2026 FIFA World Cup in Houston: How to Get Tickets for the Sold-Out Matches
If you missed your chance to buy tickets for the World Cup's Houston matches, fret not — there are still a few ways to get in before the action kicks off at NRG Stadium
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is heading to Houston, and the city landed seven matches — group stage through knockout rounds. Single-match tickets from the primary sale are gone, but the secondary market is very much alive. Here's the thing: Houston sits in the sweet spot price-wise. You'll pay less than Dallas, New York, or Los Angeles, but you're not getting a bargain-basement market either. Germany and Portugal each play two matches in Houston, and those fixtures will command top resale prices. Other group-stage games, like Cape Verde vs. Saudi Arabia? That's your entry point if your budget is tight. Inventory is steady across all platforms, which is good news — it means you have real options if you know where to look.
Tickets are out there. You just need to move strategically and check multiple platforms every day. Inventory and prices shift constantly as the tournament gets closer.
The Houston Matches
NRG Stadium is hosting seven World Cup matches spread across 21 days of competition. Here's the full schedule:
Group Stage
Saturday, June 14th — Germany vs. Curaçao (Group E)
StubHub · Ticketmaster
Tuesday, June 17th — Portugal vs. DR Congo (Group K)
StubHub · Ticketmaster
Friday, June 20th — Netherlands vs. Sweden (Group F)
StubHub · Ticketmaster
Monday, June 23rd — Portugal vs. Uzbekistan (Group K)
StubHub · Ticketmaster
Thursday, June 26th — Cape Verde vs. Saudi Arabia (Group H)
StubHub · Ticketmaster
Knockout Stage
Sunday, June 29th — Round of 32 (Group C Winner vs. Group F Runner-up)
StubHub · Ticketmaster
Saturday, July 4th — Round of 16
StubHub · Ticketmaster
NRG Stadium sits on the southeast side of Houston with direct access via the METRORail Purple Line — you can skip the parking headache by catching the train straight to NRG Park/Fannin South station. If you're driving, plenty of on-site parking is available. Here's the best part: the stadium has a retractable roof, so you won't bake in Houston's June heat. Get there 90 minutes before kickoff to clear security, find your seat, and grab a drink. Bring a valid ID and expect standard World Cup security protocols including bag checks.
Where Can You Still Get Tickets?
StubHub — The biggest inventory pool. StubHub's FanProtect guarantee covers you at 120% of your purchase price if anything goes wrong with your order. The interface is straightforward, and you can see real-time pricing across all seven Houston matches.
Ticketmaster Verified Resale — Ticketmaster's official resale platform carries authenticated World Cup inventory. You're buying directly from verified sellers, and Ticketmaster backs every purchase. Worth comparing prices here alongside StubHub, since listings vary between platforms.
Fans can also look for tickets via SeatGeek, where you can use promo code SEATGEEK10 to save $10 off your first order of over $150.
FIFA Resale/Exchange Marketplace — FIFA's official resale channel at FIFA.com/tickets. Transfers happen entirely within FIFA's system — zero complications, zero delivery risk.
reddit / fan communities — reddit's r/worldcup and r/HoustonDynamo host active ticket discussions and exchanges. No formal buyer protection here, though — only deal with accounts that have a solid community history, never use Venmo or Cash App, and treat suspiciously cheap listings as red flags.
What Are Tickets Going For?
Prices in Houston are reasonable compared to premium coastal markets, but they're not cheap. Germany and Portugal matches will cost more than group-stage games featuring smaller nations. Here's what you should expect on the resale market:
Upper-level seats, non-marquee matches (Cape Verde vs. Saudi Arabia): $200–$500 per ticket. This is your budget entry point to the World Cup at NRG.
Upper-level seats, premium matches (Germany, Portugal): $500–$1,300 per ticket. These are the marquee fixtures that move inventory fast.
Mid-level seats (Sections 300–400 range): $500–$1,800 per ticket depending on matchup.
Lower-bowl and premium seating: $1,200–$3,500+ per ticket. These are the closest, best views in the house.
Round of 32 knockout stage: $350–$1,200 per ticket. Prices climb as the tournament narrows.
Round of 16: $500–$2,000 per ticket.
Service fees on StubHub and Ticketmaster typically add 20–40% to the listed price. A $500 ticket becomes $600–$700 after fees. Factor that into your budget when comparing across platforms.
Should You Consider a Nearby City Instead?
Dallas is 240 miles away — about a 3.5-hour drive — and hosts nine matches, including Argentina and a semifinal. The trade-off: Dallas typically commands higher resale prices because of that premium matchup slate. Houston's secondary market has tracked lower for comparable fixtures, so do the math on tickets plus travel before pivoting. If you're flexible on which match you see and just want to attend a World Cup game, Houston might be your best play. Dallas makes sense if you're specifically chasing a big team or a late-stage knockout.
Strategic Tips for Buying
- Check StubHub and Ticketmaster Verified Resale multiple times each day. Inventory shifts constantly. New listings pop up as sellers change plans, and prices fluctuate based on demand. Setting up daily price alerts takes two minutes and pays off when a good deal appears.
- Compare prices across all seven Houston match dates before committing. The gap between a Germany ticket and a Cape Verde ticket is massive. If you're flexible on which match you attend, the June 20th, 26th, and 29th dates will be easier on your wallet.
- Set up price alerts on StubHub for specific NRG Stadium events. You can set thresholds and get notified when prices drop. This is especially useful if you're waiting for a specific matchup or seat location.
- Move quickly when you find a price that fits your budget. Good seats sell fast. Spending an extra hour comparing $50 across platforms can mean losing a solid listing entirely. If the price works and the section is acceptable, pull the trigger.
- Stick to platforms with formal buyer-guarantee programs. StubHub FanProtect, Ticketmaster Verified Resale, and FIFA's official marketplace all protect your purchase. If you're exploring reddit threads, only deal with established accounts, never pay via Venmo or Cash App, and flag anything priced too far below market rate. World Cup scams are real — don't let the excitement override basic caution.
About the Tournament
The 2026 FIFA World Cup returns to North America for the first time since 1994. For the first time ever, the tournament expands to 48 teams competing across 104 matches — 16 host cities spread across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The tournament runs from June 11th through July 19th. Houston's NRG Stadium is one of the premier venues, featuring seven matches. This is a once-in-a-generation event for North American soccer fans. Plan strategically, stay vigilant against scams, and enjoy the beautiful game.
