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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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.
All the matches will be held at Houston Stadium.
Visit FIFA's website for more information.
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.
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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.
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.
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.
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The upcoming match will mark Congo's first World Cup appearance in more than 50 years.
