Pop Up: FIFA and Houston

Five hundred thousand soccer fans from around the world descended on Houston for the seven FIFA World Cup 26™ matches at Reliant Stadium. From the vibrant Oranje Fanwalk, where forty-thousand Dutch and Swedish supporters marched from Rice University to Reliant Stadium, to expanded METRO service, the lively Downtown Fan Festival watch parties, and international visitors discovering a love for Texas barbecue, the tournament showcased Houston at its very best. The Houston World Cup matches demonstrated that our city is more than capable of hosting a global event on the world’s biggest stage.

Join Chris Canetti, President of the FIFA World Cup 26™ Houston Host Committee, for an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at what it took to make it all happen. How prepared was Houston? What unexpected challenges arose? What did hosting an event of this magnitude mean for our city, its businesses, and its global reputation?

From securing the bid to years of planning and finally Game Day, Chris Canetti oversaw every step of Houston’s World Cup journey. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to hear firsthand from the leader who helped bring one of the world’s largest sporting events to Houston.

Chris Canetti is president of the Houston 2026 World Cup Host Committee. Prior to his current role, Mr. Canetti was with the Houston Dynamo for 13 years and served as club president for eight years. He was also responsible for creating the Houston Dash, Houston’s professional women’s soccer team.