Inside the FIFA Fan Festival in Houston.
Houston’s FIFA Fan Festival, a free event where soccer fans can watch World Cup matches, will be closed Monday because of expected inclement weather.
There is an 80% chance of rain in the city on Monday, according to the National Weather Service, which says rainfall totals up to 1 inch are possible. The Houston area is under a flood watch until Wednesday morning.
“Due to anticipated inclement weather conditions and the guidance of public safety officials, FIFA Fan Festival Houston will be closed on Monday, June 15,” Houston’s World Cup host committee wrote in a news release. “Ensuring the safety of fans, staff, volunteers and emergency services personnel remains top priority for the FIFA World Cup 2026 Houston Host Committee.”
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Houston hosted its first of seven World Cup matches on Sunday, when fans waiting outside NRG Stadium got caught in a pregame downpour. The stormy weather also temporarily closed the fan festival, located in Houston’s East Downtown neighborhood.
Michael Adkison/Houston Public Media
Rain poured down on thousands of fans at NRG Stadium for the 2026 FIFA World Cup on June 14, 2026.
Hot and humid weather impacted the first day of the fan festival on Thursday, when four attendees were hospitalized with heat-related illnesses and about 20 others were treated on site, according to the Houston Fire Department.
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The fan festival is scheduled to be open nearly every day during the World Cup, which spans until July 19.