Travel Tips Travelling to the US

Houston World Cup 2026: Fixtures and Travel Guide for UK Fans

Alex Beaney

16.04.26

Read time 3 minutes

Houston will be one of the host cities for the FIFA World Cup 2026™, offering UK football supporters tournament fixtures in a major Texas city alongside a diverse cultural scene, strong sporting identity and warm climate.

With matches scheduled at NRG Stadium and international flight connections from the United Kingdom (UK), Houston is expected to be a practical base for travelling fans during the tournament.

In this guide, we’ll outline key information for UK supporters planning a World Cup trip to Houston, including confirmed fixtures, flights, accommodation, match-day transport and practical travel considerations.

We’ll also introduce a great option for spending abroad - the Wise card from the money services provider Wise. This clever debit card automatically converts your money to the local currency in 150+ countries at the mid-market exchange rate, with only a tiny, transparent conversion fee.

Learn more about the Wise card ⚽

World Cup 2026 Matches in Houston

Houston is scheduled to host seven FIFA World Cup 2026 matches at NRG Stadium, which will be branded as Houston Stadium during the tournament¹². These include five group stage matches, one Round of 32 fixture and one Round of 16 match.

Match period: June to July 2026
Venue: NRG Stadium, located approximately 10 km south of downtown Houston

All local kick-off times below are Central Time (CT). British Summer Time (BST) is six hours ahead of CT during June and July.

Confirmed Fixtures at Houston Stadium

Stage	Fixture	Date (Local – CT)	Kick-off (CT)	Kick-off (BST)
Group Stage	Germany vs Curaçao	Sunday 14 June 2026	13:00	19:00
Group Stage	Portugal vs DR Congo	Wednesday 17 June 2026	12:00	18:00
Group Stage	Netherlands vs Sweden	Saturday 20 June 2026	12:00	18:00
Group Stage	Portugal vs Uzbekistan	Tuesday 23 June 2026	12:00	18:00
Group Stage	Cabo Verde vs Saudi Arabia	Friday 26 June 2026	15:00	21:00
Round of 32	Group C Winner vs Group F Runner-up	Monday 29 June 2026	18:00	00:00 (30 June)
Round of 16	Winner Match 89 vs Winner Match 90	Saturday 4 July 2026	15:00	21:00

Houston will host several high-profile group stage matches, including fixtures involving Germany, Portugal and the Netherlands, making it one of the most globally diverse host cities during the tournament.

Flights from the UK to Houston

Most UK supporters will arrive via George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), Houston’s primary international gateway.

Direct flights operate from London Heathrow, with average flight times of around 10 hours.

Alternative routes via US or European hubs may also be available depending on availability and pricing.

Flight prices for major international tournaments typically increase closer to the event. Booking during late 2025 or early 2026 may help secure more competitive fares.

🇺🇸 Planning a World Cup trip to the USA? Explore our guides to: Dallas, nearby host city Atlanta and major destination Miami ⚽

Where to Stay in Houston

Houston offers accommodation across a range of budgets.

Central Houston

Downtown Houston
Convenient for attractions, restaurants and transport links.

Midtown / Montrose
Popular for nightlife, dining and a more relaxed atmosphere.

Near the Stadium

NRG Park / Medical Center area
Close to the stadium and practical for match days, although with fewer entertainment options than central districts.

Hotel demand is expected to be high during the tournament period, with price increases likely around match dates. Early booking is advisable.

Match-Day Transport: Getting to NRG Stadium

NRG Stadium is located south of downtown Houston and is well connected.

Expected transport options include:

METRORail: Red Line provides direct access to NRG Park
Buses: Local routes serve the stadium area
Taxis and ride-hailing: Widely available
Driving: Possible, although congestion and parking limitations may make public transport more practical

Supporters are advised to allow sufficient time to reach the stadium before kick-off.

Football Culture, Bars and Fan Zones

Houston has a strong football culture and is home to Houston Dynamo FC.

Areas commonly associated with sports venues and match-day viewing include:

Midtown: Concentration of sports bars and nightlife
Downtown: Larger venues with broadcast facilities
EaDo (East Downtown): Growing entertainment district near sports venues

Temporary FIFA fan zones and public viewing areas are expected in central locations such as Discovery Green, subject to official confirmation.

Things to Do in Houston Between Matches

Houston is one of the most diverse cities in the United States and offers a wide range of attractions.

Notable attractions include:

Space Center Houston: NASA visitor centre
Museum District: Including the Museum of Fine Arts and Natural Science Museum
Discovery Green: Central park with events and activities
Houston Zoo

Visitors may also wish to explore the city’s internationally influenced food scene.

Practical Travel Information for UK Fans

Visa requirements
UK passport holders must apply for authorisation through the ESTA system under the Visa Waiver Program before travelling to the United States.

Currency
The official currency is the US dollar (USD).

Weather
June and July are typically hot and humid, with daytime temperatures often exceeding 30°C.

Planning your budget? Use the live converter below to check GBP to USD rates before you travel.

Spend at the World Cup with the Wise card

Travelling to the United States involves foreign currency spending and potential overseas card charges. Some UK travellers choose multi-currency cards to manage costs while abroad.

The Wise card allows users to:

pay in US dollars at the mid-market exchange rate
avoid certain foreign transaction fees charged by some banks
make payments for transport, accommodation and general expenses
manage balances through the Wise app before and during travel

Sources used:

¹ FIFA – World Cup 2026 match schedule

² Houston World Cup Host Committee

Sources last checked on date: 15/04/2026

*Please see terms of use and product availability for your region or visit Wise fees and pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information.

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