The two FIFA World Cup 2026 semi finals will be played in Dallas and Atlanta — the only US cities hosting matches at this stage of the tournament. For the full tournament schedule and a breakdown of all 16 host cities, check our dedicated guides.
FIFA World Cup 2026 Semifinal Schedule
Both semifinal matches kick off at 3:00 PM ET on consecutive days in July 2026. The winners advance to the final at MetLife Stadium in New York/New Jersey on July 19.
| Match | Date | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| Semifinal 1 | Tuesday, July 14, 3:00 PM ET | AT&T Stadium, Dallas |
| Semifinal 2 | Wednesday, July 15, 3:00 PM ET | Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta |
Dallas: AT&T Stadium (Semifinal 1, July 14)
AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas is the tournament’s busiest venue, hosting nine matches across all rounds — more than any other stadium at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Its 94,000-seat configuration makes it the largest semifinal venue.
What Makes It Unique
The stadium’s retractable roof can open or close in just 12 minutes, though it will likely stay closed during the July semifinal to counter the Texas summer heat. A first-of-its-kind ceiling-suspended grow light system nurtures the natural grass pitch inside the enclosed arena — the only World Cup 2026 venue using this technology, according to FIFA.
Getting There
AT&T Stadium is in Arlington, not Dallas — there is no permanent rail link to the venue. On match days, charter buses will shuttle fans from CentrePort Station (the Trinity Railway Express hub near DFW Airport) to the stadium. Door-to-door from Dallas or Fort Worth, plan for about 90 minutes.
Rideshare drop-offs are at the Esports Stadium Arlington lot, roughly a mile from the venue. If you are driving, around 16,600 parking spaces will be available near the stadium.
For the full matchday transport breakdown, see our US Transport Guide for World Cup 2026. Search for flights to Dallas on Wego.
Where to Stay
Arlington’s Entertainment District has a handful of hotels within walking distance of the stadium, but options are limited and will book out fast for the semifinal. Most fans will likely stay in downtown Dallas or Fort Worth and take the shuttle in on match day.
For specific recommendations, see our US World Cup Hotels 2026 guide. Browse hotels in Dallas on Wego.
Atlanta: Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Semifinal 2, July 15)
Mercedes-Benz Stadium seats 75,000 for the World Cup and hosts eight matches in total, including five group stage games and the second semifinal.
What Makes It Unique
The stadium’s eight-petal retractable roof — inspired by the Roman Pantheon — opens in about eight minutes. Inside, the Halo Board, a 360-degree, 61,900-square-foot HD video screen circling the roof opening, is the largest in professional sports. Mercedes-Benz Stadium also earned LEED Platinum certification, a first for a US pro sports venue.
Atlanta has committed to maintaining its fan-first concession pricing during the World Cup, with beers at $5 and soft drinks at $2 with free refills — a fraction of what most stadium venues charge.
Getting There
MARTA rail connects Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport to the stadium area in roughly 25 minutes for $2.50. Your closest stop is the SEC District Station (formerly GWCC/CNN Center), right at the stadium’s doorstep. Vine City Station on the Blue/Green Line is a 10-minute walk and a good backup if the main stop is crowded after the match.
For full matchday transport details, see our US Transport Guide for World Cup 2026. Search for flights to Atlanta on Wego.
Where to Stay
Unlike Dallas, downtown Atlanta has dense hotel options within walking distance of the stadium. The Centennial Park district puts you 10–15 minutes on foot from Mercedes-Benz Stadium, with several major chains clustered there.
For specific picks, see our US World Cup Hotels 2026 guide. Browse hotels in Atlanta on Wego.
Matchday Essentials for FIFA Semifinal Fans
Planning a trip to either semifinal city requires a valid US visa or an approved ESTA for eligible nationalities. GCC travelers can also explore the FIFA PASS program for priority visa processing.
Climate
Both cities are hot and humid in mid-July. Dallas averages 36°C (97°F) and Atlanta sits around 33°C (91°F). Both stadiums have climate-controlled interiors, but bring water and sun protection for the walk in and any outdoor fan zones.
Tickets
Semifinal tickets are available through the official FIFA ticketing portal. Prices vary by category, and resale is permitted only through FIFA’s official platform to avoid fraud.
Planning Your Trip
If you are attending both semifinals on consecutive days, a domestic flight between Dallas and Atlanta takes about two hours. Multiple carriers operate the route daily. For a broader trip plan covering all three host countries, see our FIFA World Cup 2026 travel planning guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where will the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi finals be played?
The two semifinals will be played at AT&T Stadium in Dallas (Arlington), Texas on July 14 and Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on July 15, 2026. Both matches kick off at 3:00 PM ET.
Do I need a visa to attend the World Cup in the US?
Most international visitors need a valid US visa or an approved ESTA (for Visa Waiver Program countries). GCC nationals can apply through the FIFA PASS program for expedited processing. See our World Cup visa guide for full details.
Can I attend both semifinal matches?
Yes. The semifinals are on consecutive days — July 14 in Dallas and July 15 in Atlanta. A direct flight between the two cities takes about two hours, making it feasible to attend both if you have tickets for each match.
Sources
- FIFA — Match Schedule, Fixtures & Stadiums
- FIFA — Dallas to Host Nine World Cup 2026 Matches
- Mercedes-Benz Stadium — FIFA World Cup 26 in Atlanta
- FC Dallas — Dallas Named Host for FIFA World Cup 26 Semi-final
- Rough Draft Atlanta — Atlanta Airport, MARTA Ready for FIFA World Cup
- FOX 4 — Dallas Transportation Guide FIFA World Cup 2026
- NBC Sports — 2026 FIFA World Cup Schedule: Bracket, Dates, Locations
- Yahoo Sports — Mercedes-Benz Stadium Won’t Raise In-Venue Prices Amid World Cup
Disclaimer: Wego strives to ensure all information presented in this article is accurate and up to date at the time of publication. Travel policies, prices, visa requirements, and conditions can change rapidly. We strongly recommend verifying critical details with official sources before making travel decisions. Wego does not accept liability for any inaccuracies, oversights, or changes that may occur after publication.
