Three of the 2026 international soccer tournament host cities sit in the Central Region of the United States: Dallas (Arlington), Houston and Kansas City. If your tournament plan includes matches in more than one of these cities, the distances are manageable and the connections are straightforward.
Here is how to get between them.
The drive from Arlington to central Houston covers about 265 miles on I-45 and takes three and a half to four hours. Flights from DFW Airport to Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) or William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) take under an hour in the air.
The drive from Arlington to Kansas City covers about 530 miles on I-35 and takes roughly eight hours. Flights from DFW Airport to Kansas City International Airport (MCI) take about one hour and 45 minutes.
The drive from Houston to Kansas City covers about 750 miles and takes roughly 11 to 12 hours. Flights take about two hours.
For Dallas to Houston, driving makes sense. The distance is short, the route is simple and you can stop at Buc-ee’s, Huntsville State Park or Corsicana along the way. A rental car also gives you flexibility in both cities.
For Dallas to Kansas City, flying is the more practical option. An eight-hour drive is doable but tiring, especially if you are trying to maximize your time at each destination. Flight prices between DFW and MCI are generally reasonable, and the time savings are significant.
For Houston to Kansas City, flying is the clear choice. The drive is too long for most tournament schedules, and direct flights connect the cities in about two hours.
The tournament runs from June 11 through July 19, 2026. Dallas (AT&T Stadium) hosts nine matches, Houston (NRG Stadium) hosts seven matches and Kansas City hosts matches at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Build your travel around the fixture list. If your team plays in Dallas and then Houston within a few days, the drive south is easy. If matches in Dallas and Kansas City are separated by two or more days, a quick flight fills the gap without burning a full day on the road.
Give yourself at least one full day between matches in different cities. Arriving the night before a match lets you settle in, explore the area and reach the stadium without rushing.
A rental car for a Dallas-to-Houston round trip costs roughly $40 to $80 per day depending on the vehicle and booking window. Gas for the round trip runs about $40 to $60.
One-way flights between the three cities range from $80 to $250 depending on how far in advance you book, the airline and the travel date. Booking early and midweek flights tends to keep prices lower.
Intercity bus services between Dallas and Houston run $20 to $50 per person and take about four hours.
AT&T Stadium is the tournament venue, located in the Arlington Entertainment District alongside Globe Life Field and Texas Live!. Between matches, catch a Texas Rangers game at Globe Life Field, explore Dallas or take a day trip to Fort Worth. Get tickets to see the Rangers in 2026.
NRG Stadium hosts matches in the NRG Park complex. Houston’s Museum District, Hermann Park, Space Center Houston and one of the best food scenes in the country fill the time between games.
GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium is the venue. Kansas City’s barbecue scene rivals any city in the country, and the Power and Light District downtown has restaurants, bars and entertainment.
About 239 miles (265 from Arlington). The drive takes three and a half to four hours on I-45.
About 530 miles. The drive takes roughly eight hours. Flights take about one hour and 45 minutes.
Drive for Dallas to Houston. Fly for Dallas to Kansas City and Houston to Kansas City. The time savings on the longer routes are worth the airfare.
Dallas hosts nine matches, Houston hosts seven and Kansas City hosts matches across the group stage and knockout rounds.
Arlington is the most central option. Houston is a short drive south, and Kansas City is a quick flight north. Basing in Arlington also puts you within walking distance of Globe Life Field and AT&T Stadium.
As early as possible. Prices between tournament cities will climb as the event approaches. Booking two to three months ahead locks in better rates.
