North Texas is preparing to host the Argentina national soccer team this summer as the defending 2022 FIFA World Cup champions come to Arlington for two group-stage matches ahead of the 2026 tournament.
Argentina, led by global star Lionel Messi, won the 2022 World Cup in Qatar after defeating France in a penalty shootout in the final. Messi scored twice in that match and was named the tournament’s best player.
As part of the buildup to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Argentina will play two matches at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, which will be referred to as “Dallas Stadium” during the tournament. The team is scheduled to face Austria on June 22 and Jordan on June 27.
The matches are expected to draw large crowds, including significant numbers of traveling supporters. Franco Amieva, an Argentina fan living in Fort Worth who plans to attend the games, said thousands of fans are expected to travel from Argentina and other locations.
“There’s probably about two to three thousand people that we know that are coming this way for the games,” Amieva said. “I’m excited for everyone to get here, just bringing a little bit of home to here and enjoy it.”
Amieva said Argentine supporters plan to bring a strong stadium atmosphere, including organized fan groups known as “barras,” which lead chants, play drums, and use musical instruments during matches.
“It comes from the culture. Argentina is known for soccer. We breathe, eat, sleep soccer,” he said. “Expect a good party, a lot of drums, just a lot of joy.”
The matches in Arlington will be among the early international fixtures held in the U.S. ahead of the expanded 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
