The Houston region will be a big winner when the World Cup tournament arrives in North America in 2026.

Houston will host a total of seven matches in the 48-team tournament happening in June of that year. NRG Stadium will play host to five group stage matches on June 14, 17, 20, 23 and 26. Houston will again be in the spotlight for a Round of 32 match on June 29 and a Round of 16 match on July 4.

FIFA has expanded the field of teams from 32 to 48 nations and increased matches from 64 to 104. Following the 2022 World Cup in Quatar, the 2026 tournament will be co-hosted by the U.S., Mexico and Canada with a total of 16 host cities across the three countries.

The 2026 World Cup tournament opens on June 11 in Mexico City and the final will be played at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., on July 19.

Dallas will host nine matches, which means Texas as a whole will host 16 games—a big win for the Lone Star State.

Houston Mayor John Whitmire said in a statement he was “thrilled” with the number of games that will be played in the city. “Hosting such a prestigious event will provide an incredible opportunity for our city to showcase its culture, hospitality and infrastructure on a global stage,” Mayor Whitmire said. “We are committed to working closely with FIFA to ensure that all preparations are in place to welcome the world and provide an unforgettable experience for players, fans and visitors."

Written by A.J. Mistretta