• Houston: Like most World Cup stadiums, work needs to be done to get NRG Stadium (opened in 2002) ready for the 2026 tournament. Funding has just been approved by the Harris County Sports and Convention Corporation to buy 4,750 new seat backs and bottoms to replace decaying seats. Another issue, common at many venues, is seats will have to be removed in the corners to provide space to fit FIFA regulations. Finally, a new grass surface will have to be installed, but that will have to wait until after the annual Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo in March 2026. Total cost of the modifications is estimated at $15 million. Seven 2026 World Cup games will be played at the domed NRG Stadium, including a round of 16 game on July 4. (It will also host this summer’s Gold Cup final.)
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