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Guide to FIFA World Cup 26™ in Houston

Published June 9, 2026 by Hailea Schultz

The FIFA World Cup 2026™ officially kicks off in Houston this week, and the region is ready to welcome fans from around the world. From watch parties and transit tips to community celebrations, public art and where to grab your team gear, here’s your guide to making the most of soccer summer in Houston. 

Match Schedule 

All Houston matches will be played at Houston Stadium, also known as NRG Stadium. 

  • Sunday, June 14 | Germany vs. Curaçao | 12 p.m. 
  • Wednesday, June 17 | Portugal vs. Congo DR | 12 p.m. 
  • Saturday, June 20 | Netherlands vs. Sweden | 12 p.m. 
  • Tuesday, June 23 | Portugal vs. Uzbekistan | 12 p.m. 
  • Friday, June 26 | Cabo Verde vs. Saudi Arabia | 7 p.m. 
  • Monday, June 29 | Round of 32 
  • Saturday, July 4 | Round of 16 

FIFA Fan Festival™ 

The FIFA Fan Festival™ Houston will transform East Downtown (EaDo) into the region’s official World Cup hub, featuring live match screenings, music, food and drinks, soccer activities and interactive fan experiences. 

Know Before You Go 

  • Open June 11–July 19 on all match days 
  • Closed on tournament rest days: July 8, 12, 13, 16 & 17 
  • Gates open 90 minutes before the first match of the day 
  • Public entrances are at Polk Street and Walker Street 
  • Bags must be clear and 12” x 12” x 6” or smaller in size 

Road Closures 

  • Expect road closures around the festival footprint near Shell Energy Stadium 
  • Hutchins Street from Polk to Walker and Polk Street from Emancipation to Hutchins are closed from June 6–July 23 
  • Additional streets near St. Emanuel and the Polk/Dallas/Lamar/McKinney/Walker area may close before Fan Festival hours and reopen after the festival closes 

Daily Themes + Performers 

  • The Festival will feature themed days and live performances throughout the tournament. Check the official Fan Festival schedule before you go for each day’s theme, performer and set time. 

Events + Celebrations 

EXPLORE: Around the World: A Guide to Houston’s Global Neighborhoods 

Where to Watch 

 LEARN MORE: Downtown Houston’s Main Street Promenade Opens Ahead of World Cup 

 Art Installations + Murals 

LEARN MORE: How Houston’s Arts Scene Elevates the World Cup Visitor Experience 

Where to Shop FIFA Merch 

Transit Tips 

METRO will offer extra service and more frequent routes during the World Cup, making public transit one of the easiest ways to get to matches, the Fan Festival and events around Houston. 

  • Getting to Houston Stadium 
    • METRORail 
      • Take the Red Line to Stadium Park / Astrodome Station 
      • Riders on the Green Line or Purple Line can transfer downtown at Central Station
    • Bus Routes 
      • Several local bus routes stop at or near NRG Stadium or connect to Fannin South Park & Ride, which is one rail stop from the stadium. 
      • Routes include 8, 11, 14, 60, 73, 84 and 87 
    • Park & Ride  
      • West Loop Transit Center: Free parking, then take the 211 West Loop bus to Fannin South and connect to the Red Line
      • Fannin South Park & Ride: Paid parking with direct Red Line access, one stop from the stadium 
  • Getting to the Fan Festival 
    • METRORail 
      • Take the Green Line or Purple Line to EaDo / Stadium Station 
      • Riders from the Red Line can transfer downtown at Central Station 
  • Getting Around Houston 
    • The Green Corridor 
      • The Green Corridor connects key World Cup destinations, including the FIFA Fan Festival in EaDo and Houston Stadium, through a mix of METRORail lines, hike-and-bike trails and public spaces. 
    • Via Fútbol 
      • Via Fútbol is a pedestrian-friendly wayfinding system designed to help fans navigate safely during FIFA World Cup 2026™ festivities. 
      • What to look for: 
        • Follow the blue: Blue ground markings, including blue hexagons, will highlight recommended walking routes throughout Downtown. 
        • Look for purple signs: Bold purple wayfinding signs will point fans toward Houston Stadium, the FIFA Fan Festival™, METRO stations and other key destinations. 
    • Community Connector 
      • Free, on-demand rideshare service through the METRO On Demand app 
      • Available in select areas inside the 610 Loop, including Downtown, Heights, Near Northside, Second Ward and Third Ward 

GO DEEPER: World Cup Transit Tips for Houston Employers