AT&T Stadium Gets Curtains for World Cup — Jerry Jones Never Did
AT&T Stadium’s notorious sun problem is finally getting a fix — just not for Cowboys fans.
FIFA confirmed that curtains will be drawn across the stadium’s west-facing windows during the June 25 group stage match between Japan and Sweden, kicking off at 6 p.m. CT. It’s the only fixture in Arlington’s five-match World Cup slate where late-afternoon glare poses a direct gameplay risk.
The sunlight issue has shadowed the Cowboys for years. In back-to-back seasons, star receivers CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens each publicly blamed glare for dropped passes — Lamb during a 2024 Eagles game, Pickens on Thanksgiving against Kansas City. Both said curtains would have made the difference.
Owner Jerry Jones had other ideas. When pressed after Lamb’s drop, Jones told reporters the world knows where the sun is. No curtains were deployed.
FIFA had no such hesitation.
The curtain system isn’t new to the building — it was deployed during the 2014 Men’s Final Four. This will mark its first use for a football match.
The remaining Arlington fixtures don’t require it. Netherlands vs. Japan and England vs. Croatia kick off at 3 p.m. CT, Argentina vs. Austria at noon, and Jordan vs. Argentina at 9 p.m. CT. Planning to attend? Check our complete AT&T Stadium fan guide and hotels near AT&T Stadium before the crowds arrive. Arlington World Cup 2026 Hub →
FIFA’s installation of retractable curtains at AT&T Stadium solved a long-standing glare problem that plagued the venue for over a decade. This video explains the issue and shows the remarkable solution put in place for World Cup 2026.
Fans attending matches at AT&T Stadium can still find World Cup 2026 tickets for AT&T Stadium through official resale channels — check availability before match day as Arlington fixtures are selling fast.
Visitors travelling to Arlington for World Cup matches should book early — hotels near AT&T Stadium Arlington are filling up fast across all price ranges from budget to luxury.
The full AT&T Stadium match schedule 2026 covers 9 fixtures from the group stage through to the semi-final in July.
Short-term rentals are a popular option for groups — browse Airbnb Arlington TX World Cup 2026 listings near the stadium for flexible accommodation options.
