Houston’s World Cup Picture Comes Into Focus After 2026 Draw
(image via IMAGO/Nico Herbertz)
The 2026 FIFA World Cup draw is done and dusted and the teams are placed in the 12 groups for next summer’s tournament. For Houston, that draw comes with excitement. While the final match schedule will be released tomorrow, today’s draw gives a strong indication of which nations could be taking the field at NRG Stadium next summer.
Houston is slated to host one group-stage match from Groups E, F, and H, and two matches from Group K. With the draw completed, that means the following national teams are now firmly on the city’s radar:
GROUP E
Germany, Curaçao, Côte d’Ivoire, Ecuador
One of the tournament’s most intriguing mixes: a global powerhouse, two dynamic African and Caribbean sides, and a motivated Ecuador team with a passionate fanbase likely to make Houston feel like home. Germany’s potential appearance alone would make this one of the city’s most anticipated matchups of the entire tournament.
Potential match at NRG Stadium:
Germany vs Curaçao
or
Côte d’Ivoire vs Ecuador
GROUP F
Netherlands, Japan, UEFA Playoff B Winner (Ukraine, Sweden, Poland, or Albania), Tunisia
This group is loaded with stylistic diversity — the Netherlands’ possession-based elegance, Japan’s high-tempo pressing, Tunisia’s structure, and a wildcard playoff entrant. If the Netherlands or Japan land in Houston, expect some of the largest traveling fan contingents of the tournament.
Potential match at NRG Stadium:
Netherlands vs UEFA Playoff Winner
or
Tunisia vs Japan
GROUP H
Spain, Cabo Verde, Saudi Arabia, Uruguay
Spain and Uruguay both bring World Cup pedigree and international star power. Saudi Arabia’s strong ties within Houston’s soccer community make them a natural fit for major turnout, while Cabo Verde’s first-ever World Cup appearance could become one of the tournament’s feel-good stories.
Potential match at NRG Stadium:
Uruguay vs Spain
or
Cabo Verde vs Saudi Arabia
GROUP K
Portugal, Inter-Confederation Playoff 1 Winner (New Caledonia, Jamaica, or DR Congo), Uzbekistan, Colombia
Houston is guaranteed two matches from this group, meaning the city has a strong chance of welcoming Portugal — and with it, possibly Cristiano Ronaldo in what may be his final World Cup. Colombia, a longtime fan favorite in Houston, would bring one of the loudest, most vibrant atmospheres of the summer. Uzbekistan’s debut on the global stage adds another layer of intrigue.
Potential matches at NRG Stadium:
Portugal vs Playoff Winner
or
Uzbekistan vs Colombia
AND
Portugal vs Uzbekistan
or
Colombia vs Playoff Winner
Knockout Stage
Houston will also host two matches in the knockout stage, one in the Round of 32 and one in the Round of 16.
The Round of 32 match will pit the Winner of Group C (Brazil, Morocco, Scotland, Haiti) against the Runner Up of Group F.
The Round of 16 match at NRG Stadium will have the Winner of the Round of 32 match between the Group A Runner Up (Mexico, South Africa, South Korea, UEFA Playoff Winner) against the winner of the Round of 32 Match featuring the winner of Group F and the Runner Up of Group C.
Why Houston Fans Should Be Excited
This draw sets the stage for one of the most diverse, star-studded, and culturally rich lineups the city has ever hosted. Houston’s international identity is perfectly aligned with the nations represented across these groups — from Spain to Japan, Colombia to Côte d’Ivoire, Germany to Saudi Arabia.
More importantly, these matchups offer real competitive balance. Every group listed has at least one global powerhouse, one emerging challenger, and one team capable of shocking the world — the exact formula that has made previous World Cups unforgettable.
What Happens Next
FIFA will release the official match schedule tomorrow, at which point Houston will learn:
Which nations will play at NRG Stadium
Exact dates and times for each fixture
But for now, the draw alone gives Houston fans plenty to dream about. The world is coming in 2026 — and after today’s results, the list of who’s likely arriving just became a lot clearer.
