atlanta This Week — Here's How to Survive the Trip

Quick Facts: World Cup 2026 Semi-Finals Travel Guide

• France vs Spain kicks off Tuesday, July 14, at 3pm ET at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas (Dallas area), which can hold up to 94,000 fans for soccer.

• England vs Argentina kicks off Wednesday, July 15, at 3pm ET at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, which seats approximately 75,000 for the World Cup.

• Both stadiums are climate-controlled with retractable roofs. July temperatures average around 97°F in Dallas and 91°F in Atlanta, but you'll be comfortably indoors once you're through the gates.

• MARTA rail connects Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson Airport to the stadium area in about 25 minutes for just $2.50, making it the cheapest and most reliable way to get around during match week.

• Mercedes-Benz Stadium continues its fan-friendly concession pricing, with $5 beers and $2 soft drinks that include free refills.

• If you're planning the ambitious trip of attending both semi-finals, nonstop flights between Dallas and Atlanta take about two hours, with multiple departures available each day.

• The Final takes place on Sunday, July 19, at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, while the third-place match will be played Saturday, July 18, at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami.

Dallas on Tuesday: AT&T Stadium and the France vs Spain Match

AT&T Stadium in Arlington is one of the most impressive sports venues in the world and, throughout this tournament, it's also been one of the busiest. With nine World Cup matches on the schedule, more than any other host stadium, France vs Spain serves as its marquee finale. The stadium can hold up to 94,000 fans for soccer and features a retractable roof that opens or closes in about 12 minutes. With mid-July temperatures in Texas, though, don't expect it to be open. You'll be glad for the air conditioning.

France booked its place in the semi-finals with a 2-0 win over Morocco, while Spain advanced after beating Belgium 2-1. It's one of the standout matchups of the tournament, bringing together two European heavyweights with long histories on football's biggest stage. Expect an electric atmosphere from kickoff.

Getting to AT&T Stadium is one of the few challenges. Although it's in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, Arlington doesn't have direct rail service from the area's major hotel districts, so most fans will need to drive or use rideshare. If you're driving, reserve parking ahead of time because lots fill quickly on major match days. Otherwise, consider getting dropped off outside the immediate stadium area and walking the final stretch to avoid some of the worst traffic.

Atlanta on Wednesday: Mercedes-Benz Stadium and England vs Argentina

England vs Argentina is the kind of World Cup semi-final that already feels historic before the first whistle. England earned its place with a 2-1 extra-time victory over Norway, while Argentina advanced after defeating Switzerland 3-1. With decades of history between these two footballing giants, this one has all the ingredients to become another classic.

Mercedes-Benz Stadium is one of the premier sporting venues in North America, known for its striking eight-petal retractable roof inspired by the Roman Pantheon and its massive 360-degree Halo Board, the largest HD video display in professional sports. It's also keeping its fan-friendly concession pricing for the World Cup, meaning you can actually grab a beer or a soft drink without feeling like you've just bought another ticket.

If you're heading to the match, there's one piece of advice above all else: take MARTA. The rail system connects Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport to the stadium area in about 25 minutes for just $2.50. On a World Cup match day with 75,000 fans converging on downtown, rideshare prices are likely to surge and traffic will crawl. MARTA may not be the quickest way home after the final whistle, but it'll almost certainly be the easiest and the cheapest.

Hotel Prices, Flight Availability, and What to Expect

Hotel prices are climbing in both cities this week, and anyone still trying to stay close to either stadium should expect to pay a premium. At this point, the better move is to look farther from the venue and factor transportation into the plan. In the Dallas area, hotels in central Dallas or Fort Worth may offer better value than anything in Arlington. In Atlanta, Midtown and Buckhead are both connected by MARTA and can be much more reasonable than the hotels closest to the stadium.

Flights into Dallas and Atlanta are still available from major hubs, but fares have already started to rise. If you're flying into Dallas Fort Worth (DFW) or Dallas Love Field (DAL) for Tuesday's match and then heading to Atlanta for Wednesday, nonstop flights between the two cities take about two hours and operate several times a day. It's a tight turnaround, but still manageable if you're determined to attend both semi-finals.

The heat outside the stadiums is just as important as anything happening inside. Dallas temperatures in mid-July can push close to 100°F, and Atlanta won't be far behind. Both stadiums are climate-controlled, but the walk from your car, hotel, or transit stop will likely be in direct sun, and security lines can mean more time outdoors than expected. Bring water, sunscreen, and something to cover your head.

After the Match: The Final Is July 19 in New Jersey

The two semi-final winners will meet on Sunday, July 19, at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Known as New York New Jersey Stadium during the tournament, it is the largest venue being used for the World Cup. Anyone already looking ahead to the Final should expect limited hotel availability in New York City and elevated prices across the region. Newark Airport is closer to the stadium than JFK or LaGuardia, and the train connection is relatively straightforward.

The two losing semi-finalists will head to Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens for the third-place match on Saturday, July 18. It is never the game a team hopes to play, but for supporters, it can still offer one final chance to see their country compete before the tournament ends.

After months of matches across North America, the 48-team World Cup has reached the week everything has been building toward. Dallas on Tuesday, Atlanta on Wednesday, and the Final in New Jersey four days later. Whether you are traveling to a match or following from home, this is the point when the tournament gets smaller, louder, and much more intense. Plan your transport, find the fan zones, and give yourself plenty of time to soak it all in.

FAQ: World Cup 2026 Semi-Finals Travel Guide

Where are the World Cup 2026 semi-finals being played?

The first semi-final is at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas (in the Dallas area) on Tuesday, July 14. The second is at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Wednesday, July 15. Both kick off at 3pm ET.

Who is playing in the semi-finals?

France vs Spain in Dallas on July 14, and England vs Argentina in Atlanta on July 15. France beat Morocco 2-0, Spain beat Belgium 2-1, England beat Norway 2-1 after extra time, and Argentina beat Switzerland 3-1 in the quarterfinals.

What's the best way to get to Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta?

MARTA rail. It connects Hartsfield-Jackson airport to the stadium area in about 25 minutes for $2.50 and avoids the surge pricing that rideshares will see on match day.

Are the stadiums air-conditioned?

Yes. Both AT&T Stadium and Mercedes-Benz Stadium have retractable roofs and climate-controlled interiors, which is the main thing you need to know about watching a July match in Dallas or Atlanta.

Can I attend both semi-finals?

Yes, if you have tickets for both. A direct flight between Dallas and Atlanta takes about two hours, with multiple carriers running the route daily. It's tight but workable on consecutive days.

How much do World Cup semi-final tickets cost?

Face values range from approximately $420 to $3,295 per ticket plus a 15% fee. Resale markets push prices higher. Official resale is only permitted through FIFA's own platform.

Where is the World Cup Final?

At MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey (called New York New Jersey Stadium during the tournament) on Sunday, July 19 at 3pm ET.