Houston to Host Seven FIFA World Cup 2026 Matches in Historic Global Event
HOUSTON, Texas — Houston has been chosen as one of the host cities for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, bringing one of the world’s largest sporting events to the region this summer. The tournament runs June 11 through July 19, 2026, with Houston welcoming fans and teams from around the globe.
What’s Coming to Houston Houston will host seven World Cup matches at NRG Stadium, including:
• Five group stage matches • One Round of 32 knockout game • One Round of 16 knockout game
Matches will take place between June 14 and July 4, 2026, with top international teams scheduled to appear, including nations like Germany, Portugal, Netherlands, Saudi Arabia and others.
The city’s involvement places it among just 16 host cities across the United States, Canada and Mexico for the expanded 48-team tournament.
Global Stage, Local Celebration Houston’s World Cup presence goes well beyond the matches. Local organizers and partners are building community programs, fan experiences, and cultural events around the tournament.
• A FIFA Fan Festival will run in East Downtown Houston throughout the event, featuring entertainment and activities for fans of all ages. • Local talent searches aim to highlight Houston musicians, performers and artists on a global stage during the Fan Festival. • Youth soccer tournaments tied to the World Cup are underway, giving local athletes a chance to compete for championship games and exposure.
Economic and Cultural Impact Hosting World Cup matches is expected to have major economic implications for Houston. Officials and business leaders estimate that the event could generate billions of dollars for the region through tourism, hospitality, sponsorships, and related spending.
International visitors, global media, and soccer fans will flood hotels, restaurants, and entertainment districts. Local attractions — from sports bar gatherings to cultural performances — are planning to capitalize on the global attention.
Why This Matters This will be one of the largest sporting spectacles ever hosted in Houston’s history. The sheer scale of the tournament — with 104 matches across three countries and nearly 500,000 expected visitors to Houston alone — will put the city on a global stage.
For local soccer fans, sports businesses, and the broader community, the World Cup brings excitement, global tourists, and long-term legacy opportunities.
Fan Info and Planning Tickets for matches at NRG Stadium have been in high demand. Exclusive presales for certain groups have sold out quickly, demonstrating strong public interest.
Fans are encouraged to plan travel, accommodations and match plans early, as Houston prepares for a summer of global football celebration.