Houston could host matches featuring:
- Group E: Germany, Curaçao, Côte d’Ivoire, Ecuador
- Group F: Netherlands, Japan, Playoff B Winner, Tunisia
- Group H: Spain, Cabo Verde, Saudi Arabia, Uruguay
- Group K: Portugal, Playoff 1 Winner, Uzbekistan, Colombia
In addition, Houston could also be selected as a Base Camp city. As a Base Camp location, Houston would serve as the home base for these teams throughout the tournament, where they will live, train and operate for the duration of the World Cup. This designation often draws additional waves of international visitors, as fans, media and delegations travel to follow their teams, boosting the local economy and creating opportunities to strengthen Houston’s global connections.
“Houston is ready for the global stage – not only for sports and tourism – but as a launchpad for international business,” said Craig Rhodes, senior vice president of economic development at the Greater Houston Partnership. “The 2026 World Cup creates a unique opportunity that allows global companies to see firsthand why Houston is the place to grow and scale their business.”
FIFA Fan Festival
In addition to the matches, Houston will host a 39-day Fan Festival that will take over East Downtown near Shell Energy Stadium, serving as a central gathering place for fans. Spanning parking lots, green spaces and streets, the festival will feature a massive viewing area for matches, global and local food offerings, curated live entertainment, sponsor activations and interactive youth soccer activities. The festival is expected to see 15,000 visitors daily.
“EaDo truly represents the spirit of Houston — it’s vibrant, diverse, and full of energy. That’s why it’s the perfect home for FIFA Fan Festival™ Houston,” said Chris Canetti, President of the FIFA World Cup 26™ Houston Host Committee. “We’re excited to bring the world’s game to this incredible neighborhood and create something that not only celebrates FIFA World Cup 26™ but also leaves a meaningful, lasting impact.”
Improvements Underway
To prepare for the influx of visitors, Houston is making significant upgrades across the city.
NRG Park, where the matches will be played, recently unveiled a $55 million capital improvement plan that includes addressing the venue’s vertical transportation systems, such as elevators and escalators, ahead of the tournament. Additional improvements include new endzone video boards, refreshed paint and flooring in select premium areas, a fabric roof replacement and new seating throughout the stadium.
Houston’s hospitality sector is also preparing for increased demand. Downtown Houston+ estimates that roughly $100 million will be invested in hotel expansions and new developments ahead of the tournament. New additions include the dual-branded Home2 Suites and Tru by Hilton Houston Downtown and the Holiday Inn Express & Staybridge Suites Houston, along with an expansion of the JW Marriott Downtown. In total, these projects will add 553 new rooms downtown, according to the Houston Business Journal.
To support visitor travel, METRO recently launched a direct bus route connecting George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) to the George R. Brown Convention Center. The agency also plans to expand service during the tournament to key areas such as NRG Park and the Fan Festival. Houston Airports is also moving forward with major upgrades, including:
- The new international terminal at IAH
- A new direct route from IAH to Rome
- $30 million in restroom renovations at Bush and Hobby airports
- Expanded gate areas, rideshare zones and improved baggage systems at both Bush and Hobby airports
In downtown, improvements include the Main Street Promenade project, which will transform seven blocks into a pedestrian-friendly corridor. The City is also advancing beautification efforts, adding new greenery and upgraded lighting throughout the area.
Airbnb also recently announced a $1.3 million investment in Houston to support improvements along the Columbia Tap Trail, including new lighting, seating and enhanced green space. The funding will also expand access to youth soccer in Third Ward by creating free teams and providing equipment.
These critical investments will benefit the region long after the FIFA World Cup, supporting Houston’s ongoing efforts to attract major sporting events and global gatherings to the region.