Overview
- FIFA had the stadium’s large blackout curtains drawn and tinted end graphics in place for the June 25 Japan–Sweden match to prevent low-angle evening sun from streaming through the west glass wall.
- The stadium’s unusual east–west alignment and massive sliding glass panels let late sun hit the field and have produced visible glare problems that players say caused missed passes and impaired vision.
- Blackout curtains have been used for concerts at the venue but this was the first time they were deployed for a major sporting event, a step longtime Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has publicly rejected for NFL games.
- Fans noticed and complained on social media after seeing the curtains used for World Cup play, and FIFA officials say the curtains will be available for the remaining Dallas matches while the Cowboys and stadium operators have not announced any change to their curtain policy.
- The episode sharpens questions about player safety and competitive fairness at the venue and may increase public pressure on team and stadium officials to adopt the same light‑mitigation steps for Cowboys games.