Houston brings the heat, literally, to WC 2026. Houston Stadium (officially "Houston Stadium" during the tournament) will host 7 matches, including a Round of 16 on July 4 (US Independence Day). The stadium was the first NFL venue ever built with a retractable roof, a critical feature given Houston's brutal summer heat (34C+ with extreme humidity). Home to the Houston Texans (NFL), Houston Stadium holds 72,000 fans in climate-controlled comfort.
Did you know? Houston's Round of 16 match falls on July 4, American Independence Day. Expect fireworks, both on and off the pitch.
For full match odds, seating map and stadium details, see our Houston Stadium: WC 2026 Matches & Info.
| Stadium | NRG Stadium ("Houston Stadium" during tournament) |
| City | Houston, Texas |
| WC 2026 matches | 7 (5 group stage, 1 Round of 32, 1 Round of 16) |
| Highest stage | Round of 16 |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (CDT) |
| Airport | IAH (George Bush Intercontinental), 20 miles |
| Transit card | METRO Q Card |
| Nearest station | Stadium/Astrodome Station (METRORail Red Line) |
| Weather (Jun-Jul) | Very Hot & Humid (34C+) |
| Currency | US Dollar (USD) |
| Tipping | 15-20% standard |
| Emergency | 911 |
WC 2026 matches in Houston
Houston Stadium will host 7 matches between June 14 and July 4.
Group stage matches
| Match | Group | Fixture | Date | Local | CEST BE/PL/RS | EEST RO/GR | BRT BR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #9 | E | Germany vs. Curaçao | Sun, June 14 | 12:00 PM | 19:00 | 20:00 | 14:00 |
| #21 | K | Portugal vs. DR Congo | Wed, June 17 | 12:00 PM | 19:00 | 20:00 | 14:00 |
| #34 | F | Netherlands vs. Sweden | Sat, June 20 | 12:00 PM | 19:00 | 20:00 | 14:00 |
| #45 | K | Portugal vs. Uzbekistan | Tue, June 23 | 12:00 PM | 19:00 | 20:00 | 14:00 |
| #63 | H | Cape Verde vs. Saudi Arabia | Fri, June 26 | 7:00 PM | 02:00 (+1) | 03:00 (+1) | 21:00 |
Knockout stage matches
| Stage | Fixture | Date | Local | CEST BE/PL/RS | EEST RO/GR | BRT BR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Round of 32 | Winner C vs. Runner-up F | Mon, June 29 | 12:00 PM | 19:00 | 20:00 | 14:00 |
| Round of 16 | W73 vs. W75 | Sat, July 4 | 12:00 PM | 19:00 | 20:00 | 14:00 |
Note for European fans: Some matches kick off late locally, which means they fall in the early morning hours of the next calendar day in Belgium, Poland, Romania, Greece and Serbia. Check the (+1) markers in the table.
Follow every match live on the live centre or via the Napoleon Sports app.
Match data from the Houston Stadium visitor info.
How to get to Houston
Flying to Houston
George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) is the main international gateway, about 20 miles north of Houston Stadium. Direct flights from London, Paris, Frankfurt, Amsterdam, Istanbul and many Latin American cities. Flight time from Europe is 10 to 12 hours. Hobby Airport (HOU), 7 miles from the stadium, serves domestic and some international routes.
From IAH, Uber/Lyft costs $30-$50 to the stadium area. From Hobby, it is $15-$25.
Getting around Houston
Houston is the most car-dependent of all US host cities. The metro system (METRORail) has limited coverage but the Red Line conveniently connects downtown to Houston Stadium. Use a METRO Q Card for all METRORail and bus services. Rideshare is widely available and often the most practical option.
Getting to Houston Stadium on match day
The METRORail Red Line runs directly from downtown Houston to Stadium/Astrodome Station, which is at the NRG Park complex. This is the recommended option.
| Option | From | Duration | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| METRORail Red Line | Downtown Houston | 15-20 min | $1.25 | Stadium/Astrodome Station, direct to venue |
| Rideshare | Museum District | 5-10 min | $8-$15 | Short ride from nearby hotels |
| Rideshare | IAH Airport | 30-50 min | $30-$50 | I-45, traffic can be heavy |
| Driving | - | - | $30-$50 parking | NRG Park has large parking lots |
Pro tip: The METRORail Red Line is cheap ($1.25), fast and stops right at the stadium. Stay in the Museum District or downtown, and you will never need a car.
Transport info from Visit Houston official portal.
Where to stay in Houston during WC 2026
Best neighbourhoods for football fans
Museum District / Montrose is Houston's most interesting area for visitors: museums, galleries, restaurants, bars, and just a short METRORail ride from Houston Stadium. It feels more like a walkable European neighbourhood than typical Houston suburbia.
Downtown Houston has modern hotels, rooftop bars, and direct METRORail access to the stadium. The Market Square Park area has excellent restaurants.
Uptown/Galleria is Houston's upscale shopping and dining district. Hotels are mid-to-high range. Less convenient for the stadium (no direct rail) but well-served by rideshare.
Accommodation tips
Houston hotels are more affordable than New York or LA. Expect $100-$220 per night for mid-range. Budget options near the METRORail Red Line can be found for $60-$100. The Museum District and Midtown areas offer the best balance of price, atmosphere and stadium access.
Fan zones and atmosphere in Houston
Discovery Green, a 12-acre park in downtown Houston, is the most likely location for the official Fan Fest. It has hosted major events before and has the infrastructure for large screens and food vendors. The NRG Park complex around the stadium will also have pre-match fan zones.
For football-watching, The Richmond Arms (Montrose) is Houston's best-known football pub, popular with British and European expats. Lucky's Pub (near downtown) is a massive sports bar with outdoor screens. Christian's Tailgate (multiple locations) is the quintessential Houston game-day bar.
Insider tip: Houston has one of the most diverse food scenes in America. Between matches, explore the international restaurants along Bellaire Boulevard (Chinatown/Little Saigon) for Vietnamese, Chinese and Indian food that rivals anything in those countries.
What to see and do in Houston beyond football
Space Center Houston (NASA) is the must-visit attraction. See the actual Mission Control room from the Apollo era, touch a real moon rock, and explore the massive Saturn V rocket. Budget half a day. It is about 30 minutes from downtown by rideshare.
Museum District has 19 museums within walking distance of each other, many of them free. The Museum of Fine Arts Houston and the Houston Museum of Natural Science are the highlights.
Minute Maid Park (home of the Houston Astros, MLB) is downtown. If the Astros have a home game, it is a fun, air-conditioned evening out.
Buffalo Bayou Park is a scenic urban trail along the bayou, perfect for a morning jog or bike ride before the heat sets in. Rent a bike from the B-Cycle stations.
Craft beer: Saint Arnold Brewing (Houston's oldest craft brewery) has a beer garden and restaurant. 8th Wonder Brewery is close to Houston Stadium and popular on match days.
Day trip: Galveston Island (1 hour south) offers beaches, the historic Strand District, and seafood restaurants on the Gulf of Mexico.
Nearby host cities: also check WC 2026 in Dallas, WC 2026 in Monterrey.
Food and drink guide for fans in Houston
Houston has arguably the most diverse food scene in the United States, driven by its massive immigrant communities.
Viet-Cajun crawfish is Houston's signature fusion dish: boiled crawfish seasoned with Vietnamese garlic butter and Cajun spices. Try it at Crawfish & Noodles on Bellaire Boulevard.
Texas BBQ is mandatory. Slow-smoked brisket is the king. Truth BBQ (multiple locations) and Killen's BBQ (Pearland, 20 min south) are among the best in the state.
Tex-Mex enchiladas, fajitas and queso are everywhere. El Tiempo Cantina and Ninfa's on Navigation (the original fajita restaurant) are legendary.
Kolaches are a Czech-Texan breakfast pastry filled with sausage, cheese or fruit. Shipley Do-Nuts and neighbourhood kolache shops serve them fresh every morning.
Sports bars: The Richmond Arms (Montrose, football-specific), Lucky's Pub (downtown, massive screens), and Little Woodrow's (multiple locations, outdoor patios).
Tipping: 15-20% standard. Texan hospitality extends to tipping generously.
Practical information for visiting Houston
| Time zone | UTC-5 (CDT) |
| Currency | US Dollar (USD). Cards accepted everywhere. |
| Weather | Very Hot & Humid (34C+) |
| Emergency | 911 |
| Tipping | 15-20% standard |
| Voltage | 120V, Type A/B |
| Transit card | METRO Q Card |
Safety tips
Houston is generally safe in tourist areas: downtown, Museum District, Montrose, Midtown and the Galleria area. The biggest risk is the extreme heat: temperatures above 34C with high humidity can cause heat exhaustion. Drink plenty of water, seek air conditioning regularly, and avoid extended outdoor activity during peak afternoon hours. Houston Stadium's retractable roof provides relief during matches.
Mobile and connectivity
eSIMs from Airalo or Holafly work well. Free Wi-Fi at airports, coffee shops and hotels. Download the Napoleon Sports app before you travel for live scores and match updates.
City info from City of Houston government site.
Bet on WC 2026 matches in Houston
7 matches at Houston Stadium. Follow every match with live odds via the live centre. Use BetBuilder to combine selections within a single match. New to Napoleon Sports? Create your account for full access to WC 2026 markets. With 1UP early payout, your bet is settled as a winner if your team goes 2 goals ahead at any point.
Public transport: Ideaal bereikbaar met de METRO Rail Red Line, stap uit bij halte Stadium Park/Astrodome net buiten het terrein.
Nearest airport: William P. Hobby Airport (HOU), about 18 km from the stadium.
Fan zone: Discovery Green.
FAQ: WC 2026 in Houston
How many WC 2026 matches will be played in Houston?
7 matches, up to the Round of 16.
What is the closest airport to Houston Stadium?
IAH (George Bush Intercontinental), approximately 20 miles.
Is public transport available to Houston Stadium on match days?
Nearest station: Stadium/Astrodome Station (METRORail Red Line). Use METRO Q Card.
What is the weather like in Houston in June and July?
Very Hot & Humid (34C+). Stay hydrated and plan accordingly.
Do I need a visa to travel to Houston for WC 2026?
Most Europeans can enter the US under the Visa Waiver Program (ESTA). Brazilian visitors need a B1/B2 visa. See our Visa & Travel Guide.
Can I watch the tournament matches live on my phone?
Yes. Download the Napoleon Sports app for live scores via the live centre.
Stadium facts: history of Houston Stadium (Wikipedia).
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