luck of the draw

Registration is now open for tickets to Houston's World Cup matches

Fans have the opportunity to register for tickets to individual World Cup matches.

Courtesy photo

The next step in the preparations for Houston hosting World Cup matches next summer is taking place right now. Soccer fans have the opportunity to register for the opportunity to buy tickets for the seven matches scheduled for Houston’s NRG Stadium (or Houston Stadium in World Cup parlance). They are:

June 14: Germany vs. Curaçao
June 17: Portugal vs. Congo, Jamaica or New Caledonia
June 20: Netherlands vs. Ukraine, Sweden, Poland or Albania
June 23: Portugal vs. Uzbekistan
June 26: Cape Verde vs. Saudi Arabia
June 29: Group C winner vs. Group F runner-up
July 4: Winner of Group A runner-up vs. Group B runner-up against winner of Group F winner vs. Group C runner-up

For the opportunity to buy tickets, enter the Random Selection Draw via the FIFA website. Registration is open now through 10 am on Tuesday, January 13. Simply select the matches taking place at Houston Stadium.

Prices vary by match, with the least expensive tickets starting at $140 for Cape Verde vs Saudi Arabia. Tickets to see Portugal, led by superstar Cristiano Ronaldo, start at $265 and top out at $700.

When the draw has taken place, fans will be notified whether or not they have been selected. If successful, their credit cards will automatically be charged in February.

For those seeking more certainty — and willing to pay higher prices — FIFA’s official resale/exchange market will go live at 10 am on Monday, December 15 via FIFA.com/tickets.

Hospitality packages and other VIP opportunities are also available via FIFA.com/hospitality.

world cup

it's about time

Astros and Rockets finally launch streaming service for Houston sports fans

Houston Astros/Facebook

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Houston sports fans finally have a way to watch their favorite teams without a cable or satellite subscription. Launched Wednesday, December 3, the Space City Home Network’s SCHN+ service allows consumers to watch the Houston Astros and Houston Rockets via iOS, Apple TV, Android, Amazon Fire TV, or web browser.

Available at SCHNPLUS.com, a subscription to SCHN+ allows sports fans to watch all Astros and Rockets games as well as behind-the-scenes features and other on-demand content. It’s priced at $19.99 per month or $199.99 annually (plus tax). People who watch Space City Network Network via their existing cable or satellite service will be able to access SCHN+ at no additional charge.

As the Houston Chronicle notes, the Astros and Rockets were the only MLB and NBA teams not to offer a direct-to-consumer streaming option.

“We’re thrilled to offer another great option to ensure fans have access to watch games, and the SCHN+ streaming app makes it easier than ever to cheer on the Rockets,” Rockets alternate governor Patrick Fertitta said in a statement. “Providing fans with a convenient way to watch their favorite teams, along with our network’s award-winning programming, was an essential addition. This season feels special, and we’re committed to exploring new ways to elevate our broadcasts for Rockets fans to enjoy.”

Astros owner Jim Crane echoed Feritta’s comments, adding, “Providing fans options on how they view our games is important as we continue to grow the game – we want to make it accessible to as large an audience as possible. We are looking forward to the 2026 season and more Astros fans watching our players compete for another championship.”

SCHN+ is available to customers in Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, Oklahoma and the following counties in New Mexico: Dona Ana, Eddy, Lea, Chaves, Roosevelt, Curry, Quay, Union and Debaca. Fans outside these areas will need to subscribe to the NBA and MLB out-of-market services.

The announcement couldn’t have come at a better time. Spurred by its offseason signing of superstar Kevin Durant and second-year guard Reed Sheppard, the Rockets are off to a strong, 13-5 start to the season that’s has them currently ranked third in the Western Conference.

The Astros are looking to bounce back after missing the playoffs in 2025. The experts at the Stone Cold Stros podcast predict the team will looking to add pitching to bolster its prospects for 2026.

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