As Houston prepares to see the first of seven matches of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Chris Canetti, president of the Houston Host Committee, said the city is ready for the influx of visitors expected during the tournament beginning June 14.
“As the event approaches and excitement builds, we're here to report that Houston is ready,” Canetti said during a May 11 news conference. “Houston was awarded host city status four years ago in June of 2022, and since then, a coordinated planning effort has taken place amongst dozens of local stakeholders.”
The overview
On May 11, the FIFA World Cup 2026 Houston Host Committee held a media briefing offering key updates on the region’s preparation for the tournament.
“Our greatest asset in Houston is our people,” Michael Heckman, president and CEO of Houston First Corporation, said. “And when visitors come here ... you're not just a visitor, you're one of us. And what a great message from people from all over the world that come here, that see all the languages that are spoken here, our diversity that we welcome people, not just from the United States, but from all over the world.”
The briefing included updates from entities such as the Houston Host Committee, the airports, the Metropolitan Authority of Harris County, Downtown Houston, NRG representatives and FIFA Fan Festival representatives.
The details
Updates include:
- Public safety will be maintained through a highly visible, strategically layered law enforcement presence at FIFA-designated venues and critical infrastructure.
- METRO added a route from Hobby Airport with coach buses departing every 30 minutes, seven days a week, to provide a direct connection to Downtown Houston.
- Enhancements in the airport passport system were made, and an additional eight TSA lanes will operate.
- Dedicated support units will be strategically positioned to deliver enhanced protection and rapid response, including crowd management teams, SWAT teams, bomb squad and specialized units.
“Safety and security during FIFA World Cup 2026 in Houston is our No. 1 priority, and we've been working hard on our Safety and Security plan for the past two years,” Chief Safety and Security Officer Tommy Calabro with the Houston Host Committee said. “Our emphasis is on prevention, preparedness, protection and rapid response.”
Holly DeBeer, a Houston Host Committee representative, said the majority of the downtown construction will be cleaned up and paused during the Fan Festival.
More information on FIFA entertainment can be found at www.fwc26houston.com.
