Houston
NRG Stadium hosts seven matches including a Round of 16 fixture.
About NRG Stadium
NRG Stadium opened in 2002 and is the regular home of the Houston Texans (NFL). For the 2026 FIFA World Cup the venue uses natural grass (laid over turf) under a retractable roof, and has been adapted to FIFA's regulation 105m × 68m pitch dimensions. Hosts a Round of 16 match.
Houston sits in United States at an elevation of 24m, with a metropolitan population of roughly 7.1 million. During June and July 2026 — the World Cup window — average daytime highs in Houston sit at 34°C with overnight lows around 24°C and 115mm of average monthly rainfall, so kickoff timing has been planned around heat and broadcast windows.
International visitors typically fly into George Bush Intercontinental (IAH). The city operates on CDT (America/Chicago); convert any UTC kickoff time on this page using the kickoff converter — no signup required.
NRG Stadium specifications
| Capacity (2026 WC config) | 72,220 |
| Year opened | 2002 |
| Surface | Natural grass (laid over turf) |
| Roof | Retractable |
| Primary tenant | Houston Texans (NFL) |
| Matches hosted | 7 (5 group, 2 knockout) |
| City elevation | 24 m |
| Metro population | 7.1 million |
| Nearest int. airport | George Bush Intercontinental (IAH) |
| Time zone | CDT (America/Chicago) |
| June/July avg high | 34°C |
| June/July avg low | 24°C |
| June/July avg rainfall | 115 mm |
Notable facts
- ·Hosts a Round of 16 match
- ·First NFL stadium with a retractable roof
- ·Cooled venue ideal for daytime kickoffs in 30°C+ heat
Other host cities
Frequently Asked Questions
How many World Cup 2026 matches are in Houston?
7 matches at NRG Stadium during the 2026 FIFA World Cup — 5 in the group stage and 2 knockout fixtures.
What is the capacity of NRG Stadium?
NRG Stadium has a capacity of 72,220 for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. It opened in 2002, uses natural grass (laid over turf), and has a retractable roof.
Who is the regular tenant at NRG Stadium?
Houston Texans (NFL) use NRG Stadium as their home venue outside of the World Cup window.
What is the weather like in Houston during the World Cup?
June/July averages in Houston: daytime high 34°C, overnight low 24°C, with ~115mm of average monthly rainfall. The venue's retractable roof and 24m elevation are both factors in match-day conditions.
What time zone does Houston use during the World Cup?
Houston uses CDT (America/Chicago) during the World Cup period. The kickoff converter on this page renders every fixture in your local time.
What is the nearest airport to NRG Stadium?
Most international visitors fly into George Bush Intercontinental (IAH).
Does NRG Stadium host any knockout matches?
Yes — Hosts a Round of 16 match.
Can I get fixtures for Houston via API?
Yes. Filter the matches endpoint by date, venue, or competition_id to get every fixture at NRG Stadium, including UTC kickoff time, official capacity, lineups, in-match events, and odds.
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