The Cowboys’ AT&T Stadium is set to be temporarily renamed as ‘Dallas Stadium’ for next summer’s World Cup, despite the fact it’s not actually located there.
Due to FIFA’s policies preventing World Cup venues from using non-sponsor corporate names, AT&T Stadium had to be rebranded ahead of the 2026 soccer showpiece, which is taking place in the US, Canada and Mexico.
As well as the name change, Dallas television network FOX 4 claims the AT&T logos on and around the stadium will also have to be covered up for games.
Yet as a number of angry fans have pointed out, the home of the Cowboys is technically in the Texas city of Arlington – which is roughly 22 miles west of Dallas.
One user posted on X: ‘should be Texas Stadium, or Arlington Stadium at the least. that isnt in Dallas.’
‘Technically, it’s not even in Dallas county or Dallas. Talk about confusing for people,’ said another. ‘Should be called Arlington stadium for the week. Taxpayers of Arlington paid their fair share and have to deal the nightmare. Just saying. @CityOfArlington’.
The Cowboys’ AT&T Stadium is set to be renamed as ‘Dallas Stadium’ for the World Cup
FIFA’s policies prevent World Cup stadiums from having non-sponsor corporate names
should be Texas Stadium, or Arlington Stadium at the least. that isnt in Dallas.
‘Dallas Stadium in Arlington. Honestly, it’ll probably be a cluster f*ck of an event so att probably got a good deal on not being associated,’ claimed a third.
A fourth put: ‘Arlington taxpayer had to pay for half that stadium and they don’t even get their name on it’.
While another joked about the iconic Cowboys owner: ‘Just name it Casa De Jerry Jones and call it a day’.
Arlington is slated to host nine World Cup matches next summer, including one of the semifinals.
FIFA does not allow stadiums to use non-sponsor names as it considers them ‘ambush marketing’ which ‘takes advantage of the huge interest and high profile of an event.’
The world soccer organization also believes they devalue official sponsorships.
When AT&T Stadium campaigned to host games at the World Cup, the bid was identified as Dallas rather than Arlington.
However, Arlington Mayor Jim Ross explained why he had no issue with his city being snubbed.
‘Dallas is the biggest city in North Texas. It makes logical sense to call it the Dallas World Cup,’ Ross admitted. ‘It doesn’t phase me, it doesn’t bother me, I don’t care.
‘The better Dallas’ reputation is, the better it affects Arlington.’