Overview
- FIFA confirmed Wednesday that venue staff will lower AT&T Stadium’s blackout curtains for the June 25 group-stage match between Japan and Sweden, which kicks off at 6 p.m. local time.
- The Cowboys organization said operational choices for the tournament are controlled by FIFA, which gives the governing body authority to require changes that the team owner has resisted.
- Owner Jerry Jones has long refused to lower the stadium’s glass-end blackout curtains for Cowboys games, a stance that contrasts with players such as CeeDee Lamb who have said sun glare affected their play.
- Arlington will host nine World Cup matches but only the Japan–Sweden game aligns with local sunset, so FIFA says curtains will be used for that match and the venue team will reassess needs for any others.
- The stadium was temporarily reconfigured for the tournament with natural grass and rebranding to meet FIFA rules, and the curtain decision highlights how hosting the World Cup can force operational changes that affect player safety and venue norms.