Houston Hosts High-Profile Matches in 2026 FIFA World Cup

NRG Stadium to welcome Portugal, Netherlands, and other top teams during global soccer tournament.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 9:52pm

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The FIFA World Cup 2026 lineup is set, and Houston's NRG Stadium will host several high-profile international matchups, including Portugal vs. DR Congo and Netherlands vs. Sweden during the group stage. The expanded 48-team tournament is expected to draw over 6 million fans across 16 host cities in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico from June 11 to July 19.

Why it matters

Houston's selection as a host city for the 2026 FIFA World Cup represents a major opportunity to showcase the city on a global stage and drive significant economic activity through tourism and event-related spending. The high-profile matches will attract millions of international soccer fans, providing a boost to the local hospitality industry and elevating Houston's profile as a premier sports and entertainment destination.

The details

The full 2026 FIFA World Cup schedule has been announced, with Houston's NRG Stadium set to host six matches, including two group stage matchups featuring top international teams. On June 17, Portugal will face off against DR Congo, while on June 20, the Netherlands will take on Sweden. Houston's other confirmed matches include Germany vs. Curaçao, Portugal vs. Uzbekistan, Cabo Verde vs. Saudi Arabia, as well as a Round of 32 and a Round of 16 match.

  • The 2026 FIFA World Cup will take place from June 11 to July 19.
  • Houston will host its first match on June 14, with Germany facing Curaçao.
  • The final two matches at NRG Stadium will be the Round of 32 on June 29 and the Round of 16 on July 4.

The players

FIFA

The international governing body of association football, futsal, and beach soccer.

NRG Stadium

The home stadium of the Houston Texans NFL team and a major event venue that will host several 2026 FIFA World Cup matches.

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What they’re saying

“Hosting the FIFA World Cup is a tremendous honor for Houston, and we're thrilled to welcome some of the best teams and players in the world to our city.”

— Sylvester Turner, Mayor of Houston

“The 2026 World Cup will be a transformative event for Houston, showcasing our city's vibrant culture, diverse communities, and world-class hospitality to a global audience.”

— Janis Burke, CEO of the Harris County-Houston Sports Authority

What’s next

Tickets and travel packages for the 2026 FIFA World Cup matches in Houston will go on sale in the coming months, with details to be announced by tournament organizers.

The takeaway

Houston's selection as a host city for the 2026 FIFA World Cup represents a significant opportunity to boost the local economy, showcase the city's diversity and culture, and cement its reputation as a premier sports and entertainment destination. The high-profile matches will draw millions of international visitors and provide a global platform to highlight Houston's strengths.