Matches in Houston
Sun Jun 14, 12pm CT
Germany vs Curacao
Group E
Tue Jun 17, 12pm CT
Portugal vs DR Congo
Group K
Sat Jun 20, 12pm CT
Netherlands vs Sweden
Group F
Mon Jun 23, 12pm CT
Portugal vs Uzbekistan
Group K
Fri Jun 26, 8pm CT
Cape Verde vs Saudi Arabia
Group H
Sun Jun 29, 12pm CT
Round of 32 — TBD
Round of 32
Sat Jul 4, 12pm CT
Round of 16 — TBD
Round of 16
Portugal plays both group matches in Houston
Both of Portugal's group stage matches in the USA are at NRG Stadium — June 17 and June 23. This makes Houston the destination of choice for Portuguese fans and Cristiano Ronaldo supporters attending the tournament. Germany also opens their campaign here on June 14.
Where to stay
Downtown Houston
Best overall base. METRORail Red Line runs directly to NRG Stadium in 27 minutes. Discovery Green park, bars and restaurants walkable. Wide hotel range for all budgets.
Best overall
EaDo (East Downtown)
Hip neighbourhood with breweries, food halls and street art. Home of the FIFA Fan Festival. Green and Purple METRORail lines give easy access. Lively atmosphere throughout the tournament.
Fan Festival area
Museum District / Midtown
Great balance of location and value. METRORail Red Line access, Hermann Park, Houston Zoo and excellent restaurants. Good for families and culture lovers.
Best for families
Medical Center / NRG Area
Walking distance to NRG Stadium on match days. Best matchday convenience. Limited nightlife and restaurants. Practical choice for single-match visits.
Closest to stadium
Book early for Portugal match days
June 17 and June 23 are the highest-demand nights in Houston. Portuguese and Brazilian-American communities in Houston are large and passionate. Hotels within METRORail access sell out fastest.
Local tips for Houston
METRORail Red Line is your best route
Take the METRORail Red Line southbound from Downtown, Midtown or Museum District to NRG Park/Astrodome station, a short walk to the stadium entrance. About 27 minutes from Central Station. Trains run every 6 minutes during World Cup matches. $1.25 with a Q Card. The easiest transit option of any southern US host city.
NRG Stadium is fully air-conditioned inside
NRG Stadium has a retractable roof and full air conditioning. For noon kickoffs in June Texas heat, the roof will be closed making it one of the most comfortable match-day experiences of the entire tournament. The outside is hot — the inside is not.
Extreme heat and humidity outside
Houston in June is brutally hot and humid, regularly exceeding 35°C with very high humidity. Walking to the METRORail, queuing outside the stadium and the walk from the station to the gates will all be very hot. Drink water constantly, wear light clothing and bring sunscreen.
Most diverse food city in the USA
Houston is arguably the most diverse city in America with exceptional food from every culture. Tex-Mex, Vietnamese along Bellaire Boulevard, the Houston Chinatown, Creole and soul food, and exceptional BBQ. Hugo's and Picos for upscale Mexican. Ninfa's on Navigation is legendary.
Fan Festival in EaDo — 39 days
The official FIFA Fan Festival runs for all 39 days in East Downtown (EaDo), a walkable neighbourhood full of breweries, food halls and street art. Green and Purple METRORail lines connect to EaDo easily. Live match broadcasts throughout the tournament.
Two airports — use IAH for international
George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) handles most international flights, 23 miles north of downtown. William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) is 9 miles from downtown and handles mainly domestic routes. METRORail does not serve either airport — use rideshare or the METRO Airport Direct bus from IAH ($4.50, 45 minutes).
Plan your full Houston trip ⚽
Getting to Houston
George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) is the main international hub 23 miles north of downtown. METRO Airport Direct bus runs to downtown for $4.50 in 45 minutes. William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) is 9 miles southeast for domestic routes.
Getting to NRG Stadium
METRORail Red Line to NRG Park (recommended)
Southbound Red Line to NRG Park/Astrodome station. 27 minutes from downtown. $1.25 with Q Card. Every 6 minutes on match days. Short walk to stadium gates.
Rideshare
Uber and Lyft available. Designated drop-off zones around NRG Park. Expect surge pricing after matches. METRORail is significantly more reliable on match days.
Drive via I-610 or SH-288
NRG Park has parking but no in-and-out access. Book in advance. Expect I-610 to be heavily congested on match days. METRORail is strongly preferred.
Stay connected in Houston
US roaming charges can be very expensive. Get a US eSIM before you board your flight.
Get US eSIM on Airalo
From $5 for 1GB, activate before landing
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Travel insurance
Medical costs in the USA are extremely high. Travel insurance is strongly recommended.
Get a quote on World Nomads
Covers medical, cancellation and baggage
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Official merchandise
Shop official World Cup 2026 jerseys and gear before you travel.
Shop on Fanatics
Official licensed World Cup gear
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Visa reminder for USA
Most international visitors need either ESTA or a B1/B2 visa to enter the USA. Check requirements before booking.
View full Visa Guide →
View full Visa Guide →