By Okon Ekpenyong

The city of Houston, Texas, will be one of 11 US cities co-hosting the 2026 World Cup, marking its second time hosting the tournament after 1994. The Houston World Cup committee, which includes the city and FIFA, expects over 500,000 spectators for the seven matches, which will run from June 11 to July 19, 2026.

In preparation for the World Cup, several infrastructure improvements, including transportation and stadium upgrades, are underway to ensure smooth travel and safety for visitors and residents alike, alleviating concerns about event logistics.

East Downtown Houston, near Shell Energy Stadium, along with Houston Airports and the Main Street Promenade, will also undergo significant improvements to foster excitement and confidence in the area’s ability to host the FIFA Fan Festival.

Each city’s FIFA fan festival features live match viewings, entertainment, food stalls, interactive activities, and community engagement. East Downtown Houston will receive a few makeovers, including art installations, tree planting, and sidewalk improvements, that will boost the area and attract visitors, according to the Houston Fan Festival website. Currently, EaDO is lively with entertainment and known for its upscale bars, making it an ideal spot for spectators.

The committee includes FIFA, the Sports Authority Foundation, the City of Houston, Harris County, and community stakeholders. The committee will help manage the operations, safety, transportation, and logistics for the games and other FIFA-scheduled events.

The World Cup tournament will span 16 cities across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The city’s match schedule includes group-stage games such as Germany vs Curaçao on June 14, Portugal vs a yet-to-be-determined opponent on June 17, the Netherlands vs another opponent on June 20, Portugal vs Uzbekistan on June 23, and Cabo Verde vs Saudi Arabia on June 26. Houston will be hosting the knockout matches, including a Round of 32 game on June 29 and a Round of 16 match on July 4.

“And with so many spectators expected to attend the game, it will help boost the economies of Houston and surrounding cities, generating a potential economic impact of more than $1.5 billion,” Houston.org says. Each time a country or city hosts the event, it usually makes significant upgrades to handle the influx. The committee says that there is about $55 million investment improvement plan in the works for NRG Park, home of the Houston Texans, where the event will take place. Part of the money will also ensure there are enough public transportation routes, and the good thing is that the city has a train and bus system.

For spectators anticipating traveling to the United States to cheer on their teams, the Trump Administration will issue a new “FIFA PASS” visa program that would help speed up visa interview appointments by reducing wait times from 6 to 8 weeks.

However, amid the Trump Administration’s heavy ICE Operations, some spectators traveling from other countries or already living in the United States have expressed concerns that US Immigration and Customs officials will likely be outside the stadiums hosting the matches. The city has coordinated with federal and local law enforcement agencies to implement comprehensive safety and security measures, ensuring a secure environment for all attendees and directly addressing these concerns.

As to why Houston is a perfect city to host the event, it has remained a welcoming hub for immigrant families, offering a range of opportunities and resources to attract visitors and those looking to make it their new home. The city has 26 Fortune 500 companies, offering a diverse job market, particularly in energy, healthcare, and technology. In 2021, immigrant households earned $66.5 billion in income and contributed significantly to the local economy through taxes, leaving $50.2 billion in spending power.

“For spectators, with the number of cultural and traditional stores and local events often hosted by locals who may be first- or second-generation immigrants, they will feel right at home while in the city for the games. Visitors can explore Houston’s vibrant arts scene, diverse culinary offerings, and local festivals, providing additional entertainment options when their team is not playing, enhancing their overall experience.”

Visitors will also have the opportunity to explore NRG Arena, NRG Park, the Houston Museum of Natural Science, Hermann Park, the Wildlife Carousel, Schweppe Park, Life Science Plaza, and the Houston Zoo near the stadium.

As Houston prepares to welcome teams and spectators for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, both the city and its immigrant communities are preparing to make the most of this global event. Other US cities hosting matches include AT&T Stadium (Arlington, TX), MetLife Stadium (East Rutherford, NJ), Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Atlanta), Arrowhead Stadium (Kansas City), Levi’s Stadium (San Francisco), SoFi Stadium (Los Angeles), Lincoln Financial Field (Philadelphia), Lumen Field (Seattle), Gillette Stadium (Boston area), and Hard Rock Stadium (Miami).

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