As the FIFA World Cup enters the quarterfinal stage, fans everywhere are rallying behind their favorite teams, making predictions, and gathering to watch every dramatic goal, save, and stoppage-time heroics. 

For North American soccer fans, the 2026 FIFA World Cup has carried an extra layer of excitement as the tournament unfolds across the United States, Canada, and Mexico for the first time in more than three decades. Texas has found itself squarely in the spotlight, with Houston and the Dallas-Fort Worth region serving as host cities and welcoming fans from around the globe to experience the state’s signature blend of hospitality, food, culture, and larger-than-life celebrations.

While the tournament will soon crown a champion, the excitement surrounding the host cities doesn’t have to end with the final whistle. One of the best-kept travel secrets is visiting World Cup destinations after the crowds have gone home. The stadium buzz may fade, but the restaurants, hotels, sports bars, and local attractions that embraced the tournament remain—often with shorter lines, easier reservations, and a more relaxed atmosphere. Whether you’re cheering for your team from Texas or planning a future getaway, Houston, Fort Worth, and Dallas offer plenty of reasons to keep the FIFA spirit alive long after the trophy is lifted.

HOUSTON

Where to Play: The Ranch Presents Pitch Live

As Houston hosts the FIFA World Cup 2026™, local restaurateur and hospitality mastermind Ben Berg partners with nightlife producer Army Sadeghi and soccer legend Brian Ching of the Houston Dynamo to orchestrate a 39-day multi venue experience in East Downtown, The Ranch Presents Pitch Live. Open daily at 10 a.m. through July 19, the Texas-sized experience unites Houston’s signature hospitality with the energy of the largest global sporting event, creating a central hub for visitors and locals alike to experience dining, nightlife, art by Houston artist Laura Goodson, and soccer culture under one roof. Fans are treated to three distinct ways to experience the international phenomena, from an open-to-the-public grand main stage and a secondary ticketed space with elevated culinary offerings to separate private VIP lounge with premium design and exclusive service. With a massive outdoor display and plenty of TV screens glowing with global games throughout the venue, fans will never miss a moment. And with a state-of-the-art bone-shaking sound system, you’ll literally feel the noise pulsating with matchday excitement in your body.

Where to stay: The Thompson Houston

Set beside Buffalo Bayou Park, where winding trails and sprawling green radiate with life, and conveniently close to from Houston’s high-octane stadium district, the Thompson Houston has created a luxurious stylish and spacious retreat for fans to rest and recharge. Throughout June and July, fans will not only enjoy watching every game from the hotel’s upscale lounge with specialty cocktails and curated bites but have front row access to Buffalo Bayou’s Freedom Over Texas July 4th celebration.

Smoke and Mirrors cocktail at HiFi at The Finn. Video Martin Ramirez.

And as the daily FIFA festivities conclude, head on over to HiFi at The Finn, just minutes away, where cool-retro vinyl vibes collide with modern mixology to create an easy-listening, moody aura in a 1920s building.

FORT WORTH

Where to Stay: Bowie House, Auberge Collection

Visitors in DFW for any of the games hosted at AT&T Stadium will find a certain western luxury that defines Texas’s modern hospitality at Bowie House, Auberge Collection. From June 14 to July 14, The Bar, or the “Living Room of Fort Worth,” features Match Day menus, a bespoke assortment of country-inspired cocktails and bites influenced by the teams playing locally at AT&T Stadium.

Where to Play (and Eat): Birrieria Chalio

Fort Worth’s prolific cuisines, Texas BBQ and Mex-Tex, are sizzling at Birrieria Chalio, bringing enough heat to match the FIFA magic. International visitors and Texas enthusiasts will adore Birrieria Chalio’s menu which features delectable entrees of BBQ lamb and goat, slowly roasted for 8 to 10 hours to create uniquely unctuous and smoky flavors. Balance it with a playful Soft Serve Margarita, a frozen cocktail that combines creamy soft serve, tequila, chamoy, Tajín, and fresh fruit, adding a tangy and refreshing finish to cool off those intense rivalry games.

DALLAS

Where to Stay and Play: Hotel ZaZa Dallas Uptown

Make waves with poolside cocktails and cabana bottle service this summer season at Hotel ZaZa Dallas Uptown. Open to the public at 6 p.m. during tournaments, fans, locals, and visitors can refresh at the hotel’s marquee, resort style pool while immersed in the aura of the international sporting event of the decade. Complete with continuous Fox Sports coverage and exclusive private cabanas, this urban oasis retreat beckons fans from all teams to unite for a relaxing, sun-soaked evening paired with a little matchday madness.

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Cover photo Wendi Baird