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Where To Eat, Play, and Stay in Houston for the 2026 World Cup
Houston will host seven matches -- and will be rocking throughout the tournament.
Houston will host seven matches of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including five group-stage games and two knockout-round fixtures, at the 72,000-seat NRG Stadium. The city is ready – it’s hosted a Super Bowl, college playoffs, and has one of America’s most tech-forward airports. Beyond the matches, Houston offers an unforgettable cultural experience with its diverse population, award-winning restaurants—including Michelin-recognized dining—dynamic arts scene, and iconic attractions like NASA’s Space Center.
If you plan to visit for a match or more, stay and play in EaDo (East of Downtown), Midtown, which is south of EaDo and closer to the stadium, or the university-adjacent Upper Kirby area. The two former neighborhoods easily connect to NRG Stadium by train, while the latter is closer for ride shares and offers a more relaxed vibe. All three have sports bars and dining to excess – here’s what to get yourself into white in the city.
What to do in EaDo during the 2026 World Cup
EaDo is the home of soccer in Houston. Shell Energy Stadium (formerly BBVA Compass Stadium), where the Houston Dynamo (MLS) and Houston Dash (NWSL) play their home games, is located here. Although the World Cup matches take place further south at NRG Stadium, this area area is packed with lively bars, restaurants, and nightlife, many of which cater to sports fans and it will be a hub of action during the tournament.
EaDo is also well-connected via the METRORail Green and Purple lines, providing easy access to other parts of the city and down to NRG Stadium. The neighborhood has undergone significant revitalization, resulting in a mix of new apartments, townhomes, and converted warehouses, attracting a young and energetic crowd
Pitch 25
This soccer-themed bar offers 100 beers on tap and is directly across from Shell Energy Stadium. Corn hole and other beer games can be played, and there’s plenty of outdoor seating.
Pitch 25: 2120 Walker St
Take a sports tour with Houston Historical Tours
Photo: Sean Pavone/Shutterstock
Houston HIstorical Tours offers a tour that covers the vast history of pro sports in Houston. You’ll visit current and former stadium sites, get the lowdown on iconic players and titles, and depending on the package you choose, gets in inside tours of ballparks and stadiums throughout the city.
Chapman & Kirby
Elevated eats and cocktails are the specialty at Chapman & Kirby, with a trendy vibe that makes it a great place to start or base a night out in EaDo.
Chapman & Kirby: 2118 Lamar St #100
Where to stay in EaDo during the 2026 World Cup
We hope you love the spaces and stays we recommend! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay.
Home with rooftop patio, dry bar, and balcony
If you’re traveling with a crew, this EaDo house is the spot to chill and pregame before heading to matches or out for the night. It sleeps eight, has plenty of room, and is walkable to everything in the neighborhood.
Townhouse with city-view rooftop patio
Rare is the spot in Houston with a better skyline view than this EaDo townhouse. The space sleeps six and is an ideal crash pad for exploring the city and taking the train down south to NRG Stadium. There’s a hot tub, to boot.
What to do in Midtown during the 2026 World Cup
Midtown sits between Downtown and the Museum District and is known for its vibrant nightlife, diverse dining options, and walkability. With three METRORail Red Line stations, Midtown offers quick access to NRG Stadium and both Downtown and EaDo, making it convenient for attending matches or joining watch parties. The area is popular with young professionals and has a lively atmosphere on game days.
Social Beer Garden
Social Beer Garden is known for hosting watch parties for major tournaments like the World Cup, Champions League, and the Euros. There are 20 indoor TVs, a large outdoor screen, drink specials, and even breakfast for early games.
Social Beer Garden: 3101 San Jacinto St
Solarium Sports Lounge
Part sports bar, part sports venue – all awesomeness. Solarium Sports Lounge is a great place to pass afternoons before heading to a match or watch party, and is certain to have matches on to watch if you’re having too much fun to leave.
Solarium Sports Lounge: 820 Holman St
Little Woodrow’s Midtown
Little Woodrow’s has locations in most trendy Houston neighborhoods, and its Midtown outpost is particularly great during major sporting events. Expect a lively crowd of locals and travelers, and spend some time on the patio.
Little Woodrow’s Midtown: 2306 Brazos St
Where to stay in Midtown during the 2026 World Cup
Midtown mod house with garage and walkability
With room for eight guests and a great patio in a quiet neighborhood, this home is ideal for a group or family getaway to the World Cup. Parking is available onsite and its a 10-minute walk to the metrorail.
Luxury Midtown condo near transit
Easily get around the city from this Midtown pad and then rest in comfort when you return. Room for eight, newly remodeled, and plenty of space to lounge.
What to do in Upper Kirby/Greenwood Plaza for the 2026 World Cup
Upper Kirby and Greenwood Plaza blend the vibrancy of a university district and urban core but drop the hecticness of neighborhoods closer to downtown. There isn’t a direct train line to NRG Stadium from the area, but bus service is available and this area is a good spot for those planning to take an Uber to the match.
Kirby Ice House
Kirby Ice House has a massive backyard, over 60 beers on tap, and plenty of TVs. The food trucks and lively atmosphere make it a go-to for group outings and game days.
Kirby Ice House: 3333 Eastside St
On The Kirb
Sports bars and pub grub aren’t often associated with healthy lifestyles and responsible sourcing. On The Kirb bucks this trend with a menu of organic food and craft beverages. Plenty of TVs, as well.
On The Kirb: 5004 Kirby Dr
Where to stay in Upper Kirby/Greenwood Plaza for the 2026 World Cup
Upper Kirby apartment with pool, gym, and work space
If you need to maintain your schedule in Houston, this is the spot at which to do it. You’ll be in a luxury apartment complex with the standard amenities, and nearby to the above social settings. NRG Stadium isn’t too far, either.
Luxury art deco house in Upper Kirby
Feel like you’re in a classic Hollywood film at this spot that’s nearby to the best of the neighborhood and has room for eight guests across four bedrooms. 
