Dallas Stadium is set to host its ninth and final match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, featuring a thrilling semifinal clash between Spain and France on Tuesday. This match marks a significant moment as the stadium wraps up its role in the tournament.
Behind the scenes, a dedicated team of hundreds has been working tirelessly for weeks to ensure that every detail of the event is meticulously prepared. From the ground staff to local entertainers, the aim is to create an electrifying atmosphere for fans.
DJ Chuy Salazar, a Waco local known for his performances at various sporting events across Texas, is particularly excited about the occasion. Performing on such a grand stage, he reflects on his journey, saying, “When fans are singing along, that’s the best part. It’s something I’m incredibly grateful to be a part of.”
The technology behind the stadium’s pitch is equally impressive. Currently, the grass appears pink due to LED lights designed to promote its growth. Ian Craig, the FIFA Pitch Manager, explains that the unique cool-season grass, a blend of Kentucky bluegrass and ryegrass reinforced with synthetic fibers, was specially grown in Colorado and transported to Texas. He notes, “It’s done really well. It’s performed exactly how we wanted it throughout the tournament.”
Craig acknowledges the challenges of maintaining the grass in an indoor environment, stating that while it thrives here, it wouldn’t survive outdoors in Texas. The end of the tournament evokes mixed emotions for him, as he feels both pride and a sense of loss as the final whistle approaches.
Lance Brass, FIFA’s Head of Production and Stadium Entertainment, expresses his admiration for the growing soccer culture in the United States and Canada. He observes, “You’ve already seen the culture of the fandom and the passion, but now it’s just exploding. The singing in the stadium is my favorite thing in the world. It’s deafening. It’s amazing.”
The upcoming semifinal between Spain and France promises to be a memorable conclusion to Dallas Stadium’s World Cup journey, offering fans one last chance to immerse themselves in the vibrant atmosphere before the tournament wraps up.
