Full Breakdown
FIFA Deploys Blackout Curtains for Japan-Sweden World Cup Match at Dallas Stadium
5/22/2026, 8:44:21 PM
Sun Glare Issue at Dallas Stadium
AT&T Stadium, called Dallas Stadium for the World Cup, has a west-facing glass wall that lets direct sunlight hit the field during early-evening kick-offs. Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb missed a 2024 touchdown catch, saying the sun blocked his view, and receiver George Pickens similarly dropped a pass. Owner Jerry Jones has long called the glare a minor issue, noting the venue was built to feel outdoors.
Curtain Deployment for Japan-Sweden Group-Stage Match
For the 2026 FIFA World Cup, organizers will lower the blackout curtains for the Group-stage Japan-Sweden match on 25 June, kickoff 6 p.m. CT, when the sun still reaches the west windows. FIFA will assess curtain needs for the other eight matches, which are set for early afternoon or after sunset. Some reports flag the 3 p.m. Netherlands-Japan (14 June) and England-Croatia (17 June) games as possibly requiring curtains.
Stakeholder Positions and Official Responses
FIFA describes the curtain use as a lighting-standard measure and has confirmed the Japan-Sweden game will feature the system. Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, who previously downplayed glare, said the stadium will cooperate, adding, “we know where the sun is going to be when we flip the coin.” Wide receiver CeeDee Lamb voiced full support, saying he is “one-thousand percent in favor of adding curtains.” Other players, such as George Pickens, have also raised concerns.
Fan Criticism and Opposition
Fans note that curtains have been used for concerts, a Jake Paul-Mike Tyson boxing match, and now a World Cup game, yet Cowboys games stay exposed. One supporter said, “He can do that for the World Cup, but not for the team he owns.” Another added, “Curtains have been there for ages, Jerry just likes to be weird and in the lime light.” The comments highlight a call for a permanent glare fix.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Couldn’t see the ball, at all. The sun [was in the way].” — CeeDee Lamb, Cowboys WR
- “ Lamb also said that he would be "one-thousand percent" in favor of adding curtains.” — CeeDee Lamb, Cowboys WR
- “By the way, we know where the sun is going to be when we flip the coin,” — Jerry Jones, Cowboys owner
- “He can do that for the World Cup, but not for the team he owns,” — Dallas Cowboys fan
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Reports differ on the number of matches that will use curtains. NBC DFW notes only the Japan-Sweden game will have curtains, while the Star-Telegram article suggests the 3 p.m. Netherlands-Japan and England-Croatia fixtures could also be affected. No official schedule confirming additional curtain use has been released.
Implications for Future Stadium Use
The curtain installation demonstrates the venue can meet FIFA’s lighting standards, a point relevant to discussions of permanent glare mitigation. Player and fan endorsement of the curtains has been recorded, and any decision to retain the system beyond the World Cup will be evaluated by stadium management and league officials.
