NRG Stadium

Venue Information

Welcome to Houston, Texas, home to NRG Stadium, one of the premier venues for the FIFA World Cup 2026! As a key host city, Houston is preparing to welcome football fans from around the globe to experience world-class matches in a truly Texan atmosphere.

Venue Overview

NRG Stadium, known as "Houston Stadium" during the FIFA World Cup 2026 due to FIFA's commercial-free naming policy, opened its doors on August 24, 2002, as Reliant Stadium. It holds the distinction of being the first NFL stadium ever built with a retractable roof, a crucial feature for managing Houston's intense summer climate. Designed by HOK Sport (now Populous) and constructed by the Manhattan/Beers joint venture, the stadium replaced the iconic Astrodome, which sits adjacent to it as a testament to Houston's pioneering spirit in stadium architecture.

NRG Stadium will play a significant role in the FIFA World Cup 2026, hosting seven matches. This includes five group stage games, one Round of 32 match, and one Round of 16 knockout fixture. Its ability to offer climate-controlled conditions thanks to its retractable roof makes it a standout venue for the summer tournament. After the World Cup, the stadium will revert to its original name, Reliant Stadium, following a new naming rights agreement.

Match Schedule & Events

NRG Stadium is set to host an exciting lineup of seven matches, offering fans multiple opportunities to catch top international teams.

Scheduled Matches (all times Central Daylight Time, CDT):

• Sunday, June 14, 2026, 12:00 PM: Germany vs. Curaçao (Group Stage)
• Wednesday, June 17, 2026, 12:00 PM: Portugal vs. DR Congo (Group Stage)
• Saturday, June 20, 2026, 12:00 PM: Netherlands vs. Sweden (Group Stage)
• Tuesday, June 23, 2026, 12:00 PM: Portugal vs. Uzbekistan (Group Stage)
• Friday, June 26, 2026, 7:00 PM: Cabo Verde vs. Saudi Arabia (Group Stage)
• Monday, June 29, 2026, 12:00 PM: Round of 32 (Winner Group C vs. Runner-up Group F, potentially Brazil vs. Japan)
• Saturday, July 4, 2026, 12:00 PM: Round of 16 (Could feature Canada vs. Morocco)

Houston is a unique city as it's the only U.S. host city where Portugal will play twice in the group stage without fans needing to change cities, making it an ideal base for Portuguese supporters.

Getting There — Transport & Access

NRG Stadium is located approximately 9 miles south of downtown Houston within the expansive NRG Park complex.

Nearest Airports:

• William P. Hobby Airport (HOU): This is the closer option, just 8 miles away, offering a 15-25 minute drive or rideshare. HOU serves domestic routes and flights to Latin America.
• George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH): Located 22 miles north, IAH is Houston's larger international airport. Travel time can be 30-50 minutes by car. There is a new 500 Downtown Direct bus service connecting both airports through downtown.

Public Transit:

• METRORail Red Line: This is highly recommended as the fastest, cheapest, and most stress-free option. The Red Line runs directly to the Stadium Park/Astrodome station, just steps from NRG Stadium's gates. During the World Cup, trains will run every 6 minutes. The ride from downtown takes about 20 minutes.
• Buses: Shuttle and standby buses will be available near Downtown Houston and NRG Stadium to manage crowds.

Parking:

• NRG Park boasts over 26,000 parking spaces. Parking typically ranges from $20-40, but expect higher prices for World Cup matches (potentially $100-$175).
• Advance booking for parking is strongly recommended.
• Street parking around NRG Stadium is very limited and generally not a reliable option.

Recommended Routes for Fans:

• From Downtown Houston: Take US-59 South (Southwest Freeway) to the Kirby Drive exit, or Main Street south directly to NRG Park. Alternatively, use the METRORail Red Line for a direct and convenient journey.
• Rideshare (Uber/Lyft): Designated pickup and drop-off zones are available. Expect significant wait times (20-40 minutes) after matches due to high demand. Consider walking 10-15 minutes away from the stadium or taking the Red Line downtown before requesting a ride to avoid surge pricing and delays.

Fan Experience & Atmosphere

Fans at NRG Stadium can expect a vibrant and comfortable experience, even in Houston's summer heat. The retractable roof ensures all matches are played in climate-controlled conditions with full air conditioning. The stadium's interior bowl provides excellent sightlines for both American football and large-format soccer.

Food & Drink Options:

NRG Stadium offers a wide array of dining options, from traditional stadium fare to acclaimed local Houston cuisine.

• Local Favorites: Look for Truth BBQ, Tex-Mex and margaritas from El Tiempo, and Mediterranean dishes from Craft Pita.
• Specialty Items: Trill Burgers by Bun B are available in multiple sections, and new options for the 2026 season include peri peri nachos, Korean meatball bao, and various protein-packed bowls.
• Value Menu: A "Birdland Value Menu" offers items under $4 and $5 beers at select locations.

Nearby Attractions & Fan Zones:

• FIFA Fan Festival Houston 2026: Located in East Downtown (EaDo) next to Shell Energy Stadium, this is the official, free fan zone. It's expected to be the largest-footprint official fan zone in the USA, spanning approximately eight blocks. It will feature giant LED screens for live match viewing, live entertainment, Texas BBQ and Gulf Coast food vendors, and crucial indoor air-conditioned retreats.
• NRG Park: The stadium is part of a larger complex that includes NRG Center, NRG Arena, and the historic Astrodome.
• Museum District & Rice Village: Just a short METRORail ride away, these areas offer diverse dining and entertainment options outside the immediate stadium vicinity.

Stadium Features & Specifications

• Official FIFA Tournament Name: Houston Stadium
• Capacity: The standard NFL capacity is 72,220. For the FIFA World Cup 2026, the soccer-specific configuration will accommodate approximately 68,311 fans, with potential expansion to 80,000 to meet FIFA requirements.
• Surface Type: While the stadium typically uses Hellas Matrix synthetic turf for NFL games, a natural grass playing surface installed on modular trays will be used for the FIFA World Cup 2026 matches.
• Roof: NRG Stadium features a groundbreaking retractable roof, the first in the NFL, which can open or close in about 7-10 minutes. This allows for climate-controlled conditions during Houston's hot and humid summer months. The roof is made of PTFE architectural fabric membrane and supported by steel supertrusses.
• Year Opened: 2002
• Architect: Populous (formerly HOK Sport).
• Notable Architectural Features: Beyond its retractable roof, the stadium features large glass curtain walls designed to allow natural light into the building. It has spacious concourses, modern amenities, and massive high-definition video boards.
• Renovations for 2026: The stadium will undergo its usual pitch conversion from artificial turf to natural grass for the tournament.

Tips for Visiting Fans

• Best Seats: Club level seats (300-level) are highly regarded for their premium air-conditioned concourses.
• Arrival Times: Plan to arrive early to allow ample time for parking, security screening, and to soak in the pre-match atmosphere. For noon kickoffs, aiming to be at the stadium by 10:00-10:30 AM is advisable.
• Weather Considerations: Houston in June and July is notoriously hot and humid, with average highs above 95°F (35°C) and real-feel temperatures over 100°F (38°C). Fortunately, NRG Stadium's retractable roof and full air conditioning mean matches will be played in comfort. Pack light layers, as it will be cool inside the stadium. Stay hydrated, especially if spending time outdoors before or after the match.
• Local Tips:
• Transportation: Seriously consider using the METRORail Red Line to avoid traffic and parking headaches. If driving, pre-book parking.
• Fan Festival: Don't miss the FIFA Fan Festival in EaDo for an immersive World Cup experience, complete with air-conditioned zones.
• Tailgating: NRG Park has a renowned tailgating scene for NFL games, but expect modified rules for the World Cup.
• Connectivity: Free stadium-wide WiFi is available.
• Clean Zones: Be aware that Houston will have "Clean Zones" around NRG Park and the Fan Festival to prevent ambush marketing, meaning unauthorized commercial use of FIFA trademarks is prohibited.
• Tours: Official FIFA-vetted stadium tours will be available on select non-match dates, offering access to premium spaces, media zones, and locker rooms.