The FIFA World Cup 2026 will be a big deal. Houston is one of the host cities in the United States. If you plan to visit Houston for the event, consider hotels, transport, and parking. This will help you enjoy the big soccer show. NRG Stadium is Houston’s central spot. It will host seven matches. Fans from everywhere will come. This guide covers the dates for Houston matches. It also gives tips for an easy trip. If you search for “Houston FIFA World Cup 2026” rooms or rides, this helps.
FIFA World Cup 2026 Houston Dates and Schedule
Houston gets ready for fun matches at NRG Stadium. The whole tournament starts in North America on June 11. It ends on July 19, 2026. Houston starts early. It goes up to exciting knockout games. Teams and groups come after the draw in December 2025. So groups are not set yet.
Here is the schedule for Houston matches. It is in a table:
Date | Match Number | Stage | Group/Stage Details |
Sunday, June 14, 2026 | 10 | Group Stage | Group TBD |
Wednesday, June 17, 2026 | 23 | Group Stage | Group TBD |
Saturday, June 20, 2026 | 35 | Group Stage | Group TBD |
Tuesday, June 23, 2026 | 47 | Group Stage | Group TBD |
Friday, June 26, 2026 | 65 | Group Stage | Group TBD |
Monday, June 29, 2026 | 76 | Round of 32 | N/A (Knockout) |
Saturday, July 4, 2026 | 90 | Round of 16 | N/A (Knockout) |
These dates put Houston in a good spot for early games. There are five group matches. Then come the big knockout ones. The July 4 game feels special on Independence Day. Plan your trip around these dates. See the action in person. Check the FIFA World Cup 2026 site for new info.
Best Hotels Near NRG Stadium and Booking Tips
Stay near NRG Stadium for the World Cup. Lots of fans will come. So pick spots around NRG Park or Texas Medical Centre. Many are close enough to walk or take a short ride. Book soon. Rooms will fill up fast. Here are the top hotels near NRG Stadium for the event:
- Holiday Inn Houston S – NRG Area – Med Ctr by IHG is 0.5 miles from the stadium. Complimentary breakfast and shuttles. Suitable for those on a budget.
- Holiday Inn Express & Suites Houston S – Medical Ctr Area: One mile away. Nice rooms and close to METRORail.
- Hampton Inn & Suites Houston Medical Centre NRG Park: Right by the stadium. Free parking and a gym. Great for longer trips.
- Comfort Suites near the Medical Centre: Cheap and clean. About 1.5 miles away. Suites for families or friends.
- Four Seasons Hotel Houston: Fancy choice in Galleria, 8 miles away. Nice extras if you want to treat yourself.

Hotel Booking Tips:
- Check prices. Look for World Cup deals with rides included.
- Pick hotels near METRORail. It skips traffic problems.
- See if there are soccer specials or group deals. Book ones you can cancel if plans change.
- Stay in Medical Centre or NRG Park spots. It cuts travel time. Prices may go up 20-50% in match weeks.
Transportation Options to NRG Stadium
Get to NRG Stadium easily for your matches. Big crowds mean public rides. Houston’s METRO works well. Private ones add ease for folks from far away. Here are the main ways:
- METRORail Red Line: Best choice. It goes straight from downtown to NRG Park in 15-20 minutes. Trains every 12 minutes for events. Costs start at $1.25. Get off at Stadium Park/Astrodome.
- METRO Bus: Lines like 84 from Galleria or 14 from Midtown stop close. Mix with rail for more areas.
- Rideshare (Uber/Lyft): Easy drop-offs at spots like South Kirby. But prices jump to $20-50 one way when busy.
- Private Limo or Car Services: For a premium experience, book a limo or executive car service like those offered by local providers such as Houston Car Service. These handle airport transfers, stadium shuttles, and group rides with fixed rates. They’re ideal for avoiding traffic and enjoying Houston’s sights en route.
- Shuttles and Park-and-Ride: Special shuttles from far lots work with METRORail. Costs about $25.
Parking at NRG Stadium: What You Need to Know
Suppose you drive to NRG Stadium for the World Cup and plan to park. NRG Park has over 20,000 spots. Lots like Yellow are closest. Blue is another.
- Official Parking: Book on the NRG Park site or apps like SpotHero and ParkMobile. Costs $20-50 per car for events. No refunds or overnight.
- Advance Booking: Must do for the World Cup. Spots go quick. Link to your ticket for prepaid.
- Alternatives: Park far and ride with METRORail shuttles. Cheaper at $25 total. Rideshare pickups at Lot 35 over the South Kirby bridge.
- Tips: Get there 2-3 hours early. Tailgating ok in set areas. Follow FIFA rules.

Are There Fan Zones in Houston for the World Cup?
Yes, Houston sets up great fan spots for the World Cup. The big one is the FIFA Fan Festival in East Downtown, or EaDo. It turns the area around Shell Energy Stadium into a fun place. Look for daily events, concerts, soccer areas, food trucks, and big screens for games. All free.
They announced it in May 2025. It plans for almost half a million people. Shows culture and kid-friendly fun. It is a quick ride from NRG. Easy to go between games and parties. More spots may pop up downtown. But EaDo is the main. Sign up for news on the FIFA World Cup 26 Houston Host Committee site.
How Can I Get Tickets for the 2026 World Cup?
Tickets for Houston matches are popular. But easy if you move quickly. Start with sign-up.
- Step 1 Register Your Interest: Make a free FIFA account at fifa.com/en/tickets. Join lotteries.
- Step 2 First Sales Phase: Starts September 10, 2025. Visa holders get the first chance at random picks. Up to 4 tickets per game, 10 games max. The public lottery comes next.
- Hospitality Packages: For better seats and extras, look at On Location. FIFA’s partner. Costs more but has VIP stuff.
- Tips: Watch the FIFA site for steps. Only use official resale to skip scams. Top seats may cost $200-600, based on the game.
Nearby Attractions in Houston: Beyond the Matches
Houston has more than soccer. Check these near NRG Stadium for your trip:
- Hermann Park: Two miles away. The Houston Zoo has boat rides and gardens. Nice walk before a game.
- Houston Museum of Natural Science: Three miles north. See dinosaurs and planet shows for breaks.
- NRG Park Events: Feel the rodeo style if it lines up. Or tour the stadium.
- Discovery Green: Five miles downtown by rail. Park with art, music, and food.
- Texas Medical Centre: Right next to NRG. See the most prominent medical spot in the world.
- Colour Factory or NASA Space Centre: Fun at 10 miles. Or learn 30 miles south.
Why Book Houston Car Service for Your FIFA World Cup 2026 Trip?
Rides matter a lot when you plan for Houston and the FIFA World Cup 2026. Crowds, traffic, and game days can be wild at NRG Stadium. METRORail is good. But our Houston Car Service makes it easy and fancy. No stress. Here is why to pick it:

Airport Transfers and Stadium Shuttles
When it is busy, do you land at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) or Hobby Airport (HOU)? We provide transportation to or from Houston airports. Meet and greet, help with bags, straight to hotel or stadium: no long waits or strange roads. The driver watches your flight and changes if it’s late.
Fixed Rates and No Surge Pricing
Rideshares hit $50 or more in busy times. We give clear prices up front. Starts at $80-100 from the airport to the stadium. No extras for traffic or waits. It helps when you spend money on tickets and rooms.
Avoid Traffic Jams and Crowds
Houston is big. Event traffic near NRG can make 20 minutes into one hour. Our professional drivers know side roads, event paths, and parking rules. They get you to the gates fast. They time it so you arrive early for tailgating or fan spots. One or two hours ahead.
Convenience for Groups or Families
With friends, family, or folks from other countries? Pick SUVs, vans, party buses, limos, mini buses or charter buses. Our vehicles have Wi-Fi, water, and plugs. Great for rides from the hotel to EaDo Fan Festival or sights. Makes driving time a fun chat.
Premium Perks and Safety Assurance
Drivers are licensed and insured. Safe for late rides home from big games or July 4 fun. We do custom plans. Like kid seats, long days for many games, or tours of spots like the Galleria or Hermann Park. Way better than bus or train surprises.
Conclusion about Travelling to Houston for FIFA World Cup 2026
As the FIFA World Cup 2026 nears, Houston promises an electrifying soccer spectacle at NRG Stadium, from June 14 group stage action to the July 4 Round of 16 thriller. Catch matches, enjoy the EaDo Fan Festival, and explore spots like Hermann Park or the Houston Museum of Natural Science. Plan with nearby hotels, METRORail, and reserved parking to handle the crowds effortlessly.
Register for tickets on FIFA.com today—the first sales phase starts tomorrow, September 10, 2025. Book accommodations early for deals, and for seamless transport, book a car service in Houston to ensure a hassle-free trip from the airport to the stadium and beyond. Your adventure awaits—make history!