The United States is one of the host countries (along with Mexico and Canada) for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. You already knew that. And maybe you were aware this is the second time the U.S. has hosted the tournament (the first in 1994). BUT, this tournament marks the first time any of the matches will be played in Houston. As Nigel said in The Devil Wears Prada, gird your loins.
A World Cup is a big deal (maybe the use of “world” clued you in). Soccer has also finally become as popular in this country as we were promised in the ’70s. Homegrown leagues like MLS and NWSL have passionate fanbases, and more Americans than ever watch the English Premier League, La Liga, Serie A and others. Fans from across the globe will visit our city, marveling at how we managed to cram so many freeways into an area roughly the size of Afghanistan.
And as a bonus, any Nordic visitors will be able to enjoy the sauna experience merely by stepping outside.
Most of the matches played here will be during the Group Stage, taking place between June 11-27. Action at NRG Stadium kicks off June 14, with Match 10 between Germany and Curaçao in Group E. The Blue Stars drew against Jamaica in their qualifier, making them the smallest nation by both population and area to qualify for a World Cup. Die Mannschaft has won the tournament four times. ‘Nuff said.
Next up (June 17) is Group K’s turn. This will be your first of two chances to see international superstar Cristiano Ronaldo, as Portugal takes on the winner of the Inter-Confederation playoff. Granted, watching Ronaldo and Gonçalo Ramos brutalize either DR Congo, New Caledonia, or Jamaica won’t necessarily be gripping entertainment. Still: World Cup!
Group F comes to town on June 20. Here, the all-time national goal leader Memphis leads the Netherlands against a UEFA playoff winner. Will it be Ukraine? Sweden? Or maybe Poland? Probably not Albania. It probably won’t be as big a bloodbath as the Portugal match, but the Oranje shouldn’t have a problem.
Ronaldo returns June 23 to lead Portugal against the White Wolves of Uzbekistan. At least they’ve got that name going for them. The final Group Stage match on June 26 is a real barn burner: Saudi Arabia versus Cabo Verde. Fun fact: Cabo Verde was the smallest nation to qualify for the WC. For five weeks. Until Curaçao came along.
Houston also gets one match in the first knockout round. This June 29 Round of 32 games will feature the winner of Group C (Brazil, most likely) and Group F’s runner-up (probably Japan). Finally, July 4 will see one Round of 16 match. Predictions this far out are pointless. But because this is America, and we love mindless gambling, I’ll go ahead and say it’ll be Switzerland versus Brazil.
Summer temperatures caused some issues during the States’ 1994 go-round, with later round matches (in July) played in such famously weather-friendly places like the Cotton Bowl and Orlando’s Citrus Bowl. The expansion of the field means we’ll almost certainly get more scorchers in places like Kansas City and Miami, since neither GEHA (formerly Arrowhead) nor Hard Rock (formerly Joe Robbie) Stadiums have a roof.
But if there’s one area Houston has an advantage over other cities, it’s air conditioning. Tailgating will doubtless be a sweaty affair (if it’s even allowed), but NRG Stadium itself should be pleasant enough. Provided you aren’t rooting against Ronaldo, that is.
Tickets are another matter. Group Stage tickets are running about $1,500 apiece on the FIFA site (hey, it’s once every four years). You can also register for the next random selection draw from December 11 to January 13. I’ll tell you the same thing I’d say to Curaçao: good luck.
This article appears in Jan 1 – Dec 31, 2025.