World Cup 2026 coverage continues in Houston, where 24ora.com director Mark Benson is on site reporting on preparations and the atmosphere ahead of the highly anticipated match between Curaçao and Germany.
The stadium, originally known as NRG Stadium, is temporarily referred to as “Houston Stadium” in FIFA contexts due to rules prohibiting commercial naming rights during the tournament.
Normally an American football venue, NRG Stadium has undergone a full transformation for the World Cup. Special turf was imported from Colorado, while artificial lighting systems from the Netherlands were installed to support grass growth and ensure the pitch meets competition standards.
The stadium roof will remain closed during matches to help manage Houston’s extreme heat. Additional adjustments have also been made to locker rooms and player access areas, which have been redesigned and customized to reflect the identity of each participating nation.
Capacity has also been adjusted for the tournament. While the stadium typically holds between 72,000 and 80,000 spectators, FIFA has reduced this to approximately 68,000 seats in line with safety and comfort requirements.
Ticket demand has fluctuated in recent months. Some tickets are still available at around $400, while premium seats range from $10,000 to $15,000 depending on location. A resale market has also emerged, with fans selling tickets they can no longer use or purchased for investment purposes.
Inside the stadium, preparations are in their final stage. Forklifts, technicians, and logistics teams are working intensively to complete the setup ahead of opening day. The goal is to ensure everything is ready to welcome thousands of fans for the first official World Cup match at the venue.
Organizers say Houston will host a total of seven matches during the 2026 World Cup, including five group-stage games and two knockout-stage matches.
With preparations nearly complete, Houston is positioning itself as one of the main hubs of the 2026 World Cup in the United States.
World Cup 2026 coverage is presented by RDA, Taco Bell, Arugas, Old Parr, Frito Lay, Que Pasa Restaurant, Cafe the Plaza, Balashi, Elmar, SVB, Fast, Setar, RIU, AIB Bank, and Banco di Caribe.
