Houston has a proven track record in delivering world-class international soccer events.

About Houston 2026

The Houston 2026 World Cup Bid Committee is leading the South Texas region’s efforts to host the FIFA World Cup 2026™. It is a subsidiary of the Harris County – Houston Sports Authority.

The FIFA World Cup 2026™ will be played in 16 cities across the United States, Mexico and Canada. Houston is among 17 cities vying to become a U.S. host city. A final decision is expected in the first half of 2022.

The Board of Directors for the Houston 2026 World Cup Bid Committee is comprised of 23 local leaders representing diverse backgrounds and a wide range of organizations. The board roster is as follows:

John Arnold – Houston Business Leader, Philanthropist (Chairman)
Chris Canetti – Houston 2026 President
DaMarcus Beasley – U.S. Soccer legend, World Cup participant
Janis Burke – CEO, Harris County-Houston Sports Authority
Jane Campbell – USWNT and Houston Dash goalkeeper
Mamadou Beye – GM – Policy, Government & Public Affairs, Chevron
Gabriel Brener – Owner, Houston Dynamo
Brian Ching – Houston & U.S. soccer legend, World Cup participant
Susan Christian – Director of Special Events, City of Houston
Chris Delay – President, South Texas Youth Soccer Association
Kenny Friedman – Chairman, Harris County-Houston Sports Authority
Ben Guill – Chairman, White Deer Energy
Mauricio Gutierrez – CEO, NRG
Michael Heckman – Acting President & CEO, Houston First Corp.
Nicki Keenan – Senior Vice President of Sales, Fertitta Entertainment
Bill McKeon – CEO, Texas Medical Center
Al Monaco – President & CEO, Enbridge
Dr. Laura Murillo – President, Houston Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
Alex Lopez Negrete – President & CEO, Lopez Negrete Communications
Jamey Rootes – Former President, Houston Texans
John Stacy– Houston Area Executive, Regions Bank
Alex Triantaphyllis – Managing Director & Policy Chair, Harris County
Ryan Walsh – Exec. Dir, Harris County Sports & Convention Corp. & NRG Park
Frazier Wilson – Social Investment Manager, Shell Oil Company