World Cup Traffic: Your Game Plan for Getting to Class on Time

June 8, 2026

The FIFA World Cup is coming to North Texas, and while it's exciting to host one of the world's biggest sporting events, it could also make getting to class a little more challenging. Here are some tips and advice on making sure there are no delays or yellow cards on class days.  

Road closures and increased traffic are expected near downtown Dallas, Fair Park and Arlington throughout the tournament. Before heading to campus, check your navigation app for the latest travel times and alternate routes. 

Know the Match Days 

Traffic will be heaviest on days when matches are played at AT&T Stadium in Arlington. If you're traveling to or from campus on these days, allow extra time for your commute. A good rule of thumb: leave 15-30 minutes earlier than normal on match days. 

Dallas-area match dates include: 

• Sunday, June 14 – 3 p.m. Netherlands vs. Japan 

• Wednesday, June 17 – 3 p.m. England vs. Croatia 

• Monday, June 22 – 12 p.m. Argentina vs. Austria 

• Thursday, June 25 – 6 p.m. Japan vs. Sweden 

• Saturday, June 27 – 9 p.m.  Jordan vs. Argentina  

• Tuesday, June 30 – 12 p.m. Round of 32 playoff 

• Friday, July 3 – 1 p.m. Round of 32 playoff 

• Monday, July 6 – 2 p.m. Round of 16 playoff 

• Tuesday, July 14 – 2 p.m. Semifinal playoff 

Road Closures 

Be aware that there will be a few road closures during the duration of the World Cup. Below are the current road closures. These closures may add traffic delays for students that drive to campus, so make sure to check estimated drive times. 

• Downtown Dallas Area Closed until July 23
  • Griffin Street between Canton Street and Ceremonial Drive at the Kay Bailey Hutchinson Convention Center Dallas
  • Car-free zones on select blocks on Main Street during Saturdays of the World Cup 

• Fair Park Area Closed every day until July 19
  • First Avenue from Parry Avenue to Pennsylvania Avenue
  • Grand Avenue from First Avenue to Second Avenue
  • Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard from First Avenue to Second Avenue
  • Pennsylvania Avenue from First Avenue to Lagow Street  

• Arlington Area Closed on match days
  • Cowboys Way to Randol Mill Road
  • Cowboys Way will be closed from North Collins Street to AT&T Way
  • A portion of Nolan Ryan Expresswayfrom Road to Six Flags to the south entrance of Marriot hotel 

• Centreport Station Closed on match days
  • Statler Boulevard from Breezewood Drive to Cottageview Lane  

DART and TRE  

Be aware that on match days DART and TRE will experience heavy usage and will have service enhancements from June 8 to July 19. Plan for increased delays and longer waits on match days. DART’s Victory Station by the American Airlines Center will be a major hub for ticket holders riding the TRE from downtown Dallas to Centreport. DART expects 10,000 riders on match days to board the TRE. You can find more changes about DART here. 

• TRE 
  • Match days: 30-minute frequency.
  • Weekday nonmatch days: 30-minute peak, 60-minute off peak frequency.
  • Weekend/holiday nonmatch days: 60-minute frequency
  • Sunday service: 60-minute frequency, "Saturday" schedule
  • June 27: 60-minute service until 4 p.m. at which point service will run every 30 minutes. 

• DART
  • Service between the Victory and Lawnview stations, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
  • 20-minute service on all lines, all day.
  • Orange Line service to Parker Road Station every day. 

Stay Flexible 

The best game plan is to stay informed. Traffic patterns may change throughout the tournament, and unexpected delays can happen. Checking traffic and transit updates before leaving can help you arrive on time and stress-free. 

Final Whistle 

The World Cup is a once-in-a-generation event for North Texas. With a little planning, you can enjoy the excitement while still making it to class on time. Score a win for yourself by giving yourself extra travel time and checking your route before you head to campus.  

 

• Campus News
• Need To Know