The countdown is on for the FIFA World Cup 2026, and Houston Stadium is nearly ready to welcome fans from around the world.
Media members were given a first look inside the venue this week, offering a glimpse of the transformation underway as Houston prepares to host seven World Cup matches over the next month. The stadium has undergone several changes to meet FIFA’s standards, including the installation of a natural grass playing surface, replacing the artificial turf typically used at the venue.
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One of the most noticeable changes is the freshly laid grass pitch, which was brought in from a Colorado farm and installed specifically for the tournament. FIFA requires natural grass for World Cup matches, making the field one of the most important upgrades inside the stadium. Grow lights have also been installed to help maintain the playing surface throughout the tournament.
NRG Stadium, known around the world for hosting major sporting events, concerts and entertainment spectacles, has been temporarily rebranded as “Houston Stadium” in accordance with FIFA’s naming guidelines for the tournament. The facility will serve as one of 16 host venues across North America for the largest FIFA World Cup in history.
Houston Stadium will host seven matches during the tournament, including five group-stage matches, a Round of 32 match and a Round of 16 match. Teams scheduled to play in Houston include Germany, Portugal, the Netherlands, Sweden, Saudi Arabia, Uzbekistan, Cape Verde, DR Congo and Curaçao.
The first match in Houston is set for June 14, when Germany faces Curaçao. The city’s final match will take place on July 4 during the Round of 16.
Located in the heart of Houston’s event district, the stadium is expected to be a focal point of the city’s World Cup celebrations. Organizers anticipate hundreds of thousands of visitors will travel to Houston during the tournament, generating a significant economic impact for local businesses, restaurants and hotels.
Houston leaders have spent years preparing for this moment, with transportation upgrades, security planning and fan experiences designed to showcase the city on a global stage.
With the natural grass now in place and final preparations underway, Houston Stadium is ready for its biggest international spotlight yet as the world’s most-watched sporting event arrives in the Bayou City.