HOUSTON – FIFA World Cup 2026 is kicking off in Houston. In East Downtown, preparations are ramping up, with FIFA Fan Fest at the heart of it. Those picking up credentials on Monday afternoon, planning out their commute for the rest of this FIFA Houston season. Some said the chaos is worth it.
“Oh yes, totally,” said Giovanna Figueroa, worker at Elotes Bravos, FIFA Fan Fest vendor. “Just to be there with all the crowd, to me that is the best.”
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Ride METRO said the goal is for a smooth commute for everyone during these FIFA festivities. METRO is offering increased transit frequencies, extended weekend operations and Park & Ride services with direct access to downtown. Plus, this includes its METRO Rail. If you are leaving a match at the Houston Stadium, METRO said the best way to get to Fan Fest is catching the rail. First, catch the red line and then follow the green and purple lines to make it downtown. Anna Carpenter with Ride METRO said it can all be done on your phone.
“All of your planning can be done through our Ride METRO app, which is free, or through RideMETRO.org,” Carpenter said. “We do have a Plan Your Trip tool, which gives you the options on how to get there.” Another transportation option available to residents and visitors is the Community Connector, a free electric shuttle service operating in five designated zones across Houston.
The shuttle can be booked through the METRO On Demand app when space is available. Riders can use the service to travel within specific areas, including routes connecting Emancipation Boulevard and Bagby Street.
As Houston enters the final stretch before the World Cup begins, officials are encouraging residents and visitors to plan ahead, allow extra travel time and take advantage of public transportation options to avoid delays around Fan Fest activities and match venues. As for construction still going on in the city, FIFA Houston told us everything is set to be on-time for FIFA Fan Fest.