2026 World Cup Matches in Houston

Houston will be one of the main venues for the 2026 World Cup, and if you're thinking of including this city in your itinerary, you've made the right choice. Football, Texan culture, gastronomy, a first-class stadium and a vibrant atmosphere are just some of the ingredients that await you.

Here's everything you need to know about the World Cup matches in Houston: dates, stadium, teams, how to get there and what to do before or after the match.

Houston will host seven official 2026 World Cup matches: five in the group stage, one in the round of 32 and one in the round of 16. All matches will be played at the spectacular NRG Stadium.

The dates and times have already been confirmed, so if you want to watch football in Texas, take note:

The venue for all 2026 World Cup matches in Houston, NRG Stadium combines a retractable roof, air conditioning and excellent visibility to offer a comfortable and immersive experience for more than 72,000 fans. Home to the Houston Texans (NFL) and a regular venue for major events (Copa América, Gold Cup), it is a modern venue, ready to host top-level football with natural grass installed for the tournament.

Located in NRG Park (south of the city), it is well connected by the METRORail red line and has ample parking and carpool pick-up points. Inside the complex, you will find catering services, leisure areas and adapted access points, designed to speed up entry and allow you to enjoy the match from the very first minute.

Areas and prices

Ticket prices may vary depending on the area of the stadium, the teams playing, the stage of the championship and the interest generated by the match. For a superior experience, there are VIP and Hospitality options, with premium seats and exclusive services.

• Upper tier: ideal for experiencing the atmosphere and excitement. Approximate price: £30–60.
• Lower tier sides: better visibility of the game and a feeling of closeness to the pitch. Approximate price: £90–180.
• Central grandstand: tactical perspective and a more comfortable experience for following every play. Approximate price: £90–180.
• VIP boxes and hospitality: exclusive spaces with catering and private access. Hospitality from around £1,500 per match and premium packages that can exceed £20,000, depending on the level of service and the category of the match.

Although the official group draw will be held in December 2025, it is already possible to estimate which teams could play matches in Houston. The choice of teams that will play matches in each city depends on several factors: stadium infrastructure, capacity, geographical location and, above all, the interest of local fans.

In the case of Houston, with its large Hispanic community and notable passion for football, it is likely that matches will be scheduled with teams that are widely followed by the local public:

• Mexico, with a huge fan base throughout Texas
• The United States, as the host country
• Brazil and Argentina, big favourites in any World Cup
• Colombia or Uruguay, with a strong Latin American presence in the region
• South Korea or Japan, Asian teams that are very active in international tournaments

At the moment, these are only projections based on previous editions and the appeal of each team, but as soon as the official schedule is published, you will know exactly which teams will play in Houston and on what dates.

Houston is preparing to become a World Cup hotspot: its neighbourhoods, bars and streets will be buzzing with fans from all over the world, creating a cosmopolitan, football-mad atmosphere that will allow you to experience the World Cup both inside and outside the stadium.

• Locate the stadium correctly: the matches will be played at Houston Stadium (the name NRG Stadium will take on for the World Cup), a venue accessible from different areas of the city.
• Arrive at the stadium early: with several matches scheduled, it is advisable to arrive early to avoid queues, crowds and logistical problems.
• Soak up the atmosphere in the city: bars, squares and fan zones will be filled with fans of different teams, creating a vibrant mix that is perfect for those travelling alone or with friends of different nationalities.
• Take the opportunity to explore Houston between matches: its cultural, gastronomic and urban offerings will allow you to enjoy the city beyond football.
• Plan your transport and accommodation well: book in advance in central areas or areas well connected to the stadium so you can get around easily throughout the tournament.

And most importantly: the stadium will have **designated areas for fans of each team and a **neutral **zone **** where supporters of all teams can mix. Make sure you buy the correct ticket (category, sector and zone): if you enter a stand other than the one indicated on your ticket, you may be relocated **or denied access for security reasons. Always check this information before completing your purchase.

Absolutely! Houston is very well connected to other venues in the southern United States. You can organise a World Cup route that includes cities such as:

• Arlington
• Atlanta
• Kansas City

This will allow you to see more matches live, discover other cities and extend your World Cup adventure. If you like the open road, you could even do part of the journey by car.

Houston has much more to offer than just football. It is a diverse city with a great cultural scene, green spaces, world-class museums and a cuisine that blends the best of the American South with international flavours.

Here are some ideas to fill your day:

• Experience a local show or visit popular attractions
• Enjoy incredible views with a helicopter tour
• Tour the city's most important museums
• Take a guided tour of the most iconic neighbourhoods
• Discover what to see and do in Houston

You can also explore the historic Museum District, visit the famous NASA Space Centre or relax in Buffalo Bayou Park, a green space ideal for walking or cycling.