Amidst FIFA World Cup Final Disappointment, Dirk Nowitzki Finds Silver Lining: “I’m Thrilled”

The lights were brighter than expected for the city of Dallas after their FIFA dream took a devastating turn. The 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to be hosted in three countries, which are the USA, Canada, and Mexico. One of America’s most reputed football fields, the AT&T stadium in Dallas, had the top spot for FIFA’s best match-up. Despite all the favorable odds, however, a historic event has gone out of their hand. German basketball icon Dirk Nowitzki, who attended the FIFA World Cup Match Schedule Announcement at AT&T stadium, shared a few words about the huge disappointment in a press conference. 

Who will host the 2026 FIFA Final? This was a big question for the last few days as this is a matter of a huge honor. If a city like Dallas hosted the World Cup Final, the reputation of its sports committee would go sky-high. However, the schedule revealed that the Final will take place in New Jersey at the MetLife Stadium. 

This was a huge upset for Dallas and its people. Dallas Mavericks legend Nowitzki shared that there were a lot of “disappointed faces” after this golden opportunity left their hand. However, the AT&T stadium will host nine World Cup games, which Nowitzki is “thrilled” about. He ended his speech on a positive note with a smile, as this is still something Dallas can be proud of.

Why was this huge honor given to the Mets stadium and not the AT&T stadium, though?

Arlington Mayor is not happy with FIFA’s reason for the last minute change of rumored venue

The home to the Dallas Cowboys is one of the best stadiums in the country. There are a lot of added advantages with it. For starters, it is an indoor stadium, which makes the chances for every possible external threat minimal. Notably, it has more seating capacity than the Mets stadium.

However, FIFA’s big problem was the congested roads of Dallas, which they fear could lead to huge traffic problems. A World Cup Final is no joke as fans from across the globe flood in to watch this one game four years once.

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However, Arlington’s mayor Jim Ross believes “750,000 people come into this city” and they move just fine. The Texas Rangers and Dallas Cowboys often play at the AT&T stadium and it has seen massive crowds before. Mayor Ross tried to use it as an evidence, but it’s too late now.

Do you think that the Dallas city was robbed of a chance to host the FIFA World Cup Final? Share your take in the comments below.

Read more: Mavs Legend Dirk Nowitzki Shockingly Credits Fortune and Not Ability for Historic Finals Win Over LeBron James’ Heat