World Cup 2026 — Houston
USA · 5 scheduled matches
NRG Stadium’s air-con gamble
The retractable roof at NRG Stadium will likely stay closed for all matches despite Houston’s June furnace. FIFA mandates 72°F (22°C) for players, but the 72,220-seat bowl’s cooling system faces its toughest test during 3pm kickoffs. Local tip: Upper concourses get icy — bring layers. The stadium last hosted international soccer during the 2016 Copa América, where Chile’s Arturo Vidal complained about ‘playing in a refrigerator.’
Midtown vs EaDo pre-match scenes
Skip the stadium’s parking lots. Midtown’s Richmond Strip (Pitch 25 beer garden) and EaDo’s Truck Yard will shuttle fans via MetroRail’s Red Line. For authentic pre-match fuel: Ninfa’s on Navigation for fajitas or The Pit Room’s brisket tacos. Post-game, head to Axelrad’s beer garden under century-old oaks — Houston’s humidity drops marginally after sunset.
Six matches, one brutal schedule
Houston gets Group C (June 15, 19, 23), Round of 32 (June 30), and a semifinal (July 15). The latter could see 100°F (38°C) heat indexes outside despite climate control inside. Pro tip: Book hotels along the MetroRail line — downtown to NRG takes 18 minutes. Avoid rideshares post-match; surge pricing hits 4.5x during big events.
Stadiums in Houston
Matches in Houston
| Match | Date | Group | Score | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 Germany vs  CuraçaoEstadio Houston | Sun, Jun 14, 2026 · 18:00 ET | e | – | Scheduled |
 Netherlands vs  SwedenEstadio Houston | Sat, Jun 20, 2026 · 21:00 ET | f | – | Scheduled |
 Cape Verde vs  Saudi ArabiaEstadio Houston | Sat, Jun 27, 2026 · 01:00 ET | h | – | Scheduled |
 Portugal vs  DR CongoEstadio Houston | Wed, Jun 17, 2026 · 18:00 ET | k | – | Scheduled |
Portugal vs  UzbekistanEstadio Houston | Tue, Jun 23, 2026 · 18:00 ET | k | – | Scheduled |
Travel
Humidity is high; book hotels near NRG area or downtown with light-rail access if available.
Where to watch
Large Latin American communities make watch parties especially lively.
Broadcast guide →Related host cities
Frequently asked questions
How many World Cup matches will Houston host?+
Six: three group stage games, one Round of 32 match, and a semifinal.
Does NRG Stadium have a roof?+
Yes, a retractable roof that will likely stay closed due to Houston’s summer heat.
What’s the best way to get to NRG Stadium?+
MetroRail’s Red Line from downtown — avoid driving due to limited parking and heavy traffic.
Where should fans stay in Houston?+
Downtown or Midtown hotels near MetroRail stations for easy stadium access.
What’s Houston’s weather like in June/July?+
Extremely hot and humid — average highs of 93°F (34°C) with high humidity making it feel over 100°F (38°C).
Any local food recommendations near the stadium?+
Ninfa’s on Navigation for Tex-Mex or The Pit Room for BBQ — both are 15 minutes from NRG by MetroRail.