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FIFA fever takes over Houston as first matches take place in Mexico: Live updates

ByABC13 Digital Team KTRK logo
Last updated: Thursday, June 11, 2026 10:03PM GMT
FIFA Fan Fest: A look at Houston's biggest World Cup watch party

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 is hosting seven matches, but fans will have plenty of other things to enjoy in 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.

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Here's local news related to the World Cup.

Here's how the FIFA World Cup is developing.
KTRK logo
Jun 11, 2026, 9:54 PM

What FIFA World Cup matches will take place in Houston?

H-Town will host seven of the World Cup games. Five of them will take place during the group stage, one of them during the round of 32, and the last during the round of 16. See below for the matches.

  • June 13 - Germany vs. Curacao
  • June 17 - Portugal vs. Congo
  • June 20 - Netherlands vs. Sweden
  • June 23 - Portugal vs. Uzbekistan
  • June 26 - Cape Verde vs. Saudi Arabia

  • June 29 - TBD (round of 32)
  • July 4 - TBD (round of 16)

All the matches will be held at Houston Stadium.

Visit FIFA's website for more information.

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
1 hour and 21 minutes ago

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

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.

KTRK logo
2 hours and 16 minutes ago

FIFA Fan Festival Houston reaches capacity as first World Cup match starts in Mexico, 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 said that the festival's gates would reopen as space became available.

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.
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