NRG Stadium World Cup 2026: Schedule, Tickets, Travel Guide & History
NRG Stadium will host seven matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup from June 14 through July 4. Houston earned its spot as one of 16 North American host cities for this historic tournament. The stadium brings impressive credentials to the world’s biggest sporting event.
This venue opened in 2002 as the NFL’s first retractable roof stadium. The 72,220-seat arena has hosted two Super Bowls and three Final Four championships. Houston sits in the tournament’s Central Region alongside Dallas, Kansas City, Guadalajara, Mexico City and Monterrey.
The city welcomes international visitors with strong transportation links, diverse dining and a thriving soccer culture. Fans will watch five group stage matches plus two knockout round games at this state-of-the-art facility.
Quick Facts: NRG Stadium World Cup 2026
- Location: Houston, Texas, USA
- Opened: August 24, 2002
- Capacity: 72,220 (expandable to 80,000)
- World Cup Matches: 7 total – 5 group stage, 1 Round of 32, 1 Round of 16
- Temporary FIFA Name: Houston Stadium
- Home Teams: Houston Texans (NFL), Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo
- Surface: Natural grass (installed for World Cup)
- Roof Type: Retractable, opens or closes in about 7 minutes
- Climate: Fully air-conditioned indoor environment
- Video Boards: Over 14,000 sq. ft. of display area
- Construction Cost: $352 million
- Notable Fact: First NFL stadium with a retractable roof
- Transport Access: Connected to METRORail and major highways for easy fan travel
Full NRG Stadium World Cup 2026 Schedule
| Date | Match Stage | Kickoff Time |
|---|---|---|
| Sunday, June 14, 2026 | Group Stage | TBD |
| Wednesday, June 17, 2026 | Group Stage | TBD |
| Saturday, June 20, 2026 | Group Stage | TBD |
| Tuesday, June 23, 2026 | Group Stage | TBD |
| Friday, June 26, 2026 | Group Stage | TBD |
| Monday, June 29, 2026 | Round of 32 | TBD |
| Saturday, July 4, 2026 | Round of 16 | TBD |
The tournament begins June 11, 2026 in Mexico City and concludes July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
Houston will not host the U.S. Men’s National Team or Mexico during group stage play. Dallas will host a semifinal match while Houston’s final game lands on Independence Day.
The July 4 Round of 16 match creates a special atmosphere for American fans. FIFA will announce specific team matchups after the December 2025 draw.
How to Get 2026 World Cup Tickets: NRG Stadium
FIFA controls all official ticketing through its website at FIFA.com/tickets. The organization uses a lottery system with multiple sales phases. The first Visa Presale Draw opened September 10, 2025 for Visa cardholders only.
A second draw takes place in late October 2025 with purchasing windows in November and December. The third sales phase follows the December 5, 2025 World Cup Draw in Washington D.C.
Group stage tickets at NRG Stadium start at $60 for Category 4 seats. Category 3 tickets cost $140 while Category 2 runs $310. The best Category 1 seats begin at $410. Round of 32 prices range from $125 to $440 across all categories. The July 4 Round of 16 match commands premium pricing from $170 to $590.
FIFA uses dynamic pricing throughout the tournament. Ticket costs change based on demand and team matchups. Fans can buy up to four tickets per match with a maximum of 10 matches total.
Hospitality packages start at $1,350 per person and include premium seating plus food and beverages. FIFA will launch an official resale platform with no markup caps. Secondary market prices currently range from $2,840 to over $24,000 for knockout matches.
Travel Guide for World Cup Visitors
Getting There
Houston has two main airports. William P. Hobby Airport is 11 miles south of NRG Stadium and about a 15-minute drive. It serves domestic flights.
George Bush Intercontinental Airport is 28 miles north and handles international arrivals. It takes about 40 minutes to reach the stadium. Both airports have taxis, rentals, and rideshares.
Transportation
The METRORail Red Line stops at Stadium Park Astrodome Station, right next to NRG Stadium. Trains run every few minutes and cost $1.25 each way. Service is more frequent on match days.
METRO buses 11, 84, and 14 stop near the venue. Rideshare drop-offs are at Kirby Drive and McNee Road, but wait times can be long after games. Walking a few blocks away can help you get a faster pickup.
Where to Stay
Hotels near the stadium fill up fast. Holiday Inn Houston South, Comfort Suites Medical Center, and Wyndham Houston near NRG Park are all within walking distance.
Downtown and Midtown hotels connect easily by METRORail. The Hyatt and Four Seasons Downtown offer comfort and quick access. Blossom Hotel and The Post Oak Hotel provide luxury stays within 15 minutes by car.
Book early since Houston expects record visitors during the World Cup. Midtown is great for restaurants, nightlife, and easy rail access.
Food and Attractions
Visit Space Center Houston, the Museum District, and Hermann Park for sightseeing. Buffalo Bayou Park is perfect for walks and city views.
The FIFA Fan Festival will take place in East Downtown near Shell Energy Stadium, featuring big screens, food, and live entertainment. Try local favorites like Pappasito’s Cantina for Tex-Mex or Pappadeaux for Gulf seafood.
Weather and Packing Tips
Houston is hot and humid in summer with highs near 90°F. Nights stay warm around 75°F. Expect sunshine and some afternoon thunderstorms.
Pack light, breathable clothes, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat. Stay hydrated and use public transit when possible. The stadium will be fully air-conditioned, so you’ll stay cool during matches.
- Official Website: https://www.nrgpark.com/nrg-stadium
- Map link: https://www.nrgpark.com/maps/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nrgpark/
Inside NRG Stadium: History, Design and Key Features
History Highlights:
- Built in 30 months from March 2000 groundbreaking to August 2002 opening
- Replaced the historic Astrodome as Houston’s premier sports venue
- Originally named Reliant Stadium until March 2014
- Cost $352 million in construction expenses
- Became first NFL stadium with retractable roof technology
Home Teams and Major Events:
- Houston Texans played first regular season game September 8, 2002
- Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo moved from Astrodome in 2003
- Hosted Super Bowl XXXVIII in 2004 and Super Bowl LI in 2017
- NCAA Final Four championships in 2011, 2016 and 2023
- WrestleMania 25 drew 72,774 fans in 2009
- 2024 College Football Playoff National Championship
- CONCACAF Gold Cup and Copa América matches
Signature Design Features:
- Retractable roof splits at 50-yard line and operates in 7 minutes
- Two fabric panels rest over end zones when open
- Translucent fiberglass roof with Teflon coating allows natural light
- Three-tier seating bowl surrounds entire playing field
- 186 luxury suites and over 7,000 club seats
- Giant video boards measure 50 feet high by 277 feet wide
Sustainability and Innovation:
- $34 million LED lighting upgrade improves energy efficiency
- 12,000 tons of air conditioning creates largest climate-controlled space in Texas
- Computerized roof control system operates from press box
- Glass walls provide open-air feel on main concourses
- 1.9 million square feet of total facility space
Unique Features:
- Record attendance of 80,108 for George Strait concert in 2019
- Portable grass tray system used from 2002 to 2015
- Currently uses Hellas Matrix Turf for regular events
- Part of NRG Park complex with historic Astrodome next door
- 26,000 parking spaces across entire complex
FIFA World Cup 2026 Preparations (Houston Stadium)
FIFA bans corporate names at World Cup venues. NRG Stadium will be called Houston Stadium during the tournament. All NRG Energy signs get covered up for the event.
The stadium needs two big upgrades. First, workers remove corner seats in summer 2025. This makes the field wider to match FIFA soccer standards. The changes only affect World Cup games. Regular events keep full capacity after the tournament.
Second, crews install real grass in May 2026. The stadium uses artificial turf now for Texans games. FIFA requires natural grass at every World Cup venue. Installation starts May 1 after the rodeo ends in March. The grass needs about one month to grow before the June 14 first match.
Other improvements include 4,750 new seats to replace old damaged ones. This costs $305,644. The stadium also gets new chillers, LED lights and fresh parking lot pavement.
All matches happen with the roof closed. The air conditioning keeps everyone cool. Houston temperatures hit 90 degrees or higher in June and July. The humidity makes outdoor conditions very uncomfortable.
NRG Stadium World Cup 2026 FAQs
How many World Cup matches will NRG Stadium host?
The stadium hosts seven total matches including five group stage games, one Round of 32 match and one Round of 16 match on July 4, 2026.
What is the seating capacity for World Cup matches?
Standard capacity holds 72,220 fans. The venue can expand to 80,000 for special events. World Cup seating may adjust slightly due to FIFA requirements and corner seat removal for field expansion.
Will the retractable roof be open or closed during matches?
All Houston World Cup matches will play with the roof closed. The climate-controlled environment protects everyone from extreme summer heat and humidity.
Can visitors walk from nearby hotels to the stadium?
Several hotels sit within 7 to 10 minutes walking distance. Holiday Inn Houston South, Comfort Suites and Wyndham Houston all offer easy walks to the main entrance.
Which national teams will play at NRG Stadium?
FIFA announces specific team matchups after the December 2025 draw. The U.S. Men’s National Team and Mexico will not play group stage matches in Houston. Their schedules place them in other cities during that phase.
Does the stadium use grass or artificial turf for World Cup matches?
FIFA requires natural grass at all tournament venues. Workers will install new grass in May 2026 specifically for the World Cup. The stadium returns to artificial turf after the tournament.
Where will the FIFA Fan Festival take place in Houston?
The official Fan Festival runs for 34 days in East Downtown near Shell Energy Stadium. The free event includes watch parties for all 104 tournament matches, food courts, exhibits and entertainment.
Why does the stadium change its name during the World Cup?
FIFA policy prohibits corporate sponsor names at tournament venues. NRG Stadium temporarily becomes Houston Stadium to maintain neutral branding throughout the event. The original name returns after the tournament concludes.
Plan Your Houston World Cup Experience
Houston will host seven World Cup 2026 matches at NRG Stadium from mid-June to early July. It’s a rare moment as the United States hosts the tournament for only the second time — now with 48 teams.
Book your hotel and tickets early since nearby rooms sell out fast. The METRORail Red Line is the easiest way to reach the stadium and skip traffic. Check FIFA.com/tickets for official sales updates.
Houston’s mix of culture, food, and soccer passion makes it a top World Cup city. The July 4 knockout match will be a highlight as fans celebrate Independence Day with world-class soccer.
For local news and fan events, visit fwc26houston.com. For travel help and train info, go to RideMETRO.org. Plan ahead, stay cool, and enjoy Houston’s World Cup celebration.
