Houston Announces Bid To Host 2026 World Cup Series

HOUSTON, TX — City and county leaders announced Thursday that Houston is one of 10 U.S. cities vying to be one of the host cities in the United States for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The eyes of the world will be on the North American continent in 2026, with three cities in both Canada and Mexico hosting Word Cup matches.

"We all remember how successful Super Bowl LI was and the positive value it brought to our city," Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner said. "The Super Bowl was one game with over 10 days of related activities. The World Cup would be the equivalent to hosting six Super Bowls in one month. We have the facilities and the partnerships to host the best World Cup matches in history."

The City of Houston is used to being in the spotlight, having hosted three Super Bowls, at least one NCAA Final Four, as well as World Series and NBA Championship series games with the Houston Astros and Houston Rockets.

However, the World Cup is a whole different animal for Houston. The World Cup is the most popular sporting event in the world.

More than half of the world watched the 2018 World Cup in Russia with 3.5 billion people worldwide watching it on a variety of platforms. A stunning 1.1 billion watched France defeat Croatia 4-2 in the Final.

"The World Cup shines a light on the best of international collaboration. Harris County reflects our world with its diversity and welcoming spirit. We have world-class facilities and have already hosted successful major sporting events in partnership with Houston. It would be an incredible opportunity for our region to host the 2026 World Cup," said Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo.

Meanwhile, Houston Philanthropist John Arnold was tapped to spearhead the Bayou City's and will serve as Chairman of the Houston 2026 World Cup Bid Committee.

He will work alongside Bid Committee President Chris Canetti to bring one of the biggest sporting events in the world to Houston.

"It is an honor and privilege to add John Arnold to our team," Canetti said. "Securing Houston as a World Cup site is an important initiative, and to have one of the most influential leaders of our community on board for the process is a tremendous development. I look forward to working with John on this meaningful project and doing what it takes to win the bid."

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Image: Jules Rice, Harris County – Houston Sports Authority

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