Houston 2026 welcomes FIFA officials and showcases world-class infrastructure and hosting credentials

HOUSTON (October 26, 2021) – The Houston 2026 World Cup Bid Committeeshowcased its world-class infrastructure and hosting credentials to FIFA officials during an official inspection site visit today.

A delegation led by Concacaf President/FIFA Vice President Victor Montagliani arrived in Houston on Monday evening via Houston’s renowned airport system. The visit provided an opportunity for officials to experience first-hand the unique Spirit of Houston, underlining the city’s united, community-driven and innovative approach to becoming a World Cup host city.

The day’s itinerary included a series of face-to-face meetings and activities in which Houston 2026 stakeholders discussed the city’s proven track record in delivering world-class international soccer events and how they plan to deliver a 2026 FIFA World Cup of the future, in America’s city of the future.

The delegation toured the state-of-the-art, 70,000-plus seat NRG Stadium, which boasts a retractable roof, is centrally located in the heart of the city and will provide the world’s soccer family with convenient access to Houston’s vibrant hospitality and cultural center. The NRG Park complex is also home to Minute Maid Park, the site of tonight’s MLB World Series kick-off game, featuring the Houston Astros.

Following the NRG Stadium meeting and tour, Houston 2026 stakeholders invited FIFA officials to ride the Metro train to downtown, showcasing the city’s vast transport network which will comfortably accommodate players, fans, officials, staff during FIFA 2026 World Cup matches. Delegates also visited potential training sites throughout the day, including BBVA Stadium, Aveva Stadium, University of Houston and Rice University.

The visit wrapped up with Houston 2026 demonstrating its community’s unified effort to serve as a World Cup host city, coalescing full support from public, private and civic institutions. Bid Committee President Chris Canetti, Chair John Arnold, board member DaMarcus Beasley, Harris County-Houston Sports Authority CEO Janis Burke and Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner were among the local leaders who joined the FIFA delegation for a press conference at Discovery Green Park.

Canetti said: “We’re very grateful to have this face-to-face time with FIFA officials to showcase Houston’s vast resources and preparedness to host matches for the World Cup. Our goals are fully aligned with FIFA, Concacaf and U.S. Soccer to create lasting legacies that will grow the game and benefit generations through the most prestigious event and the most popular sport in the world.”

The group also had an opportunity to interact with passionate and soccer-loving Houstonians following the press conference. Fans lined the streets to welcome FIFA with branded support signs and voiced their excitement to welcome the world to Houston for the World Cup, ensuring Houston’s one-of-a-kind spirit was widely felt and celebrated across the city today.

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