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