FUTBOL FEVER: NAVIGATING THE MATCHES AND MADNESS
Cities across our beloved Texas are preparing to host the single largest sporting event in the world. The FIFA World Cup is headed to Texas this spring, with matches planned in Houston and Arlington, just outside of Dallas. As Texans, we’re no strangers to hosting major events and all the fanfare that comes with them. But this is not your average football frenzy. It’s futbol on a global scale.
Personally, we can’t think of a better place than Texas to host the games, because Texas has some darn authentic global roots. The Lone Star State has long been influenced by culture and flavors far beyond its borders. So when all those soccer fans arrive, we’re going to greet them with our signature hospitality and make them feel right at home. After all, we’ve got the best of the globe right here: cuisine, bustling metropolitan cities, rustic countrysides, and a few cities that are global namesakes.
Whether you’re traversing an ocean to be here for the big event, or you’re a local looking forward to repping your team, we’ve got the insider’s guide to experiencing all the action. On the other end of the spectrum, we’re also sharing how to score a Europe-meets-Texas escape (without the passport) if you’re feeling inspired by all the global guests.
If you’re heading to matches in Houston, our insider’s tip is to book your stay in Pearland. It’s the easygoing city that’s a straight shot up Highway 288 to NRG Stadium, where all the action is going down. You’ll experience gameday convenience without the downtown chaos. Think spacious hotels, easy parking, and a dining lineup that quietly rivals much larger cities. Pearland’s International Cuisine Trail reads like a global itinerary: Italian kitchens, Indian spice, ramen bars, and Texas bbq royalty. Not to mention Pearland is home to the only temple of its kind outside of India, the Sri Meenakshi temple, and museum-worthy public art. It’s truly an ideal home base for fans who want to soak up all the World Cup energy with an exit plan to a more laidback retreat.
See more Editor’s Recommendations in Pearland >> PEARLAND CITY GUIDE
PEARLAND: NEAR THE MATCHES, AWAY FROM THE MADNESS
For those heading to the matches in Arlington, just outside of Dallas, our pro tip is to bypass the crowds and traffic snarls and make a beeline for Plano. Here, sports fans will discover convenience coupled with a distinctly cosmopolitan vibe. Upscale shopping and entertainment district Legacy West boasts European fashion house names (think Gucci and Louis Vuitton) and a globally inspired food hall, while historic Downtown Plano channels old world charm with bookstores and cafés. There’s even an outdoor adventure, Go Ape, that’s a local dupe for the canopies of Costa Rica. All of these destinations make Plano feel worldly without ever feeling try-hard. It’s a refined home base for fans who want their futbol paired with a good glass of wine and a little breathing room.
See more Editor’s Recommendations in Plano >> PLANO CITY GUIDE
PLANO: NEAR THE MATCHES, AWAY FROM THE MADNESS
EURO-INSPIRED ESCAPES
For locals looking to escape the futbol fever, we recommend taking a eurotrip, Texas-style. Yes, you can “travel the world” without ever leaving the Lone Star State.
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This small town doesn’t just hint at it’s French counterpart, it goes all in. Whole hog. From its must-see Eiffel tower topped with (what else?) a cowboy hat, to its French-inspired wine bars and crêperies, Paris is whimsical, charming and absolutely in on the joke. Lined with Victorian homes, Its historic streets are made for strolling, and visitors can be spotted sipping wine while the rest of the world is fighting traffic.
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In the Hill Country, Fredericksburg offers the closest thing to an immersive European experience. Founded by German settlers, the charming town is fluent in schnitzels, stone architecture, and (Texas) wine culture. With dozens of vineyards lining Wine Road 290 and a Main Street made for lingering, Fredericksburg feels like a countryside escape plucked from another continent. Time slows down as live music, speakeasies, and dance halls come alive well past sunset, feeling worlds away from roaring crowds and stadium seating.
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East Texas brings its own European homage in Athens, named for Greece and proudly claiming its place in culinary history as the birthplace of the hamburger. Equal parts earnest and eccentric, the lakeside town pairs arboretums and wineries with a world-class scuba park and indie boutiques. It’s the kind of town that delights in its own lore, and invites you to add your own chapter to its story.
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Also in East Texas, Bogota is the tiny town (population just over 1,000) that offers a true escape from hustle and bustle. Here, it’s less about itinerary and more about atmosphere. The city’s downtown has preserved much of its early 20th‑century charm. The Historic District along Main Street is recognized on the National Register of Historic Places, showcasing brick commercial buildings and classic architecture that trace the town’s growth from its early railroad days. But even today, a visit feels like a trip back in time as it primarily serves family farms and ranches.