HOUSTON – Fans from around the world have arrived in Houston for the World Cup, bringing excitement, national pride and a willingness to brave just about anything for a chance to be part of the tournament.
That includes the weather.
With storms possible ahead of Houston's first hosted World Cup match between Curaçao and Germany, many fans at the FIFA Fan Festival said they aren't too worried about the forecast — and some admitted they haven't given much thought to a backup plan if severe weather moves in.
‘No problem with the weather'
Luis, a fan visiting from El Salvador, has spent the last three days enjoying Houston and plans to keep coming back to the Fan Festival.
“It's awesome. Really awesome experience,†he said.
When asked about the possibility of storms, Luis said he may simply find a place indoors to watch.
“Well, I don't know, maybe watch the game in any bar,†he said.
Others were even less concerned.
“No problem with the weather. I only need to watch the game,†said Mohamed, a fan who plans to return despite the forecast.
Adam Thomas said weather won't affect his plans either.
“Rain or shine, we're going to be here,†Thomas said.
For Pedro de Sousa, who traveled from Curaçao to support his team, the weather is just another part of the experience.
De Sousa arrived in Houston this week and plans to stay through the end of the month. He said attending his country's match in person was non-negotiable.
“Of course,†he said when asked if he would be at the stadium. “All the way from Curaçao.â€
FIFA's severe weather plan
While fans may not be worried about the forecast, tournament organizers are preparing for the possibility of severe weather.
According to FIFA Fan Festival operations, Houston Police Department and Houston Fire Department personnel are monitoring weather conditions at the event site. If lightning is detected within an eight-mile radius, fans will be required to exit the grounds and move to a safe location.
The festival gates will reopen only after a 30-minute period passes without any additional lightning detected within that radius. The 30-minute countdown restarts with every new lightning strike.
Organizers encourage visitors to follow @fwc26houston on social media for real-time operational updates and weather-related information.
Experiencing Houston beyond the matches
Beyond the matches, many visitors are also getting their first taste of Houston culture.
For some, that means adjusting to the city's famous humidity.
“The humidity is here way up there,†de Sousa said. “It's harder here than it is in Curaçao.â€
For others, it's all about the food.
“Whataburger!†Luis said when asked about his favorite thing he's eaten in the United States so far.
De Sousa said he's enjoyed tacos and other local favorites and hopes to try Texas barbecue before heading home.
Rain or shine
As fans continue arriving from across the globe, one thing appears clear: whether it's sunshine, humidity or thunderstorms, most are determined not to miss the World Cup experience in Houston.
As Thomas put it: “Rain or shine, we're going to be here.â€
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