Houston
NRG Stadium in Houston hosts 9 World Cup matches including Round of 16 games. Houston is the most ethnically diverse large city in the USA with a world-class food scene spanning over 70 cuisines - a perfect World Cup host.
9
Total Matches
72,220
Capacity
Retractable
Roof
Very hot and humid
June Weather
Match Schedule - NRG Stadium
Group Stage
Knockout Rounds
Getting to Houston
Airports near NRG Stadium and how to get from each to the venue.
IAH - George Bush Intercontinental
40 km / 35-60 minMost international flights. Rideshare $35-65, or METRO bus + rail (1.5 hours).
HOU - William P. Hobby
20 km / 25-40 minCloser to NRG. Mostly Southwest Airlines. Rideshare $25-45.
Stadium
NRG Stadium
Full guide →NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas was the first NFL stadium built with a retractable roof, setting the template for modern enclosed NFL venues. Houston - home to the largest concentration of international residents in the USA - will be one of the most cosmopolitan crowds at the 2026 World Cup.
Capacity
72,220
Surface
Natural grass (hybrid)
Roof
Retractable
Opened
2002
Address
1 NRG Pkwy, Houston, TX 77054, USA
Getting Around Houston
METRORail Red Line
Stops near NRG Stadium (Reliant Park area) from downtown - about 20 min
Rideshare
Primary option for most visitors - $15–$30 from downtown, surges on match days
Parking
Large surface lots at NRG Park - arrive 90 min early for big matches
METRO Bus
Multiple routes serve the stadium area - check the METRO app for options
To the Stadium
NRG Stadium is in the Museum/Medical Center area, south of downtown. METRORail Red Line runs to Reliant Park. Rideshare from downtown takes 15–20 minutes.
Where to Stay in Houston
Three price tiers across Houston. Book early - World Cup tournament dates push prices 2-5x higher than normal.
Budget
$110-180Galleria / Med Center / Westchase
Suburban hotels with parking. Med Center area is closest to NRG Stadium.
Mid
$180-300Downtown / Midtown / Montrose
Best food, art, and nightlife. METRORail connects to NRG Stadium directly.
Luxury
$350-1000+River Oaks / Galleria (Post Oak Hotel) / Downtown (Four Seasons)
Texas-sized luxury (Post Oak Hotel, Four Seasons). Concierge arranges Uber Black to NRG.
Downtown/Midtown
Best for nightlife and convenience, METRORail to the stadium
Montrose
Houston's most eclectic neighbourhood with great bars and diverse restaurants
Museum District
Walkable to NRG Stadium, close to the world-class Houston museums
Galleria area
Upscale shopping, good hotel selection, 20 min rideshare to the stadium
Fan Zones & Where to Watch in Houston
FIFA Fan Festival expected at Discovery Green (downtown park near the convention center). NRG Park itself will host pre-match activities. Hermann Park is a backup option.
Official Fan Zones
- •Discovery Green (downtown) - expected primary fan festival
- •NRG Park plaza
- •Hermann Park
Football Pubs
- •Pitch 25 - East End, dedicated football pub with all leagues shown
- •Local Foods - multiple locations, gastropub showing key matches
- •Truck Yard - downtown, outdoor venue with screens
- •Brewlando - Heights, popular sports bar
Where to Eat in Houston
Pappas Bros. Steakhouse
world-class steakhouse with an incredible wine program
Uchi Houston
acclaimed Japanese-influenced modern cuisine
Ninfa's on Navigation
credited with inventing restaurant-style fajitas in the USA
Kiran's
refined Indian cuisine in a stunning River Oaks setting
Money, Tipping & Tax in Houston
Currency
USD ($)
Cards/Apple Pay everywhere. Carry $20-30 cash for food trucks and small Tex-Mex spots.
Tipping
18-20% at restaurants; $1-2 per drink; 15-20% rideshare. Tex-Mex spots expect 18-20%.
Tax notes
Texas sales tax 8.25%. No state income tax. Restaurant prices on menu - bill ~30% above with tax + tip.
Language in Houston
Primary language: English (Spanish very widely spoken). A few phrases that go a long way:
Hola, gracias
Hello, thank you
La cuenta, por favor
The check, please
What to Pack for Houston
Very hot and humid, 30–36 °C. Afternoon storms common. One of the hottest host cities.
- ✓Lightweight, breathable clothing - June 80-95°F (27-35°C), extremely humid
- ✓Light layer for over-AC restaurants
- ✓Compact umbrella - afternoon thunderstorms common
- ✓Sunscreen SPF 50+
- ✓Sunglasses + hat
- ✓Comfortable walking shoes
- ✓Stadium clear bag for NRG Stadium
- ✓Refillable water bottle - hydrate constantly
Connectivity & Emergency Numbers
Phone & WiFi
Excellent 5G. Free WiFi at airports, METRORail, hotels, most cafes.
Emergency
911
Police, fire, medical
Is Houston Safe? - Safety Notes for World Cup Visitors
Tourist areas (Downtown, Midtown, Montrose, Heights, Galleria, Med Center) are safe. Stick to rideshare for cross-city travel - Houston is enormous and not pedestrian-oriented. Some east-side areas are best avoided at night.
Areas to avoid
- ×parts of east downtown at night
- ×Sunnyside
Quick Tips
Houston is extremely hot and humid in June - stay hydrated and plan indoor time between matches
The METRORail light rail connects downtown to the NRG Park area
Houston's dining scene is extraordinary - 70+ international cuisines represented
Space Center Houston (NASA) is a must-visit - 45 min south of downtown
NRG Stadium Facts
The first NFL stadium ever built with a retractable roof
Houston is the most ethnically diverse large city in the USA - perfect World Cup host
Has hosted Super Bowls and NCAA Final Fours
The roof can open or close in approximately 10 minutes
Sits adjacent to the original Houston Astrodome - the world's first domed stadium
Houston World Cup FAQ
How do I get from downtown Houston to NRG Stadium?+
Take METRORail Red Line from downtown south to Stadium Park station, 20 min, $1.25. The stadium is a 10-min walk. Rideshare is $20-35 (15-25 min), driving with parking $30-60. METRORail is the cheapest and most reliable option on match days.
How hot is Houston during the World Cup?+
Houston in June and July is brutal - 90-95°F (32-35°C) with 80-90% humidity. NRG Stadium has a retractable roof and full AC. Outside, plan indoor activities midday. Hydrate aggressively, wear sun protection, and don't underestimate how draining the heat is.
Is Houston walkable for World Cup visitors?+
Not really - Houston is enormous and built for cars. Downtown core is walkable, as are Midtown, Heights, and Montrose individually. Crossing between them requires rideshare. METRORail covers downtown to NRG Stadium. Plan rideshare/car for everything else.
What is the must-try food in Houston?+
Tex-Mex (The Original Ninfa's, El Tiempo), Vietnamese (Pho Binh, Mai's), barbecue (Truth BBQ, Killen's), and crawfish in season. Houston is one of the most diverse food cities in the US - try the various ethnic enclaves (Little India on Hillcroft, Chinatown west of downtown).
Where is the FIFA Fan Festival in Houston?+
Discovery Green - the downtown public park next to the convention center - is the expected primary FIFA Fan Festival. It's central, has plenty of space for big screens, and is surrounded by hotels and restaurants.
Visitor's view of Houston
Texas USA: Diverse Cities & Awesome People (CoolVision)