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2026 World Cup updates: Houston Fifa Fan Festival closed early Friday due to weather conditions

ByABC13 Digital Team KTRK logo
Last updated: Friday, July 10, 2026 8:27PM 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 20, 2026, 3:41 PM GMT

Oranje Fan Walk sees Netherlands fans march to Houston Stadium ahead of World Cup match

Netherlands fans took part in the Oranje Fan Walk on Saturday morning ahead of the team's match in Houston later that afternoon.

The march, which included the famous Orange Dutch bus, started at about 8:45 a.m. from Rice Stadium and headed towards Houston Stadium.

Sweden fans are also marched towards the stadium, starting at Helix Park in the Medical Center.

The World Cup match between the Netherlands and Sweden is set to start at 12 p.m. on Saturday.

Netherlands fans gather in Houston, all dressed in orange, for the Oranje Fan Walk ahead of the team's World Cup match.
Netherlands fans gather in Houston, all dressed in orange, for the Oranje Fan Walk ahead of the team's World Cup match.
Elissa Rivas Image
ByElissa Rivas KTRK logo
Jun 19, 2026, 8:35 PM GMT

Oranje Fan Walk expected to generate traffic on Saturday near Rice University

Dutch fans plan to walk from Rice's campus all the way down to Houston Stadium the morning of the World Cup game between the Netherlands and Sweden.
Jun 19, 2026, 11:44 PM GMT

Fan Festival Houston closed during Scotland v. Morocco match due to inclement weather, FIFA says

As weather conditions remained volatile on Friday, fans at FIFA's Fan Fest Houston were forced to leave during the Scotland v. Morocco match.

While a severe thunderstorm warning was issued for northeastern Harris County, Montgomery, and Liberty Counties, the festival in East Downtown was still shut down as weather conditions worsened.

Officials urged fans to watch from other venues, including nearby small businesses, adding that gates will reopen as weather permits.

Friday's closure was the fifth time FIFA has closed the event due to weather.

Stay weather aware with ABC13.com.

KTRK logo
Jun 19, 2026, 9:08 PM GMT

US punches ticket to World Cup knockout round after 2-0 win over Australia

The United States has punched its ticket to the knockout round of the 2026 World Cup after beating Australia 2-0 in front of a raucous crowd in Seattle on Friday.

United States' Alex Freeman (16) celebrates after scoring his side's second goal during the World Cup Group D soccer match in Seattle, Friday, June 19, 2026.
United States' Alex Freeman (16) celebrates after scoring his side's second goal during the World Cup Group D soccer match in Seattle, Friday, June 19, 2026.
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