Return to Matador Network’s 2026 FIFA World Cup Travel Guide.

Houston’s sports culture is a reflection of the city: diverse, passionate, and deeply rooted in community spirit. Whether it’s the thumping atmosphere at a Rockets or Astros game, or the sea of fans tailgating outside stadiums on game days, sports in Houston are a big deal. The city is home to a wide range of teams, from major league organizations to college programs, and includes numerous amateur leagues where Houstonians of all ages and backgrounds come together to play and celebrate. It also doesn’t hurt that Houston is close to some of the best beaches in the US along the Gulf of Mexico, making it an excellent city to visit if you want to combine watching World Cup matches with a quick beach getaway.

Venue: NRG Stadium

Capacity: 72,220

Match dates

Houston will host seven FIFA World Cup 2026 matches. Times have not yet been announced.

• Sunday, June 14, 2026: Group Stage, Match 11
• Wednesday, June 17, 2026: Group Stage, Match 24
• Saturday, June 20, 2026: Group Stage, Match 36
• Tuesday, June 23, 2026: Group Stage, Match 48
• Friday, June 26, 2026: Group Stage, Match 62
• Tuesday, June 30, 2026: Round of 32, Match 78
• Saturday, July 4, 2026: Quarter-final, Match 89

Exact matchups and kickoff times will be finalized after the FIFA Final Draw in late 2025. Pre-register for ticket alerts through FIFA’s official site.

How to get to NRG Stadium from downtown

NRG Stadium is in the south-central part of Houston, about a 20-minute drive from downtown. The most efficient way to reach it without a car is the METRORail Red Line, which runs from downtown to the Stadium Park/Astrodome Station. From there, it’s a short walk to the venue’s main entrances. If you’re staying near Main Street or in the Museum District, the train is a particularly convenient option.

For drivers, NRG Park has multiple parking lots, but heavy traffic and congestion are likely on game days, so pre-booking through the venue’s official parking system is recommended. Rideshare zones are set along Fannin Street and Kirby Drive, though delays during peak arrival and departure times should be expected.

Official Fan Zones for the Houston World Cup matches

The Houston Host Committee already announced the location of the FIFA Fan Festival in Houston. It’s calling it the “Houston Football Fiesta,” and will stretch throughout the entire East Downtown area. According to the release, attendees can expect “a unique viewing experience, global flavors in our concession areas, curated entertainment, VIP hospitality, and youth soccer activations in our ‘grow the game zone.'” Updates will be published on the Houston FIFA World Cup page as planning progresses.

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