Houston’s global football moment is set. In 2026, the tournament comes to Houston Stadium, bringing seven FIFA World Cup 26™ matches to the Bayou City.  

America’s fourth‑largest city blends world‑class sports infrastructure with a diverse, welcoming culture shaped by more than 145 languages, a dynamic food scene, and a thriving arts district.  

From the energy of Downtown and East Downtown (EaDo) to the Museum District and the leafy boulevards around Rice University and Hermann Park, visitors can move easily between matchdays and must‑see attractions like Space Center Houston, Buffalo Bayou Park, and the Theater District.  

For official host‑city news and visitor information, see the Houston Host Committee.  

 

What matches will be played in Houston?  

Houston Stadium will host seven FIFA World Cup 26™ matches across the Group Stage and Knockout Phase. Exact pairings and kick‑off times will be assigned by FIFA following the draw and subsequent scheduling updates.  

Here’s the FIFA World Cup 26 match schedule for Houston: 

• Sunday, June 14, 2026 — Group Stage (Match 10) 

• Wednesday, June 17, 2026 — Group Stage (Match 23) 

• Saturday, June 20, 2026 — Group Stage (Match 35) 

• Tuesday, June 23, 2026 — Group Stage (Match 47) 

• Friday, June 26, 2026 — Group Stage (Match 65) 

• Monday, June 29, 2026 — Round of 32 (Match 76) 

• Saturday, July 4, 2026 — Round of 16 (Match 90) 

 

When will we know who’s playing in Houston?  

Clarity arrives after the Official Final Draw on Friday, December 5, 2025, in Washington, DC (12:00 local). FIFA will publish groupings and venue assignments on its official channels here and here.

 

Is this the first time the World Cup comes to Houston? 

Yes, Houston did not host matches at USA 1994. In 2026, the city steps onto the global stage with a robust slate, including knockout ties at Houston Stadium. Local host‑city context will be posted here. 

In Texas, new historic moments will be born at the FIFA World Cup as in 1994, with the Nigerian star Rashidi Yekini’s legendary 1994 celebration at the Cotton Bowl against Bulgaria. You can find this collectible on the FIFA Collect marketplace. 

 

A closer look at Houston Stadium  

Houston Stadium is a modern, climate‑controlled bowl configured for international football with a fully retractable roof, ideal for summer matchdays. For FIFA World Cup 26™, the official tournament capacity is 68,311 (configurable to around 72,000 for other large events). The venue has staged major events including Super Bowls XXXVIII (2004) and LI (2017), the NCAA Men’s Final Four (2016 and 2023), Copa América Centenario matches, multiple Concacaf Gold Cup fixtures, and marquee international friendlies. Venue and host‑city information will be shared. 

 

Want the latest on Houston Stadium matchdays for World Cup 26™?  

Stay updated on Final Draw outcomes, match assignments, and schedules through FIFA’s official communications track local announcements, city programming, and visitor guidance via the Houston Host City site.  

For more stories, insights, and curiosities about other stadiums of the FIFA World Cup 26, visit the FIFA Collect blog.