Despite being an indoor facility, Houston Stadium may be impacted by heavy rainfall during Wednesday afternoon’s 2026 FIFA World Cup match between Portugal and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
The first storm of this year’s Atlantic hurricane season is expected to bring heavy bands of rain into southeast Texas which could affect travel to the stadium.
A flood warning has been put into effect by the National Weather Service with rainfall up to multiple inches possible for the area.
The warning lapses around the time of kickoff for the match, potentially making it tough to travel for fans.
Images in Houston already show wet conditions for the fans outside, which will not affect them once they get inside the stadium.
The worst of the rainfall is expected to remain offshore as the storm moves into Louisiana and Mississippi.
Heavy rainfall in Houston, Texas may affect fans arriving for Wednesday’s World Cup match
The game should not be affected as Houston Stadium has a retractable roof
Cristiano Ronaldo will start for Portugal against the Democratic Republic of the Congo
While fans in the stadium won’t be affected by weather, those who are attending the outdoor Fan Fest could need rain gear.
Wednesday marks the final round of the opening matches for the group stage at this year’s World Cup.
It’s the first match of the tournament for Cristiano Ronaldo in what will be his sixth World Cup appearance.
After being benched during the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Ronaldo was named in manager Roberto Martinez’s starting XI for the match against the Democratic Republic of the Congo on Wednesday.
By getting the start, he became the oldest outfield player to be named to a starting XI in World Cup history.
This is also a momentous occasion for their opponents. The DRC is making its first appearance under their current flag and name in history, after previously appearing in the 1974 World Cup as Zaire.
