NRG Stadium – tournament stadium description

What will NRG Stadium be called during the 2026 World Cup?

NRG Stadium will be called Houston Stadium during the 2026 World Cup. This name change is in line with FIFA's practices, which require the use of neutral stadium names during international tournaments. The aim of these regulations is to avoid conflicts with official tournament sponsors and to ensure that the names of sports venues do not promote specific commercial brands unrelated to the event. The name Houston Stadium refers to the location of the stadium, in Houston, Texas.

What changes will need to take place at NRG Stadium before the 2026 World Cup?

Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara will undergo significant upgrades ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. One of the key changes was to replace the existing artificial turf surface with natural turf. In addition, NRG Stadium is also planning to upgrade other infrastructure, such as lighting systems and the installation of special drainage systems, to ensure that the turf is in the best possible condition throughout the football season.

Prior to the start of the World Cup, all stadiums will have to undergo tests to demonstrate whether they meet FIFA's detailed requirements for such a major event. Changes made to the venues as a result may include upgrades to the pitch surface, seating improvements, accessibility improvements and updates to stadium technology and security systems to ensure the arenas meet FIFA's international standards.

How will NRG Stadium be used for the 2026 World Cup?

NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas, will host seven matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with five group stage matches scheduled for June 14,17, 20, 23 and 26, one round of 32 match scheduled for June 29, and one round of 16 match scheduled for July 4.

What hours will the 2026 World Cup games at NRG Stadium be broadcast?

The 2026 World Cup matches at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta are likely to be played at 12:00, 15:00, 18:00 and 21:00 local time (Central Time). Converting these times to UK time (BST), the matches will be available for viewing at 18:00 and 21:00 and 00:00 and 03:00 the following day, respectively. In Australia (AEST), they will be available for viewing at 03:00, 06:00, 09:00 and 12:00 the following day. So fans in the UK will be able to watch the matches in the evening, and at night the following day. Fans in Australia will watch the matches at night, in the morning and early afternoon the following day.

Where is NRG Stadium, the stadium for the 2026 World Cup, located?

NRG Stadium is located in Houston, Texas, which is one of the largest cities in the United States in terms of population and area. Houston is located on the south-east coast of Texas, on the Gulf of Mexico, making it an important seaport and economic centre of the Gulf region. The city is known for its multiculturalism, which is reflected in its diverse ethnic, cultural and culinary experiences. Houston is also the centre of the oil and energy industry, which contributes to its vibrant economic development.

What are the characteristics of NRG Stadium, the 2026 World Cup stadium?

Houston's retractable-roof stadium was designed in 1997; no NFL league venue at the time had this feature. Not surprisingly, the idea of placing movable segments on the two 206-metre trusses along the pitch was groundbreaking. On a day-to-day basis, the canopy would rest over the stands behind the goals, and slide over the pitch in seven minutes when needed. NRG Stadium, named after sponsor NRG Energy, opened in 2002 and has since hosted numerous sporting events, including American football matches, concerts, festivals and other mass events. It is a multi-purpose stadium with a capacity of approximately 72,000 spectators and serves as home to the Houston Texans of the NFL and the Houston Dynamo of the MLS. In 2013, two large screens were installed in the stadium behind the goals. With an area of almost 1,352 m2, they have become the largest screens of their kind in stadiums worldwide.

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