Every four years, the drama of the FIFA World Cup begins long before a ball is ever kicked. I remember sitting with anticipation, millions of us watching, as the official World Cup Draw unraveled.
Every ball revealed can change the fate of teams and ignite wild celebrations or tense silence around the globe.
To me, few sporting moments rival the emotions of those drawn matchups. Every number called is an invitation for hope, revenge, or simply the promise of football at its highest level. In 2026, this swirling excitement finds a vivid home in Texas, where both Dallas and Houston are front and center for one of the world’s biggest sporting events. I get goosebumps just thinking about it—and I’m not alone.
The magic of the draw: Texas gets its World Cup spotlight
When the draw for the World Cup groups was made, it became clear: Texas is not just a bystander, it’s a key stage. Dallas and Houston will each host matches that guarantee intense storylines. I saw the list of teams set for Texas and instantly felt the magnitude of what’s coming—not just for soccer fans, but for the whole state.
Let’s get down to the facts, because these are the matches many have already marked on their calendars. Here’s who’s playing where in Texas:
- Dallas:
- Netherlands
- Japan
- England
- Croatia
- Argentina
- Austria
- Ukraine, Sweden, Poland, or Albania (one will qualify)
- Jordan
- Houston:
- Germany
- Curacao
- Portugal
- Dominican Republic, Jamaica, or New Caledonia (one will qualify)
- Uzbekistan
- Cabo Verde
- Saudi Arabia
- Netherlands (later match)
- Ukraine, Sweden, Poland, or Albania (one will qualify)
Each ball drawn in December 2023 chained these matchups to the cities. Now, Dallas and Houston are primed to deliver football and drama, side by side.
Dallas match days: What awaits in Arlington
I want to provide a crystal clear schedule for Dallas because fans—like myself—know timing is everything when it comes to the World Cup. Matches in Dallas take place at AT&T Stadium, Arlington, the iconic venue usually roaring for football and concerts. For one month, the roars will be for teams from Europe, Asia, South America, and beyond.
- June 14: Netherlands vs Japan
- June 17: England vs Croatia
- June 22: Argentina vs Austria
- June 25: Japan vs Ukraine, Sweden, Poland, or Albania (qualification still pending)
- June 27: Jordan vs Argentina
- June 30: Round of 32 (match-ups dependent on group results)
- July 3: Second Round of 32 match
- July 6: Round of 16
- July 14: Semi-final
Some matches still depend on who qualifies—the thrill of knockout football means you might be watching champions in the making. If you’ve ever dreamed of attending football on the grandest stage, Dallas holds the ticket for some of the event’s most consequential games, including a semi-final that will likely be watched by the world.
I find that World Cup match days often become community moments, as cities transform parks, patios, and even backyards into fan zones. Urban Oasis has worked with many outdoor spaces like these, and you can see great examples of sports-related projects in our sports field concepts.
Houston: World Cup days at NRG Stadium
I still remember the first time I entered NRG Stadium in Houston. It’s massive, energetic, and for the 2026 World Cup, it’s the stage for many big group matches and later a knockout game. If you’re planning your World Cup journey and find yourself favoring Houston, here’s what to expect:
- June 14: Germany vs Curacao
- June 17: Portugal vs Dominican Republic, Jamaica, or New Caledonia
- June 20: Netherlands vs Ukraine, Sweden, Poland, or Albania
- June 23: Portugal vs Uzbekistan
- June 26: Cabo Verde vs Saudi Arabia
- June 29: Round of 32
- July 4: Round of 16
What grips me about this lineup is the involvement of European powerhouses (Germany, Portugal, Netherlands) but also the diversity—fans from Curacao, Saudi Arabia, and newcomer Uzbekistan will fill the stands. The global flavor at Houston World Cup matches is real, and it’s a feeling you have to experience up close.
How ticket buying works for the 2026 FIFA World Cup
With all this excitement, the big question for most fans is: Can I get tickets? Now, nearly two million tickets have already been sold as reported by FIFA and the Associated Press, but don’t panic—the process is structured, and there’s still hope.
Right now, the FIFA ticket sales platform is paused as it prepares for the next ticket phase. If you want to catch a match, here’s what you should know:
- First two rounds closed: The Visa Presale and Early Ticket draws wrapped up in November 2023.
- Random Selection Draw: This is the next major phase, opening December 11 and closing January 13. Fans can register to apply for tickets to specific matches.
- Registration: You need a FIFA ID, created from the ticket website, beginning December 11.
- Notification: In February, FIFA will reach out to inform you if you received tickets for your selected matches.
- Last-minute sales: After the Random Selection Draw, any unsold tickets will become available in the spring’s last-minute phase. However, FIFA has not revealed which matches or how many tickets will be included.
I found it helpful to track ticket phases so I knew exactly when to jump in. Many fans will be hoping for second chances in the final sales—just expect stiff competition.
These applications are not first-come, first-served. Everyone applying within the window is in the draw together.
Understanding World Cup ticket prices
World Cup ticket pricing is asked about almost as often as who is likely to win. For 2026, FIFA stated publicly that ticket prices will start at $60, and go up to $6,730 for select premium seating as noted by press coverage. That range makes this the most expensive World Cup in history on paper.
If you remember the last time the United States hosted in 1994, ticket prices for group stage games started at $25—and the most expensive seat at the final was $475. This year is a step up in every sense, but the atmosphere and spectacle are unlike anything else in American sports.
Prices are dynamic, and FIFA has not shared a detailed official list as it did in the past. Instead, fans must select matches then see the price options. Early reports say that what seats are left, especially for knockout rounds, are at the upper end.
Keep in mind, for high-demand games like the Dallas semi-final, parking passes alone have been listed for up to $175. I think that puts into perspective just how intense the demand is for premium matchups in Texas.
If you are looking for alternatives to host your own vibrant viewing parties or upgrade your backyard for the tournament, there are creative solutions. Urban Oasis has helped clients rethink their patios and outdoor living spaces, inspired by major sports events, a story I’ve detailed in several places, including my preferred outdoor living blog.
What to expect on match days in Dallas and Houston
From my experience attending other large events, planning ahead is everything. Crowds for World Cup match days in Texas will be overwhelming at times, but they buzz with anticipation and friendly, even if sometimes tense, competition.
Expect gates to open several hours ahead of the first whistle, with fan plazas, music, and food options inspired by the teams playing that day. The group matches will have plenty of families and first-timers, while the knockout rounds tend to attract die-hard supporters and visitors from overseas who travel just for this.
Bags and security procedures follow strict guidelines. Only clear bags are allowed, and entry lines can be long—patience is a must.
In Dallas, the surrounding Arlington area lights up with activity, making nearby parks and patios popular for pre- and post-game celebrations. In Houston, neighborhoods around the stadium often organize their own festivals or community watch parties, making it feel like a giant block party that lasts for weeks.
If the stadium or match you want is sold out, many find equal joy building custom experiences at home. Urban Oasis clients have turned gardens, terraces, and pools into mini fan parks for all ages already. For more ideas, see the landscaping inspirations I often revisit and recommend.
Breaking down the Texas stadiums
For sports enthusiasts, the venues are a draw of their own. Let me walk you through the Texas stadiums hosting key matches, their capacities, and what makes them unique during a World Cup:
- AT&T Stadium (Arlington/Dallas): Seats over 80,000 for football, features a retractable roof and massive video boards. It’s expected to stretch capacity for FIFA events. It’s worth noting it will also host the semi-final, one of the most watched matches globally.
- NRG Stadium (Houston): Roughly 72,000 seats, with a retractable roof, and a history of giant events—including Super Bowls and international friendlies. Proximity to bustling neighborhoods makes it perfect for lively fan gatherings.
Both venues are surrounded by hospitality options, parks, and public zones expected to be bustling during tournament time.
For those with an eye toward comfort, hospitality seats and bespoke boxes are significant investments. Based on the current price list, luxury seating for knockout matches is in the top price bracket—well into the thousands.
How to get tickets: My experience and tips
Based on what I’ve learned in the past, getting tickets takes some preparation but is far from impossible. Here’s how I approach it each cycle:
- Track the application dates carefully. The longer you wait, the fewer options you’ll have, especially for popular matches.
- Create your FIFA ID profile before the application window. It saves time, and I saw last time that last-minute signups can slow down or even block your entry as traffic spikes.
- Apply for your real priority matches. You can indicate secondary choices, but the system prioritizes your first picks.
- Be open to group-stage tickets for a better chance. Finals and knockout rounds are tough to get, but even group matches are memorable, especially in a football-hungry region like Texas.
- Look for last-minute sales. I’ve witnessed “lost hope” turn into surprise success for friends who checked back in spring and got great seats after unsold tickets were released.
What I tell everyone:
Don’t give up until the last ticket is gone. Surprises happen, and being persistent pays off.
And if you want to craft your own World Cup atmosphere, remember that Urban Oasis specializes in converting outdoor spaces for both small and large sports gatherings. If you’re curious how your backyard can be a fan’s dream during the World Cup and beyond, give us a shout using the contact form below.
Comparing World Cup matches with an outdoor experience
Whenever I attend a sports event, I’m struck by how much energy comes from the community—fans, friends, and families together. That spirit is why, even as stadiums fill up, thousands of fans create outdoor watch parties at home, parks, or patios.
Some of the best World Cup memories I’ve gathered were not in a stadium seat but in a transformed backyard, complete with fire pits, deck seating, and a giant outdoor screen. If you want ideas for creating these moments, browse through my collection of project inspirations at Urban Oasis.
If you’re planning your space for the World Cup or want to upgrade any outdoor area, inspiration is key. A well-designed patio or yard can match the excitement of any fan zone and be ready for use long after the final whistle of the tournament.
Sources for the 2026 World Cup in Texas
For all the facts, numbers, and updates shared here, I drew directly from announcements and briefings from FIFA, plus press digests from the Associated Press and Fox TV stations. For the ticketing process, I referenced FIFA’s public ticket sales communications, which clarify both pricing and procedure changes for this year’s event.
For a deeper review of ticket sale statistics, projections, and seat capacity, review the numbers compiled in Associated Press coverage of World Cup ticket sales.
If you feel inspired, or just want to bring some of the excitement to your very own home, I encourage you to get creative about where you’ll enjoy the matches.
Conclusion: Texas and the World Cup—Where stories begin
As the countdown to June 2026 shortens, I can feel the anticipation growing. Texas is set to be a nexus for the world’s football nations, with Dallas and Houston welcoming fans from every corner of the globe. Whether you find yourself inside the stadium or hosting your own outdoor viewing party with friends and family, these moments are history in the making.
If you’re still hunting for tickets, the Random Selection Draw is your next move. Mark your calendar for December 11, create your FIFA ID, and apply for the matches you want most—especially those in Dallas and Houston. If you’re drawn more to bringing the energy home, start now and transform your outdoor space for a month of sports, fun, and fellowship. For personalized advice or to start your project, I invite you to get in touch with Urban Oasis and let’s make your match day truly extraordinary.
Frequently asked questions
How can I buy World Cup tickets?
The current FIFA World Cup ticket sales phase is paused until December 11, when the Random Selection Draw will open for applications. Fans must register for a FIFA ID account on the official FIFA ticket portal between December 11 and January 13, select the matches they want, and submit their application. In February, FIFA will contact applicants to confirm which tickets, if any, they have secured. A last ticket sales window will follow in the spring, with details on match availability to be announced. For verified updates, always check FIFA’s platform and refer to updates made available by official sources.
Which matches are in Dallas and Houston?
Dallas will see matches including Netherlands vs Japan (June 14), England vs Croatia (June 17), Argentina vs Austria (June 22), Japan vs a yet-to-be-decided UEFA qualifier (June 25), Jordan vs Argentina (June 27), two Round of 32 matches (June 30, July 3), a Round of 16 (July 6), and a semi-final (July 14). Houston matches are Germany vs Curacao (June 14), Portugal vs a CONCACAF/OFK qualifier (June 17), Netherlands vs a UEFA qualifier (June 20), Portugal vs Uzbekistan (June 23), Cabo Verde vs Saudi Arabia (June 26), a Round of 32 (June 29), and a Round of 16 (July 4).
What stadiums will host games in Texas?
AT&T Stadium in Arlington (Dallas) and NRG Stadium in Houston are the two Texas venues for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Both are large-capacity stadiums (approximately 80,000 and 72,000 seats respectively) and offer modern amenities, retractable roofs, and a long history of major international sporting events.
How much do tickets in Texas cost?
According to FIFA’s official communications, World Cup ticket prices for 2026 start at $60 for group games and can reach $6,730 for premium packages, such as for semifinals. Parking passes for high-demand matches, like the semi-final in Dallas, can top $175. Prices are dynamic and may shift as the tournament approaches; a full ticket price list has not been made public for all categories.
Where to find the best seats?
The best seats are generally found through direct purchase via the official FIFA ticket platform during the Random Selection Draw process. Hospitality packages, which include luxury seating and added amenities, are available for premium prices but may sell out quickly. To increase your odds, apply early in the designated windows and consider group-stage matches, which often have higher availability. Always avoid unofficial resale avenues to guarantee valid entry and the seat you pay for.