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Houston FIFA Fan Festival will reopen on July 9 for final matches in international tournament

ByABC13 Digital Team KTRK logo
Last updated: Wednesday, July 8, 2026 1:37PM GMT
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HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- The FIFA World Cup is here, and Houstonians are expected to swarm fan events and local businesses as the soccer event seizes the summer.

H-Town hosted seven matches, but fans will have plenty more to enjoy around the Bayou City.

ABC13 has live updates to keep all Houstonians, from soccer aficionados to commuters looking to dodge traffic, informed throughout the multi-country event.

For the latest breaking news, weather, and traffic, ABC13 is now live on Disney+. Always on, always under the live tab on Disney+ and everywhere you stream.

Here's the latest local news related to the World Cup.

Here's how the FIFA World Cup is developing.
KTRK logo
Jun 11, 2026, 9:56 PM

FIFA Fan Festival Houston: What you need to know

FIFA described its fan experience as the ultimate destination for World Cup fans in Houston, and ABC13 got a first look at some of the featured experiences before it opened to the public.

The festival is located just east of downtown Houston, next to Shell Energy Stadium. It will be open every day of the World Cup and is a first-come, first-served venue where fans can watch all the matches for free.

FIFA said there are several experiences fans can partake in at the festival, and since it's taking place in the Houston heat, organizers say there will be misting zones, water stations, and shaded areas.

SEE ALSO: Questions about security ahead of FIFA World Cup in Houston

KTRK logo
Jun 11, 2026, 11:10 PM GMT

FIFA Fan Festival Houston reopens after reaching capacity during first World Cup match, FIFA says

Entry to the FIFA Fan Festival, the official watch party location for World Cup viewers in Houston, was temporarily paused due to capacity on the first day of the multi-country tournament.

FIFA World Cup Houston published the update on X as the first match of the World Cup between Mexico and South Africa kicked off on Thursday afternoon.

Officials encouraged fans to visit other locations and support local businesses to watch the match.

FIFA officials later updated that the gates reopened at 5:45 p.m. The closure lasted just over four hours, approximately the duration of the Mexico vs. South Africa match.

Colombian singer J Balvin performs before the start of the World Cup Group A soccer match between Mexico and South Africa in Mexico City, Thursday, June 11, 2026.
Colombian singer J Balvin performs before the start of the World Cup Group A soccer match between Mexico and South Africa in Mexico City, Thursday, June 11, 2026.
KTRK logo
Jun 11, 2026, 10:27 PM GMT

21 heat-related incidents reported at FIFA Fan Festival Houston, HFD says

The Houston Fire Department said that there were 21 heat-related incidents at the FIFA Fan Festival, just east of downtown Houston on Thursday.

According to HFD, two people were taken to a hospital.

Organizers of the event previously said there would be misting zones, water stations, and shaded areas for fans to catch a break from the heat.

Bob Slovak Image
ByBob Slovak KTRK logo
Jun 11, 2026, 10:23 PM GMT

Famous Dutch Orange Bus arrives in Galveston, will visit Houston and Dallas for Netherlands games

The famous Dutch Orange Bus is a beloved tradition among the Netherlands soccer fans. ABC13 got an up-close look ahead of the 2026 World Cup matches the country will play in Dallas and Houston.

The Netherlands will play World Cup games here in Houston and in Dallas. ABC13's Bob Slovak got an up-close look at the famous Dutch Orange Bus, a beloved tradition among Dutch fans.

KTRK logo
Jun 11, 2026, 8:13 PM GMT

Fans welcome Congo DR team at Bush Intercontinental Airport ahead of Wednesday's match

DR Congo's team arrived at IAH on Thursday afternoon to find fans with signs, welcoming them to the Bayou City ahead of its opening match against Portugal on June 17.

Fans cheer and chant as players of the DR Congo soccer team arrive in Houston ahead of their match for the World Cup.

FIFA officials said the FIFA World Cup 2026 Houston Host Committee will welcome the team with a celebration at the Omni Houston Hotel on Thursday as the team establishes its official base camp in Houston.

City leaders, FIFA officials, and distinguished members of Congo's consulate will be joined by fans at the event, FIFA said in a statement.

Congo fans welcomed the team with signs as it arrived at Houston's Bush Intercontinental Airport.
Congo fans welcomed the team with signs as it arrived at Houston's Bush Intercontinental Airport.

RELATED: CDC imposes Ebola travel restrictions as Houston prepares to host World Cup visitors

The upcoming match will mark Congo's first World Cup appearance in more than 50 years.

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