HOUSTON — The countdown has officially begun, and in just one year, Houston will be in the center of the global stage as it hosts matches for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
In 2022, Space City was selected as one of 16 host cities across North America, igniting a wave of preparations and excitement within the community.
Since the announcement, Houston has launched official event posters, revitalized the “Art of Soccer” program, and initiated significant upgrades to infrastructure. Crews are actively working to enhance stadium amenities and security measures, leaving no stone unturned in preparation for the influx of soccer fans.
NRG Stadium will serve as the venue for seven games during the tournament. FIFA requirements stipulate that stadiums must have a minimum capacity of 40,000 seats, but for those hosting higher-stakes games like quarter-finals or semi-finals, a minimum of 60,000 seats is necessary. The opening ceremony and final game location is required to accommodate at least 80,000 attendees.
Improvements at NRG Stadium are already in motion, with plans for new chillers, advanced LED lighting, updated parking facilities, and the installation of a natural grass field set for completion after the 2026 Rodeo season.
Renderings for a nearly 40-day Fan Fest in East Downtown have been released, showcasing the excitement leading up to the tournament. Hand-painted soccer balls have also been placed in local airports as part of the celebrations.
As the date draws near, KHOU 11 News conducted interviews with key figures involved in planning the World Cup in Houston, addressing transportation, security, and the economic impact on the city and its businesses.
Lester Gretsch from METRO shared insights on public transportation for locals and visitors.
“The wheels are rolling as Houston is on track for the journey to June 2026,” said Gretsch enthusiastically.
“Let’s take a moment to celebrate. The World Cup is coming to Houston,” echoed KHOU 11 Reporter Amanda Henderson.
An estimated half a million spectators are anticipated to flock to Houston for the games, with Gretsch drawing a parallel to the Super Bowl.
“This event will be akin to having seven Super Bowls in the span of a month,” he noted.
Most of these visitors are expected to utilize the city’s public transit system, which is undergoing extensive preparation.
“Planning for the World Cup is the measuring stick against which all other plans are evaluated,” Gretsch added.
In preparation, METRO has embarked on a multi-year journey, ensuring extended operational hours and more frequent train services, particularly on game days. Once details about the participating teams are confirmed, METRO plans to update its app to include information in the teams’ respective languages.
“Time is critical in this scenario,” Henderson stated.
Gretsch emphasized, “We control the elements we can. We anticipate the needs and adapt accordingly.”
Notably, METRO’s services recorded over six million rides via light rail and bus in April 2025, reflecting the high demand for public transit.
The agency has introduced Microtransit vehicles and a round-trip bus service from Bush International Airport to downtown Houston, facilitating easy access for incoming visitors.
“While there isn’t currently a bus line to Hobby Airport, that remains a possibility for future consideration,” Gretsch informed.
METRO is among many organizations collaborating with the Houston 2026 World Cup Host Committee, particularly regarding safety protocols.
Committee President Chris Canetti emphasized Houston’s robust experience in hosting major sporting events since 2004.
“Houston has hosted more significant sporting events than any North American city in the last two decades,” Canetti stated. “This experience lends us an edge in planning.”
Gretsch reiterated METRO’s commitment to ensuring extensive police presence and security throughout the public transit system.
“We aim for significant police coverage, not just in our train stations but across the system to ensure safety for all,” he said.
METRO Police Chief Ban Tien highlighted the partnership with various agencies to address safety, stating, “Our approach includes collaboration with social service organizations, nonprofits, and church groups to effectively assist those in need.”
As safety measures are established, Canetti explained that the security plan will envelop every facet of the event.
“From stadiums and fan festival sites to transportation systems and hotels, we are coordinating with multiple stakeholders to ensure comprehensive safety measures are in place,” he said.
The host committee is overseeing all safety and security expenditures required for the World Cup to safeguard teams, fans, and visitors.
On a state level, Texas’ Major Events Reimbursement Program is designed to alleviate costs incurred by hosting such large-scale events, ensuring a positive economic outcome.
Counties must submit an economic impact study to qualify for reimbursement, detailing anticipated visitor numbers and projected tax revenue.
On a national level, there is an ongoing request for federal assistance with security costs as part of a bipartisan task force focused on enhancing national security not only for the World Cup but also for future large-scale events like the 2028 Olympics and the United States’ 250th anniversary.
From 2019 to 2022, hospitality rights and ticket sales in the United States amassed nearly one billion dollars, with the 2022 FIFA World Cup contributing a substantial portion of this figure.
Houston, in particular, anticipates an economic boost of approximately one million dollars from the World Cup. Any financial surplus will be allocated to local legacy programs, concentrating on education, housing, and encouraging soccer growth.
Economic benefits for the city will stem from increased spending and investment surrounding the event, according to officials.
“When we hosted the Super Bowl in 2017, the estimated economic impact was $347 million from just one game and one week of activities. Now, we’re preparing for seven matches over an entire tournament period, and we foresee potential impacts reaching 1.5 billion dollars,” Canetti highlighted.
The collaborative effort in preparing for this monumental event has involved a plethora of organizations across Houston, from city and county leaders to airport officials and local businesses.
Henderson asked Canetti about the significance of seeing this extensive collaboration and its culmination into a major event.
“This is a momentous occasion for enhancing soccer’s growth in Houston and across the country,” Canetti responded passionately.
Reminders of the upcoming World Cup are already present throughout Houston, from the ceramic soccer balls of the Art of Houston initiative to decorations adorning local businesses.
Some establishments, like Pitch 25, are specifically geared towards hosting watch parties for soccer tournaments, aiming to capitalize on the expected influx of fans.
Brian Ching, a former USMNT and Houston Dynamo player, operates Pitch 25, and the Director of Operations, Timothy Contreras, shared their enthusiasm for the event.
When asked about his favorite player or team he hopes might visit, Contreras responded light-heartedly, “I’d rather not jinx it!”
However, he fully recognizes the economic potential of the World Cup, stating, “FIFA’s report suggests that the U.S. is set to gain six billion dollars from tourists.”
Henderson commented on the tremendous financial implications for local businesses, to which Contreras added, “This opportunity allows small business owners to partake in something significant and larger than life.”
Being merely two blocks from the future Fan Fest location, Contreras and his team are optimistic about capturing the attention and spending of incoming visitors.
Previous watch parties for notable soccer tournaments have drawn sizable crowds, showcasing the palpable excitement among fans.
Local residents voiced their anticipation for the event, emphasizing soccer’s inclusive nature as a universal sport that bridges communities.
“It just feels right for such a welcoming sport to be hosted in one of the largest cities,” remarked Luis.
Another fan, Selena, highlighted the vibrant experiences she’d envision during the games, saying, “Fans will be fully engaged, decked out, and ready to enjoy every moment.”
For Canetti, this event represents the realization of long-held dreams.
When asked if he’s taken a moment to reflect on how amazing this all is, he stated, “This is a defining moment for our city, and I am immensely proud to be involved in such an impactful occasion.”
The anticipated influx of at least 500,000 visitors will significantly outnumber the attendees during the Super Bowl in 2017.
However, preparations for necessary infrastructure improvements, such as upgrades at NRG Stadium, are also ongoing to accommodate the World Cup.
The good news for Houston residents is that they will not face additional taxes for the FIFA-related developments.
Canetti assured, “Alongside our FIFA contract, we are also expecting reimbursement through state programs, and possibly federal funding as well.”
“It is crucial for us to adhere to our obligations under the FIFA contract, and we are committed to managing these expenses effectively,” he clarified.
The hope is that these expenditures will lead to beneficial outcomes for local businesses.
“We may be a year away, but that year will pass in the blink of an eye,” said Contreras, confidently looking forward to the future.
In efforts to gauge the city’s readiness, inquiries were made to the City of Houston regarding potential projects directly associated with the World Cup.
A spokesperson from the city, after consulting with the director of Houston Public Works, stated:
“While there are no specific projects that are currently being undertaken strictly for the World Cup, there are several essential roadway rehabilitation and paving initiatives in East Downtown and surrounding areas that are being fast-tracked to minimize any disruptions before the event.”
The impact of the World Cup is influencing the timelines of these necessary updates, ensuring that visitors, fans, and residents alike can enjoy the enhancements without interference.
“While these projects are not solely initiated for the World Cup, we are making sure that they are completed before the event to enhance the experience for everyone involved,” the spokesperson concluded.
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