FIFA WORLD CUP 2026™ OVERVIEW FOR EAST
DOWNTOWN RESIDENTS AND BUSINESSES
WHAT'S HAPPENING
The FIFA World Cup 2026™, the largest sporting event in the world, is taking place June 11 – July 19, 2026. Between then, the Bayou City will have the privilege of hosting seven FIFA World Cup matches at Houston Stadium. With an expected 500,000 visitors during that period contributing to an expected $1.5 billion in economic impact, this is an exciting time in Houston’s history. It’s a particularly important time for East Downtown, which will serve as the site of FIFA Fan Festival™ Houston, the hub for 34 days of community-centric match-watching complete with attractions, food, beverages and more.
WHO WE ARE
The Sports Authority Foundation is the umbrella organization for the FIFA World Cup 2026™ Houston Host Committee, which works alongside FIFA and dozens of local, regional, state and federal stakeholders to ensure this global soccer tournament experience is safe and positive for locals and visitors alike. To that end, the following summary has been created specifically for East Downtown residents and businesses.
FIFA FAN FESTIVAL™ HOUSTON KEY DATES
Located in East Downtown near Shell Energy Stadium, the festival will provide a free gathering space where fans can watch matches, enjoy entertainment, and experience global soccer culture.
Key dates include:
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May 1, 2026: Host Committee assumes control of festival site
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June 9, 2026: Test event
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June 11 – July 19, 2026: Festival open to the public with free admission. Hours of operation will be viewable here, and are roughly ~90 minutes prior to the first tournament match for each day, through 11 p.m.
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July 20 – Aug. 7, 2026: Vendor load-out and site restoration
FOOTBALL FIESTA
Football Fiesta expands the FIFA Fan Festival™ Houston celebration into the surrounding East Downtown neighborhood; fans are encouraged to explore local bars, restaurants, and businesses while enjoying the tournament atmosphere. Participating businesses will be featured on a Football Fiesta webpage, making this a win-win for both establishments and fans. Businesses interested in participating can complete the interest form through May 1, 2026.
SUSTAINABILITY PROGRAMS
Regardless of a hospitality and lodging establishments’ location in the Houston metro area, establishments can take sustainability-related actions to earn Sustainability badges. Qualifying, badge-earning businesses will be awarded a physical badge and included in a sustainable tourism guide. More information is available here.
ROAD CLOSURES & TRANSPORTATION
To prioritize safe pedestrian movement and reduce traffic congestion during the FIFA Fan Festival™ Houston, temporary road closures will be implemented around the East Downtown event area, June 1 – July 23, 2026. Closures will primarily impact streets near the festival site, including Hutchins Street and Polk Street.
Closures Legend:
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Red: Houston Host Committee Closures will remain closed approximately May 1 – August 7, with no through vehicular traffic. Businesses and residential communities within the Host Committee closures will still have direct access to their building’s parking options with a placard.
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Purple: Event Long Public Safety Road Closure that be closed to through vehicular traffic
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Light Blue: Public Safety Closure to account for increased pedestrian traffic. Closures will begin an hour prior to Fan Festival opening and will open up after roads clear when the FIFA Fan Festival closes. Closures will open daily for needed deliveries and services.
These street closures will be offset by:
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Walkable routes from Downtown to East Downtown
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METRO Green and Purple lines, with access near Shell Energy Stadium
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Designated rideshare pickup and drop-off areas within walking distance of the festival; planning with Uber and Lyft are well underway
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~93,000 parking spots within 3 miles from the official FIFA Fan Festival site
CLEAN ZONE
On May 28 through July 22, a Clean Zone is in effect in certain areas of East Downtown and around the city. Chapter 25 of the City of Houston Code of Ordinances (Special Events Ordinance) includes the following provisions:
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No new signs or banners bearing logos or brand names may be placed within the Clean Zone unless they are approved by the Host Committee and Mayor's Office of Special Events (MOSE). The only logos and brand names permitted will be those of the official sponsors of the FIFA World Cup 26. The Host Committee and MOSE have final approval of all signage. Any non-licensed signage in windows must face inward; contents must not be visible from the street.
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Unless approved by the aforementioned parties, "attention getting devices" such as inflatables or video screens intended to drawn attention to a particular business or location are prohibited.
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No tents or temporary structures may be erected in public areas. Approved structures and tents must be in compliance with City of Houston ordinances.
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Vehicles for hire are also subject to specific rules and regulations. Vehicles must be licensed by the City of Houston and adhere to rates outlined by City of Houston's Administration & Regulatory Affairs (ARA)
For more information on how businesses can get involved with FIFA World Cup 2026, please review our Community Toolkit and visit www.fwc26houston.com.