Houston Announces World Cup Legacy Plans

Youth soccer programs are among the areas that Houston's World Cup legacy project will focus on in years to come. Image courtesy of Houston Host Committee

Houston is making plans to secure a legacy from hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup, announcing the launch of Impact Houston 26. The initiative will be a joint effort between the FIFA World Cup 26 Houston Host Committee and the foundation of the Harris County–Houston Sports Authority.

Impact Houston 26 will operate under The Sports Authority Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit formed to further the charitable and community-focused initiatives of the city’s sports authority and its affiliated local organizing committees.

“The Sports Authority Foundation exists for one reason: to serve our community by unlocking the power of sports to inspire and transform,” said Ryan Walsh, CEO of the Harris County–Houston Sports Authority. “With FIFA World Cup 2026 coming to Houston, we fused that belief with the host committee’s vision for a lasting legacy. The result is Impact Houston 2026, a bold legacy initiative designed to match the scale and spirit of the world’s biggest sporting event.”

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The new organization will be guided by three core pillars: growing the game; defending human rights; and protecting the environment. Its expected focus will include field development, youth soccer programming, soccer clinics and tournaments, coach and referee development programs, art of soccer, sustainability programs and human rights programs.

“This is Houston’s time to shine, not just for the month of the tournament but for generations to come,” said Chris Canetti, president of the FWC26 Houston Host Committee. “We have been driven by legacy since day one, and it is great to see the original vision coming to fruition as the World Cup approaches. Fueled by the generous support of Houston’s corporate community, we are ready to show what meaningful impact looks like in action.”

Impact Houston will reserve any money earmarked for World Cup legacy and/or coming from a surplus of host committee funds toward the effort. Grants will be distributed over time in accordance with the host committee’s legacy plans.

The effort will also be funded in part by Houston area donors and corporations, including Aramco, Arca Continental Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages, CenterPoint, Cheniere, Chevron, Citgo, City of Sugar Land, Houston Methodist, Lone Star Sports and Entertainment, NRG, Oxy, Quanta, Shell, and Sysco.