At a Glance
- Location
- Houston, Texas
- Country
- USA
- Metro Population
- 7.3 million
- Total Matches
- 7 matches
- Match Period
- -
- Primary Stadium
- NRG Stadium
- Recommended Stay
- 3-4 days
- Daily Budget
- $80-160 USD per person
- Best Time to Visit
- Last Updated
Best Time
Ideal Stay
3-4 days
Daily Budget
$80-160 USD per person
Walkability
3/10 - Sprawling car-centric city, limited walkable areas
Transit
5/10 - METRORail Red Line good for Downtown/Stadium, limited elsewhere
Safety
7/10 - Safe in tourist areas, avoid certain neighborhoods at night
About Houston
NRG Stadium in Houston will host 7 FIFA World Cup 2026 matches from June 14 to July 4, 2026 (MOST of any city!) including 5 Group Stage matches, Round of 32 (June 29), and Round of 16 on July 4 (Independence Day). The 72,220-seat stadium features a retractable roof with powerful AC (72°F inside even when 100°F outside). Houston is America's 4th largest city, 'Space City' (NASA Johnson Space Center), and the most diverse major US city with world-class food scene.
City Character
Houston is a sprawling metropolis bigger than New Jersey in land area. It's defined by DIVERSITY (most diverse major US city), SPACE (NASA Johnson Space Center), ENERGY (oil/gas capital), and FOOD (Viet-Cajun crawfish, Tex-Mex, BBQ, massive Chinatown, Little India). No zoning laws mean eclectic architecture and neighborhoods. Car-centric design but METRORail Red Line connects Downtown to stadium. Downtown has underground tunnel system (6 miles of AC shops/food). Summers are brutally hot but every building is aggressively air-conditioned. Friendly Southern hospitality with international flair.
Stadium Location
NRG Stadium is 7 miles south of Downtown Houston in NRG Park complex (same area as Astrodome). From Downtown: 25-30 min on METRORail Red Line (direct, $3 Day Pass) or 20-30 min drive (longer with traffic). Stadium complex is MASSIVE - built for Houston Rodeo (world's largest). CRITICAL: Use METRORail instead of driving (parking $50-80, exit delays 60+ min). Download METRO Q-Ticketing app for instant $3 Day Pass. Train drops at 'Stadium Park/Astrodome' station, 10 min walk to stadium entrance.
Critical Info
EXTREME HEAT WARNING: 95-100°F outside with 75-90% humidity (feels like 105-110°F). Plan indoor activities 12pm-5pm. GOOD NEWS: NRG Stadium has retrac...
Where to Stay
Houston has 800+ hotels (100,000+ rooms) - good inventory. Expect 25-35% surge during World Cup but still affordable vs coastal cities. BEST LOCATION: Downtown ($150-300) - METRORail access, nightlife, Marriott Marquis with Texas-shaped lazy river. Museum District ($130-280) - quieter, closest to stadium via rail (15 min), near 19 museums. Montrose ($120-250) - coolest neighborhood, indie vibes, but no direct rail (Uber to station). Galleria/Uptown ($180-400) - luxury shopping but TERRIBLE traffic (610 Loop), no rail. Energy Corridor ($90-160) - budget but far (requires car, 15-20 miles). Book 4-5 months ahead. 7 matches = sustained demand.
NRG Stadium
Houston, Texas
FIFA: Houston Stadium
72,220
Capacity
7
Matches
7mi
From Downtown
2002
Opened
Transport
METRORail Red Line (25-30 min, $3) or Uber/Lyft ($25-50 surge)
Economic Impact
$350-450 million USD to Houston metro economy from tourism, hospitality, and event spending
Get Involved
2,000 volunteers volunteers needed!
Houston Host Committee & FIFA World Cup 2026
Space City's 7 matches with retractable roof AC, NASA adventures, and world-class diverse cuisine
Top Highlights
Unique Experiences
- ★Space Center Houston NASA tour - Mission Control, moon rocks, tram to astronaut
- ★Viet-Cajun crawfish at Crawfish & Noodles or LA Crawfish (Houston's signature fu
- ★Downtown Tunnel system - 6 miles underground with food courts (stay cool)
- ★Museum District - 19 museums (Houston Museum of Natural Science FREE Tue 5-8pm)
- ★Ninfa's on Navigation - birthplace of fajitas (Tex-Mex pilgrimage)
Perfect For
Space/NASA enthusiasts (only US city with astronaut training facility tours)
Foodies (most diverse US city - Viet-Cajun, Tex-Mex, BBQ, Chinatown)
Hot weather lovers who appreciate AC (buildings are COLD inside)
Museum lovers (19 museums in walkable district, many FREE)
This City Might Not Be For You If...
Match Schedule
7 matches • Group Stage, Round of 32, Round of 16
🇩🇪 Germany vs 🇨🇼 Curaçao
Sunday, June 14, 2026
1:00 PM ET
Portugal vs FIFA Play-off 1
Wednesday, June 17, 2026
1:00 PM ET
Netherlands vs UEFA Play-off B
Saturday, June 20, 2026
1:00 PM ET
🇵🇹 Portugal vs 🇺🇿 Uzbekistan
Tuesday, June 23, 2026
1:00 PM ET
🇨🇻 Cape Verde vs 🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia
Friday, June 26, 2026
8:00 PM ET
TBD vs TBD
Monday, June 29, 2026
1:00 PM ET
TBD vs TBD
Saturday, July 4, 2026
1:00 PM ET
Stadium Quick Tips
Weather During World Cup
Oppressively hot and humid Texas summer • 77-94°F (feels like 100-110°F with humidity)
Average High
94°F
(34°C)
Average Low
77°F
(25°C)
Rainy Days
9 days/month
per month
Humidity
75-90% (oppressive)
Morning humidity 85
What to Expect
Houston in June/July is OPPRESSIVELY hot and humid. Expect 95-100°F (35-38°C) with 75-90% humidity making it feel like 105-110°F. You will sweat instantly when stepping outside. Plan indoor activities during peak heat (12pm-5pm). GOOD NEWS: Every building is aggressively air-conditioned, including NRG Stadium with retractable roof (72°F inside even when 100°F outside). Brief afternoon thunderstorms are common (30-45 min downpours). Mosquitoes are big - bring bug spray for outdoor evening activities. Houston is NOT for those who hate heat.
Daylight Hours
13-14 hours daylight • 6:20-6:40 AM - 8:20-8:40 PM
Humidity Pattern
Morning humidity 85-90%, afternoon 70-80%
Packing Essentials
- Lightweight breathable clothes (moisture-wicking fabrics)
- Light sweater/jacket for indoor AC (buildings are COLD inside)
- Sunglasses and sunscreen SPF 50+
- Wide-brim hat for outdoor walking
- Reusable water bottle (HYDRATE constantly)
- Bug spray (mosquitoes active at dusk)
- Clear bag for stadium (12x6x12 max)
- Umbrella for brief afternoon storms
- Power bank (10,000+ mAh)
Plan Your Visit
Everything you need for an unforgettable World Cup experience
Getting Around
Transport options
Metro Red Line to NRG Park/Stadium Station (AT STADIUM ENTRANCE)
$1.25 each way ($2.50 round-trip) - CHEAPEST stadium access in Texas
Uber / Lyft
$20-40 normal from Downtown/Midtown, $35-60 surge. $15-25 from Museum District.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is NRG Stadium air-conditioned?
YES! NRG Stadium has a retractable roof with powerful AC. Even when it's 100°F outside, the stadium will be a comfortable 72°F inside. This is CRITICAL for Houston's extreme summer heat. Bring a light...
Read more →How do I survive Houston's extreme heat?
Houston in June/July is 95-100°F with 75-90% humidity (feels like 105-110°F). SURVIVAL TIPS: (1) Plan indoor activities 12pm-5pm (museums, Downtown Tunnels, Galleria mall). (2) Drink water CONSTANTLY ...
Read more →How do I get to NRG Stadium?
METRORail Red Line is BEST option: (1) Download METRO Q-Ticketing app and buy $3 Day Pass instantly (no physical card fee). (2) From Downtown: Board Red Line Southbound to 'Stadium Park/Astrodome' (25...
Read more →Does Houston host a Round of 16 match?
YES! Houston hosts a Round of 16 match on July 4, 2026 (Independence Day in the USA!). This is a MAJOR match - last 16 teams battling for Quarterfinal spots. Combined with 5 Group Stage matches and Ro...
Read more →Do I need a rental car in Houston?
Depends on plans. NO if you only attend matches and stay Downtown/Museum District (METRORail access). YES if you want to visit: (1) Space Center NASA (30 miles, no transit), (2) Chinatown/Little India...
Read more →What is Viet-Cajun food?
Viet-Cajun is a fusion cuisine created by Vietnamese immigrants in Houston, combining Louisiana Cajun boiled crawfish with Vietnamese garlic butter, lemongrass, and spices. It's Houston's signature di...
Read more →Is Space Center Houston worth visiting?
ABSOLUTELY YES! It's the official visitor center of NASA Johnson Space Center where astronauts train. You'll see: (1) Mission Control from Apollo era (book separate Mission Control tour), (2) tram tou...
Read more →What are the Downtown Tunnels?
A 6-mile underground pedestrian tunnel system connecting 95 city blocks in Downtown Houston. Built in 1930s, expanded in 1970s to let workers escape summer heat. Full of food courts, coffee shops, ret...
Read more →Can I bring a backpack to NRG Stadium?
NO. NRG Stadium has a STRICT clear bag policy (max 12x6x12 inches). Small clutches (4.5x6.5 inches) are allowed. WARNING: There is NO bag check facility at the stadium. If your bag is rejected at secu...
Read more →Is Houston affordable compared to other World Cup cities?
Moderately affordable - cheaper than SF, Vancouver, but more expensive than Kansas City. Hotels $150-300/night Downtown (vs $200-500 SF, $120-250 KC). Food is VERY affordable: Viet-Cajun crawfish $15-...
Read more →