AT&T Stadium Windows Covered to Prevent Sunlight Issues for Sweden's Final 2026 World Cup Group Match

As Sweden prepares for its final group stage match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, held at AT&T Stadium in Dallas, significant adjustments are being made to the venue to ensure fair play conditions. The stadium, usually home to the NFL's Dallas Cowboys, has a large western window known to cause harsh sunlight glare, disrupting players’ visibility during afternoon games. This problem has drawn complaints from NFL professionals like CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens, with expert Philip Minja describing it as "a hell for players," affecting wide receivers and special teams alike.

For the upcoming match against Japan on June 26 (local time), curtains will be installed to cover this problematic window for the first time during the tournament. This measure aims to reduce sunlight interference, particularly benefiting goalkeepers and defenders, and is welcomed by experts as a step toward a more equitable playing environment. Previously, Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones opposed such modifications, but the World Cup fixture has prompted a change.

The use of curtains is exclusive to Sweden’s match in Dallas; earlier group games against Tunisia in Monterrey and the Netherlands in Houston will be played without such adaptations. The stadium’s capacity of up to 93,000 spectators sets the stage for a high-profile encounter, despite expected hot weather with temperatures nearing 33 degrees Celsius. These preparations highlight the tournament’s attention to player welfare and competition fairness, especially in venues not traditionally designed for football.