The second Round of 32 match at Dallas Stadium takes place on Thursday, July 3, 2026, with a 1:00 p.m. CT kickoff. The timing is significant: it falls on the eve of American Independence Day, which means the DFW area will be running at full Fourth of July weekend energy. Fireworks, barbecue and a packed Entertainment District make this one of the most festive match days of the tournament.
Here is how to make the most of it.
July 4 is the biggest national holiday in the United States. The celebration runs across the entire weekend, with fireworks, parades, barbecue cookouts and outdoor events throughout the DFW area. Hotels, restaurants and entertainment venues will be busier than usual, and the overlap with a tournament knockout match creates a unique atmosphere.
International visitors experiencing their first Fourth of July will find the energy infectious. The combination of American Independence Day and global soccer creates a festival weekend unlike anything else on the tournament calendar.
A 1:00 p.m. kickoff means getting to the Arlington Entertainment District by 9:00 a.m. CT. Texas Live! opens in the morning with restaurants, bars and the 100-foot LED screen.
If you are coming from downtown Dallas, leave by 8:00 a.m. CT. A rideshare takes about 25 minutes.
Dallas Stadium uses a clear bag policy. Only clear totes (12 by six by 12 inches), one-gallon clear resealable bags and small clutch purses (4.5 by 6.5 inches) are allowed. Arrive at the gates by 11:30 a.m. CT. The stadium is air-conditioned.
Knockout matches can go to extra time and penalties. Plan for up to three hours.
The match ends around 3:00 to 4:00 p.m. CT. The rest of the afternoon and evening are open for Fourth of July weekend activities.
The Texas Rangers typically play home games around the Fourth of July weekend, and Globe Life Field hosts fireworks displays on select dates. A same-day double of knockout soccer followed by Rangers baseball with postgame fireworks is one of the best combinations of the entire tournament. Get tickets to see the Rangers in 2026 and check the promotions schedule for fireworks nights.
Multiple cities across the DFW area host fireworks shows on the evening of July 3 and the night of July 4. Arlington, Dallas and Fort Worth all have public displays. Check local event listings for times and locations closer to the date.
The Fourth of July is the most barbecue-centric holiday in the United States. Hurtado Barbecue in Downtown Arlington, Terry Black’s in Deep Ellum and Cattlemen’s Steak House in Fort Worth are all strong options.
Kickoff is at 1:00 p.m. CT at Dallas Stadium in Arlington.
The teams depend on group-stage results and will be confirmed after the group stage concludes.
Yes. Multiple cities across DFW host fireworks displays. The Rangers often host postgame fireworks on select dates around the Fourth of July. Check the promotions schedule.
Potentially, if the Rangers have an evening game. Check the schedule.
Yes. The combination of the holiday weekend and the tournament will push hotel prices higher than usual. Book as early as possible.
Hurtado Barbecue in Downtown Arlington is about a half-mile from Globe Life Field and Dallas Stadium.
