NRG Stadium

Opened in 2002 with a retractable roof and full air conditioning, both genuinely necessary in Houston's June heat and humidity. Home of the Texans and the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, the largest rodeo in the world. Sits in NRG Park next to the original Astrodome, the first domed multi-purpose stadium ever built, which still stands derelict on the south side of the lot. METRORail's Red Line runs directly to NRG/Fannin South station, a five-minute walk to the gates. The lots in NRG Park hold one of the larger pre-game tailgate cultures in the US south.

Getting There

METRORail Red Line to NRG Park/Fannin South

Parking

Extensive on-site, NRG Park lots

Bag Policy

Clear bags only

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What the official site won't say

Bag policy (what gets denied vs what the rules say)

Published bag policies and what actually clears the gate are not the same document. The published WC2026 rule allows clear bags up to roughly 30cm x 23cm x 15cm, plus a small clutch. In practice, individual venue security at the larger stadiums (I watched it at Lusail in 2022 and at MetLife on a non-WC event in 2024) rejects anything opaque, anything with a metal frame, and any "clear" bag with internal pockets dense enough that the screener can't see through. Drawstring bags get waved through more often than backpack-shape clear bags of the same volume. Bring nothing you can't fit in a pocket or a single transparent zip pouch, and assume a 10 to 15 percent chance the line in front of you loses something the rulebook said was fine.

Editor's note from Sam Halloway. Not affiliated with FIFA. More about this guide .

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Matches at NRG Stadium

Round of 32

Brazil

Japan

Jun 29 · 17:00 UTCNRG StadiumHouston

Round of 16

Canada

Morocco

Jul 4 · 17:00 UTCNRG StadiumHouston

Group Stage · 5 completed

Group Stage - Matchday 1Group E

Germany

Curaçao

Jun 14 · 17:00 UTCNRG StadiumHouston

Group Stage - Matchday 1Group K

Portugal

DR Congo

Jun 17 · 17:00 UTCNRG StadiumHouston

Group Stage - Matchday 2Group F

Netherlands

Sweden

Jun 20 · 17:00 UTCNRG StadiumHouston

Group Stage - Matchday 2Group K

Portugal

Uzbekistan

Jun 23 · 17:00 UTCNRG StadiumHouston

Group Stage - Matchday 3Group H

Cape Verde

Saudi Arabia

Jun 27 · 00:00 UTCNRG StadiumHouston

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get to NRG Stadium on match day?

The best way to reach NRG Stadium is via METRORail Red Line to NRG Park/Fannin South. Plan to arrive at least 2 hours before kickoff for security screening.

What can I bring to NRG Stadium?

Clear bags only. No outside food or drinks. Sealed water bottles may be permitted, check the latest FIFA guidelines.

How early should I arrive at NRG Stadium?

Gates typically open 2-3 hours before kickoff for World Cup matches. Arrive early to enjoy the fan zone activities outside the stadium.

Is there parking at NRG Stadium?

Extensive on-site, NRG Park lots. Public transit is strongly recommended for World Cup matches due to heavy traffic.

Where should I stay near NRG Stadium?

Look for hotels in Houston near the transit lines that serve the stadium. Book early, World Cup accommodation fills up months in advance.

🧳 Got luggage between checkout and kickoff?

NRG Stadium's bag policy is "Clear bags only", so even a small backpack will be denied at the gate. Radical Storage's network of café, shop, and hotel-desk partners in Houston hold bags for about $6/day. No commitment, book on your phone on the way over.

Find a bag drop →

Common questions about NRG Stadium

What is the bag policy at NRG Stadium?

Clear bags only. Anything larger requires gate-check (around $20-30 per bag) or denies entry. Pack a stadium-approved clear bag from home before you fly.

How do I get to NRG Stadium on match day?

Nearest transit: METRORail Red Line to NRG Park/Fannin South. Parking: Extensive on-site, NRG Park lots. Public transit is usually the practical mode on match day given the surge in rideshare and parking prices around kickoff.

What is the capacity of NRG Stadium for World Cup 2026?

Standard capacity is 72,220. FIFA's tournament configuration sometimes reduces this slightly to accommodate camera positions, accessibility seating, and security buffers.

How many World Cup 2026 matches does NRG Stadium host?

7 matches, from 2026-06-14 through 2026-07-04.

When was NRG Stadium built?

Opened in 2002. Renovations and capacity adjustments may have happened since then; see the official venue site for current specifications.

What city is NRG Stadium in?

NRG Stadium is located in Houston, USA. The stadium itself has substantial on-site parking, though transit is still typically faster on match day.

When should I arrive for a match at NRG Stadium?

Plan to arrive at least 90 minutes before kickoff. FIFA security screening is slower than NFL or MLB equivalents because of bag-policy enforcement and the international visitor profile. Stadium gates typically open 2 hours before kickoff.

Where should I stay for matches at NRG Stadium?

Houston has the deepest hotel inventory; downtown rates spike sharply during match weeks. Most fans get the best value staying 20-40 minutes outside the immediate stadium area, with rail or rideshare for the match-day commute.

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Hotels in Houston

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Flights to Houston

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Travel insurance

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Airport transfers to NRG Stadium

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