Overview
- Houston’s World Cup host committee confirmed the Congolese national team will base at the Houston Training Centre at Houston Sports Park, using the former SaberCats Stadium for training.
- Planned work at the site includes re-sodding the field, improving drainage, taking down non‑FIFA signage, and adding a temporary media center to meet tournament standards.
- NRG Stadium operations transfer to the host committee on May 1, when crews will install a natural‑grass pitch for seven matches, including Portugal vs. DR Congo on June 17.
- The team’s move‑in date is not set, with planners targeting early June, and the training site will be closed to the public as officials explore separate fan engagement options.
- DR Congo qualified in late March by beating Jamaica in extra time for its first World Cup since 1974, and recent visits by the nation’s ambassador and cabinet members underscore growing ties with Houston.