2026 World Cup: the NRG Stadium or the “Houston Stadium” (USA)

The Houston Stadium (Texas, USA), with a capacity of 68,777 for the 2026 World Cup, is hosting seven matches during the tournament (see schedule below), including a Round of 16 fixture on 4 July.

The venue, which opened in August 2002 at a total construction cost of $352m, is one of the 16 host stadiums selected for the 2026 men’s World Cup co-organised by the United States, Mexico and Canada.

The stadium is owned by the public body HCCSC (Harris County Sports & Convention Corporation), created by Harris County to manage and develop major local sports and event infrastructure. It is notably distinguished by its retractable roof and two giant video boards located behind the end zones.

In 2000, two years before the stadium opened, electricity company Reliant Energy acquired the naming rights under a 32-year agreement estimated at $300m. The venue was consequently named “Reliant Stadium”. Following the acquisition of Reliant Energy by NRG Energy, the stadium was renamed “NRG Stadium” in 2014. This designation cannot officially be used during FIFA World Cup competitions, as commercial…