The ticket lottery outcomes for the 2026 FIFA World Cup had been introduced final week, making the trail to America, and Houston specifically, clearer for some (fortunate) followers.
Town of Houston will host Germany, Portugal, and the Netherlands! These three nations are becoming a member of forces for international celebrity Cristiano Ronaldo, who has received seven World Cup titles and can probably make his remaining World Cup look.
Along with the group video games that includes the three most prestigious nationwide groups, the Houston crowd will even be handled to the Spherical of 16 on July 4th and, in the event that they win Group C, the potential for dealing with Brazil within the Spherical of 32.
NRG Stadium will host a complete of seven video games. That makes it tied for second amongst U.S. venues. However Houston would be the most tasty soccer vacation spot within the nation, given the overwhelmingly thrilling group stage that includes the aforementioned powerhouses. NRG Stadium’s retractable roof provides to the nice soccer expertise. We assure climate-controlled consolation, no matter Houston’s June-July warmth. This turns into essential when temperatures attain 95°F with Gulf Coast humidity.
For these planning to go to Houston for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, here is what’s essential with simply 4 months left. Whether or not the Portugal/Ronaldo premium is price the fee, how Brazil’s win in Group C will spark Spherical of 32 hypothesis, what Houston’s Metrorail will provide in comparison with Interstate 45 site visitors, and whether or not sightseeing on the Houston House Heart is price planning a day journey.
For these aiming for different host cities in america, this information We’ll reply any questions you’ll have.
NRG Stadium: Venue
- capability: 72,000 (World Cup configuration)
- place: One NRG Parkway, Houston, TX 77054
- Open state: 2002
- Charge: £284 million ($352 million, 2002 {dollars})
- Distance from downtown Houston: 8 miles
- Distance from Passion Airport: 10 miles
- Distance from Busch InterContinental: 30 miles
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The stadium opened in 2002 as the house of the Houston Texans, changing the Astrodome. As critically famous within the introduction to this information, it includes a retractable roof. Beforehand, it has hosted Tremendous Bowl LI (2017), the annual Texas Bowl, and the Houston Livestock Present and Rodeo. It is a very wholesome mixture of occasions that proves the stadium’s versatility.
Historical past of soccer: 2016 Copa America Centenario (USA vs. Costa Rica, Mexico vs. Venezuela), CONCACAF Gold Cup matches, and worldwide pleasant matches. In accordance with FIFA necessities, pure grass shall be used on the World Cup as a substitute of synthetic turf.
Official assets:
full match schedule
| Match # | date | Time (CT) | spherical | staff |
| 10 | June 14th | 12pm | Group E | Germany vs Curacao |
| twenty three | June seventeenth | 12pm | Group Ok | Portugal vs playoff winner* |
| 35 | June twentieth | 12pm | Group F | Netherlands vs Playoff Winner** |
| 47 | June twenty third | 12pm | Group Ok | Portugal vs Uzbekistan |
| 62 | June twenty sixth | 7pm | Group H | Cape Verde vs Saudi Arabia |
| 75 | June twenty ninth | 12pm | spherical 32 | Group C winner vs Group F 2nd place |
| 88 | July 4th | 12pm | spherical 16 | undecided vs undecided |
*Play-off winners (Group Ok): Jamaica, New Caledonia or Democratic Republic of Congo (to be decided in March 2026)
**Play-off winners (Group F): Ukraine, Sweden, Poland or Albania (to be decided in March 2026)
Supply: FIFA official schedule
marquee match
Germany vs. Curacao (June 14): The four-time World Cup winners (1954, 1974, 1990, 2014) will face Caribbean debutant Curacao. Germany brings technological excellence, tactical self-discipline, and expeditionary help that rivals any nation. Houston has a big German diaspora (German American Cultural Heritage Affiliation), which positively creates a household environment. The Germans are absolutely the favorites to win this matchup, and something wanting a convincing victory can be a significant upset.
Curaçao (inhabitants 160,000) qualifies as a CONCACAF consultant. The qualification itself represents a historic achievement for the Dutch Caribbean island nation. If they’ll choose up a degree or two from their first look, it would positively be a brand new and helpful achievement for the nationwide staff.
Portugal vs Play Off Winner (June 17): Cristiano Ronaldo, 41, will probably be enjoying his final World Cup. Portugal are ranked sixth on this planet and have excessive ambitions for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. They superior to the quarterfinals of the 2022 event, however ended with a disappointing loss to Morocco. Ronaldo turned the primary participant to attain in 5 totally different World Cups (2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022) and is the nation’s report holder for many worldwide objectives with 143.
Play-off opponents (Jamaica, New Caledonia, Democratic Republic of Congo) usually are not as essential as Ronaldo’s presence. It is a residing piece of soccer historical past and (probably) the final likelihood to see the best participant of all time on the World Cup stage.
Portugal vs. Uzbekistan (June 23): The match will mark Ronaldo’s second look in Houston and one other likelihood for the Portuguese celebrity to attain in his sixth World Cup. In the meantime, Uzbekistan shall be taking part within the World Cup for the primary time. For sure, Portugal are closely favored on this match, however the group stage consequence means a promotion situation that would trigger some rigidity.
Netherlands vs. Playoff Winner (June 20): The Netherlands, three-time World Cup runners-up (1974, 1978 and 2010), additionally reached the quarter-finals in 2022. The Dutch nationwide staff misplaced to Argentina (on penalties), and Argentina ended up lifting the trophy. The playoff winner (Ukraine, Sweden, Poland, or Albania) modifications the power of this recreation. If Ukraine qualifies, Houston’s Ukrainian neighborhood will help the staff.
Spherical of 32 (June 29): The winner of Group C will play the runner-up of Group F. Brazil is prone to win Group C (vs. Haiti, Scotland and Morocco), and in the event that they win, they may head to Houston. 5-time champions, Selecao mystique and unparalleled expedition help. Brazil has all of it. This creates large hypothesis within the secondary market.
Spherical 16 (July 4th): Naturally, the groups that can advance are nonetheless unknown, however the bracket construction means the winner of Group F could possibly be on this match. The Netherlands, who’re prone to win Group F, will make their technique to Houston on July 4th.
The SoccerNews.com staff brings you well timed 2026 FIFA World Cup match predictions and previews. This hyperlink is right here.
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Ticket actuality verify (February 2026)
As talked about above, we acquired the ticket lottery outcomes final week. Profitable candidates had been charged a charge and given some matches for partial assignments, however unsuccessful candidates received nothing. The secondary market is the one choice for gamers who’re locked out, and Soccer Information recommends discovering tickets at TicketCenter.com.
FIFA official value (quantity paid by lottery winners)
| match sort | Class 4 | Class 3 | Class 2 | Class 1 |
| Group stage (normal) | £47-82 ($60 – $105) | £94-158 ($120-$200) | £158-315 ($200-$400) | £237-489 ($300-$620) |
| Germany/Portugal/Netherlands | £118-197 ($150-$250) | £197-315 ($250-$400) | £315-552 ($400-$700) | £552-946 ($700 – $1,200) |
| spherical 32 | £63-118 ($80 – $150) | £118-197 ($150-$250) | £237-394 ($300-$500) | £315-631 ($400-$800) |
| spherical 16 | £79-158 ($100-$200) | £158-237 ($200-$300) | £315-473 ($400-$600) | £394-789 ($500-$1,000) |
Realities of the secondary market (February 2026)
TicketCenter’s present estimates are:
- Germany vs Curacao: 473 to 710 kilos ($600 to $900) for Class 2; As anticipated, the four-time champion instructions a premium value regardless of his opponents.
- Portugal vs. Playoffs (June 17): Class 2: £631-946 ($800-$1,200). The presence of Cristiano Ronaldo and the hypothesis of a World Cup remaining will make this match in excessive demand.
- Portugal vs. Uzbekistan (June 23): Class 2: £552-789 ($700-$1,000). This is identical man. Attributable to Ronaldo’s second look, the worth shall be barely decrease than the primary match.
- Netherlands vs Playoffs: 394 to 631 kilos ($500 to $800) for Class 2; With the ability to see a conventional powerhouse at an affordable value is a form of discount.
- Spherical of 32 (confirmed earlier than continuing to Brazil): Class 1 is 473 to 710 kilos (600 to $900). Till Group C is accomplished, will probably be nothing however speculative pricing.
- Spherical of 32 (if Brazil is confirmed): Class 1 is estimated at £1,183-1,893 ($1,500-$2,400). No surprises right here. The five-time champion instructions an enormous premium.
- Spherical 16: Class 1: £710-1,065 ($900-$1,350), relying on the advancing staff.
ronaldo premium
Pricing on the Portuguese secondary market displays components of Cristiano Ronaldo. The Portuguese celebrity is sufficiently old that 2026 could possibly be his final World Cup. Furthermore, it cements his standing as a residing legend. Followers who go to Portugal video games aren’t simply paying for Portugal, they’re paying to witness soccer historical past. Regardless of Germany’s glorious World Cup historical past (4 titles to 0), a comparability between Portugal’s pricing of £631-946 ($800-$1,200) and Germany’s pricing of £473-710 ($600-$900) paints a reasonably clear image.
Funds technique: Cape Verde vs. Saudi Arabia (June 26, 7 p.m.), 197-315 kilos ($250-$400), provides you a style of the World Cup with out the heavyweight premium. Germany gives conventional energy at an affordable price in comparison with Portugal/Ronaldo.
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The best way to get to NRG Stadium
Metrorail’s Crimson Line stops at Stadium Park/Astrodome Station, which is a brief stroll to NRG Stadium. Transportation in Houston is notoriously tough, so transit is really helpful on recreation day.
If utilizing Metrorail (really helpful)
From downtown Houston:
- Crimson Line southbound certain for Stadium Park/Astrodome Station
- 10 minute stroll to NRG Stadium (topic to crowds)
- Time required: 25-Half-hour
- Worth: A technique £1.03 ($1.30)
- Trains run each 12 minutes throughout peak hours and each 20 minutes throughout off-peak hours
Service actuality: Metrorail operates an expanded gameday service much like Texans video games and the Houston Rodeo. Crowded situations are anticipated, however purposeful frequency is excessive.
After the match: Return trains run till 1am on weekdays and 1am on weekends. You possibly can count on a wait time, but it surely’s simpler to cope with than if you happen to had been to get off by automobile.
Metro data: ridemetro.org
By automobile
- parking: NRG Park grounds £19.75 – 47.40 ($25 – $60), surrounding space £15.80 – 31.60 ($20 – $40)
- entry: I-610 South Loop to Kirby Drive exit
- From downtown: 15-20 minutes off-peak, 30-45 minutes throughout peak site visitors
- From Passion Airport: 15-20 minutes
- From Busch Intercontinental: 35-45 minutes
- Exit: 72,000 folks 60-90 minutes after the sport
By experience share
price:
- From Downtown Houston: £15.80 – 27.65 ($20 – $35) Common value
- From the Galleria space: £11.85-19.75 ($15-$25)
- From Passion Airport: £19.75-27.65 ($25-$35)
- From Busch Intercontinental: £39.50 to 55.30 ($50 to $70)
- Publish-game surge: 2-3x normal charge
Drop-off/Choose-up: Designated rideshare zone, 5-10 minute stroll to gate
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The place to remain
Lodging in Houston are divided into three classes: comfort of downtown, proximity to the medical heart (close to the stadium), luxurious of the Galleria, and practicality of the vitality hall. There’s one thing for everybody.
downtown houston
Charge: £118-237 ($150-$300) per evening
- Metrorail: Direct entry to the Crimson Line, 25-Half-hour to the stadium
- benefit: Restaurant density, nightlife, and walkable points of interest
- Perfect for: An city expertise that brings out one of the best in Houston’s tradition
- Resort: Hyatt Regency, Marriott Marquis, Lancaster Resort
- space: Theater District, Principal Road, Discovery Inexperienced
Medical Heart/Museum District
Charge: £118-197 ($150-$250) per evening
- Metrorail: Crimson line, 10-Quarter-hour to the stadium
- benefit: Closest to the stadium, entry to museums, near hospitals
- Perfect for: Stadium comfort, cultural tourism
- space: Rice College Hermann Park Museum of Artwork
galleria
- Charge: £158-315 ($200-$400) per evening
- Metrorail: No direct entry, automobile/rideshare required
- benefit: Luxurious procuring, luxurious accommodations, and high-quality eating
- Perfect for: Purchasing precedence, high-end precedence
- actuality: The Galleria is positioned in uptown Houston, 19 miles from the stadium, and Metrorail isn’t obtainable
Vitality Hall/West Houston
- Charge: £94-158 ($120-$200) per evening
- Metrorail: No entry, automobile required
- benefit: Low charges, chain accommodations, parking obtainable
- Perfect for: Prioritizing finances, planning to lease a automobile
- actuality: Suburbs of Houston, 32-40 miles from stadium
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houston expertise
houston area heart
- place: 40 kilometers southeast of NASA Johnson House Heart Customer Advanced
- Highlights: Mission Management, Saturn V Rocket, Astronaut Encounter, and Tram Tour
- timing: Full day (4-6 hours), advance tickets really helpful
- Charge: £23.70-29.63 ($30-$37.50)
- actuality: It is a world-class vacationer attraction, but it surely’s a 50-minute, full-day drive from downtown.
museum district
- Museum of Positive Arts, Houston: Encyclopedia assortment, free on Thursdays
- Pure Science Museum: planetarium, butterfly heart, jewellery
- Museum of Modern Artwork Houston: Free admission
- Holocaust Museum in Houston: Free admission
- timing: Half day at main museums, in the future at a number of museums
Downtown points of interest
- Discovery inexperienced: Metropolis park, frequent occasions, free
- Theater district: 17 Block, Broadway Present, Houston Grand Opera
- Houston tunnel: 6 miles of temperature-controlled underground passageway system (weekdays solely)
- timing: 2-3 hours to discover downtown
Past recreation day
- Galveston: 80 miles south, seashores and historic Strand district, all day
- San Antonio: 320 Miles West, River Stroll and Alamo, Weekend Journey
- hill nation: 90 minutes west of Texas wine nation in as little as a full day
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the place to eat
houston barbecue
- Killen’s BBQ: Pearland (suburb) specialty beef ribs arrive early
- True BBQ: Blenheim (90 minutes), effectively definitely worth the drive for fans
- Pit room: Montrose, quick access location, constant high quality
tex-mex
- Ninfa navigation: Authentic location, fajitas had been invented right here (disputed)
- Mr. Hugo: Luxurious Mexico, James Beard’s fame
- Torquay’s Tacos: Followers of Austin chain Trailer Park Taco Cult
Houston specialties
- Viet Cajun crawfish: LA Crawfish, Cajun Kitchen – Fusion Delicacies in Houston
- Breakfast tacos: Tacos A Go Go, Laredo Taqueria
- Vietnamese delicacies: Focus in Midtown/Chinatown, big Vietnamese inhabitants
houston worldwide
- Chinatown: Bellaire Boulevard, Genuine Chinese language/Vietnamese/Korean Delicacies
- India district: Hillcroft Avenue, the main focus of the subcontinent
- Persian: A number of places, vital Iranian diaspora
actuality: Houston is the fourth largest metropolis and most various main metropolis in america, and that range creates an impressive worldwide restaurant scene.
Conclusion: Ticketing Technique from February 2026
TL;DR
Is there a lottery? E-book your refundable downtown resort now and plan your Metrorail logistics.
Did you miss the lottery? monitor ticketcenter.comGermany’s goal quantity is 473-710 kilos ($600-900), and for Ronaldo it would settle for 631-946 kilos (800-1,200 {dollars}).
Chasing Brazil’s spherical of 32? Wait till June twenty seventh when Group C is accomplished. If Brazil wins (probably), they may pay between 1,183 and 1,893 kilos ($1,500 and $2,400). If Brazil finishes second (unlikely), save your cash and watch elsewhere.
NRG Stadium, retractable roof, local weather management. Germany, Portugal/Ronaldo, the Netherlands and probably Brazil. After 4 months, plan your logistics and finances accordingly. Houston gives heavyweight sports activities in air-conditioned consolation.
Welcome to Houston. It is the place soccer legends play in good situations at 72 levels, although it is 95 levels outdoors.
FAQ
Did you win the lottery?
The outcomes arrived final week (February). Please verify your e-mail for FIFA affirmation. If nothing else, the secondary market is now your solely choice.
Is Ronaldo positively enjoying?
The Portugal nationwide staff squad was introduced in Might 2026. At 41 years previous, there are considerations about his health, however hypothesis about his retirement suggests he may play if he’s wholesome. It is price monitoring Portuguese soccer information from March to Might.
Will Brazil play right here within the spherical of 32?
Provided that we win Group C. Brazil is prone to have a bonus over Haiti, Scotland and Morocco, however it isn’t assured. Group C ends on June twenty seventh. If that occurs, Brazil’s path will turn into clearer.
Is Metrorail actually working?
sure. The Crimson Line runs to Stadium Park/Astrodome Station, 25-Half-hour from downtown and prices £1.03 ($1.30). Publish-match ready time is manageable. Houston’s site visitors congestion is infamous, so transit is really helpful.
What is the climate like in June and July?
Sizzling and humid: 85-95°F (29-35°C), 75% humidity. An opportunity of thunderstorms within the afternoon. NRG Stadium’s retractable roof is closed for temperature management, so you may’t see what is going on on outdoors.
Is it higher to be primarily based downtown or on the medical heart?
Downtown is dwelling to Houston’s experiences, nightlife, and eating places. Medical heart close to stadium (10-Quarter-hour by Metrorail), museum. Most individuals select downtown for the environment and embrace the lengthy commute.
How far prematurely ought to I arrive?
Germany or Portugal: 2.5 hours for Metrorail time, safety and environment. Different matches: 2 hours. Spherical 16: 3 hours. Gates open 3-4 hours previous to kickoff.
Stadium bag coverage?
Clear bag (12″ x 6″ x 12″) or small clutch bag (4.5″ x 6.5″) solely. Prohibited: backpacks, giant purses, outside meals (besides sealed water), umbrellas.
Is House Heart Houston price it?
When you have time in your day, take pleasure in world-class points of interest. Full day dedication (4-6 hours plus 100 minutes spherical journey drive). Match-focused visits will most likely be skipped until you intend on staying for a number of days.
