Dallas teams today: Stars surge, Mavericks recalibrate, Cowboys regroup as World Cup buzz grows in DFW

Dallas sports opened the week with momentum on the ice, questions on the hardwood, and a reset on the gridiron—plus fresh intrigue for global soccer fans eyeing North Texas next summer. Here’s the quick, need-to-know roundup for Dallas teams with a focus on what broke in the last 24 hours and what’s next.

Dallas Stars extend point streak as late-game resilience pays off

The hottest of the Dallas teams right now skates in Victory Green. The Stars rallied late in the third period Sunday night and finished the job in a shootout, pushing their point streak to double digits. The formula has been repeatable—and sustainable: airtight goaltending, a blue line led by a calm, two-way ace, and timely production from the top six. Winning different ways (from multi-goal romps to rope-a-dope comebacks) is what turns good stretches into statement months, and Dallas is flashing exactly that as the calendar deepens into December.

Off the ice, the organization also marked a somber moment with the passing of a former team owner, prompting reflections on an era that helped build modern expectations around the franchise. The current group honored the day the best way a team can—by banking points.

Why it matters: December hockey can be a grind; stacking points now cushions inevitable dips later. The Stars’ ability to steal results when trailing late is a hallmark of clubs that expect to play into May.

Dallas Mavericks: health watch and rotation tweaks headline an uneven week

After a mixed set of results, the Mavericks enter the new week balancing two truths: the top-end talent still tilts matchups, and the rotation has to hold together while bodies cycle in and out. A recent loss to a West rival underscored the margin for error when perimeter defense and defensive rebounding wobble at the same time. There are bright spots—bench scoring spurts, improved pace in second halves, and a few role players finding rhythm—but availability remains the storyline to monitor as the schedule tightens.

Look for subtle rotation adjustments: bigger lineups to protect the glass against elite slashers, and more two-man actions designed to simplify reads for the primary initiators. When the Mavericks keep turnovers in the low teens and get to the line 20+ times, they look like a top-four seed. The challenge is making that profile their nightly baseline.

Why it matters: The West is unforgiving. Banking wins before the holiday slate hits full speed can be the difference between hosting in April and living on the 5–8 bubble.

Dallas Cowboys: from Thursday stumble to December recalibration

Earlier in the week, Dallas saw a winning streak snapped in a high-scoring road loss, exposing issues in complementary football: special teams miscues, short fields off turnovers, and red-zone efficiency that didn’t keep pace. The immediate task is familiar for a contending roster—clean up situational football and get back to their identity: controlling script early, leaning on a physical run game that has quietly reached key mileposts, and letting the pass rush hunt.

December is where playoff seeding is won. The remaining schedule offers both tests and opportunities; Dallas needs to split the toughest two and sweep the rest to stay in the first-round-bye conversation. Health and ball security will dictate how high their ceiling remains.

Why it matters: One off night doesn’t define a contender, but it can clarify priorities. Expect emphasis on special teams discipline and third-down defense during this practice block.

World Cup 2026: which national teams could land in Arlington

Soccer fans in North Texas have fresh reasons to circle dates. With the draw complete and group paths clarified over the weekend, several high-profile national teams are now candidates to play group-stage matches at the stadium in Arlington next summer. While final venue assignments can still shift as logistics lock in, the realistic slate includes a blend of regional powers and global heavyweights—precisely the mix that will turn DFW into an international fan hub for a few electric weeks.

Why it matters: Beyond the spectacle, the World Cup will intersect with the local sports calendar. Expect traffic, hotel demand, and sports-bar viewing to spike across the Metroplex, with knock-on effects for game-day operations around the other Dallas teams.

What’s next: early-week slate and watch points

Stars

• Sustain the point streak with cleaner first periods; avoid chasing games.

• Special teams: keep the power play north of 20% and the penalty kill aggressive at entries.

Mavericks

• Monitor the injury report ahead of their next West test.

• Bench usage: staggering stars to anchor second units has paid off—keep the split minutes coming.

Cowboys

• Practice focus on special teams and short-yardage offense.

• Defensive emphasis: limit explosives on first down to regain pass-rush leverage.

Quick Dallas teams tracker

Dallas sports rarely move in a straight line, and that’s the fun. The Stars are showing contender habits, the Mavericks have the pieces to surge with better health, and the Cowboys still control much of their December narrative. Add in the World Cup spotlight headed for Arlington, and the next few weeks set up as a high-traffic, high-drama stretch across the Metroplex.