Building A Legacy
The FIFA World Cup 26 will bring a level of momentum and excitement unlike anything Houston has ever experienced. Impact Houston 26, a collaboration between the Houston 2026 World Cup Host Committee and the Sports Authority Foundation, ensures this once-in-a-generation event creates a legacy that lasts for decades.
growing
the game
Expanding access to soccer across Houston through new fields, youth programs, tournaments, clinics, and coach/referee training
Art of
Soccer
Celebrating soccer as a canvas for creativity, hand-painted soccer balls by local artists transform Houston into a citywide art experience.
Coach For
Community
Growth of youth soccer by offering free grassroots coaching resources. In partnership with U.S. Soccer, this initiative helps address the shortage of trained coaches and referees.
ENVIRONMENTAL
SUSTAINABILITY
From environmental initiatives like recycling, green energy, and reducing our carbon footprint, these programs will leave Houstonians with a healthier, more equitable city long after the final whistle.
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Legendary
inspiration
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International soccer icons visit Houston to energize fans, inspire young players, and bring the excitement of the global game to our city.
Human Rights
Programs
Advancing human rights by promoting decent work, preventing labor trafficking in supply chains, enforcing responsible contracting practices, championing free speech and inclusion, and expanding accessibility through integrated solutions.
Growing the game
Field Development, Youth Soccer Programming, Tournaments, and Clinics:
These initiatives are driving soccer’s growth across Houston’s diverse communities. By building new playing fields, expanding youth programs, and offering clinics, we’re creating more than just a moment for 2026, we’re cultivating a lasting movement that inspires players and fans for generations to come.
Coach for Community
growth of youth soccer by offering free grassroots Coach & Referee Training:
The FIFA World Cup 26 Houston™ Host City Committee is proud to support grassroots soccer through the Coach for the Community program, a key part of our Grow the Game legacy initiative. This initiative focuses on expanding access to coaching resources and helping to address the growing shortage of trained coaches and referees in youth soccer.
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In partnership with U.S. Soccer, this program provides free training and development opportunities aimed at empowering local volunteers, supporters, and donors to become part of the solution. By investing in community-level coaching, we're working to ensure that more children have access to quality, well-supported soccer experiences throughout Houston and beyond.
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Together, we’re building a stronger foundation for the future of the sport.
Legendary inspiration
Legends Appearances from Greats of the Game
​Bringing international soccer icons to Houston will inspire young players, energize fans, and connect our city to the global soccer stage. These appearances create unforgettable moments, while also offering unique opportunities for sponsors and partners to align with the passion and prestige of the sport.
Art of Soccer
Celebrating soccer as a canvas for creativity
​This initiative celebrates the cultural side of the game by transforming soccer into a canvas for creativity. Dozens of giant soccer balls, each designed and hand-painted by Houston’s talented local artists, are placed throughout the city, creating a citywide art experience that reflects Houston’s diverse artistic identity. Some of the soccer balls remain on display, while others stay with their donors as keepsakes, ensuring the impact of this initiative lives on both in our community and with those who help bring it to life.
ENVIRONMENTALSUSTAINABILITY
Beyond the Game: Scoring a Greener Future
As host of the FIFA World Cup 2026, Houston is embracing the tournament as a catalyst for environmental action and long-term sustainability.
The Sustainability Plan aligns with FIFA’s requirements while advancing local priorities in climate, clean energy and low carbon transportation, air and water quality, waste reduction, and nature-based resilience. From powering the Fan Festival with renewable electricity to showcasing a "green corridor" between venues, Houston is working across sectors to raise environmental awareness and foster collaboration, innovation, and engagement. Key legacy initiatives include a sustainable event management system, hospitality toolkit, resilient soccer field guidelines, bayou clean-ups, and air quality initiatives.
Human rights programs
Human Rights Today. A Stronger Houston Tomorrow
We are committed to advancing human rights by promoting decent work, preventing labor trafficking in supply chains, enforcing responsible contracting practices, championing free speech and inclusion, and expanding accessibility through integrated solutions. These programs will leave Houstonians with a healthier, more equitable city long after the final whistle
Partner with impact
Impact Houston 26 gives partners a chance to be visibly tied to the positive legacies of the tournament. Whether through naming rights, branded community programs, or high-visibility event activations, partners’ investments will be recognized not just during the tournament, but in the enduring impact these initiatives bring to Houston.
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Our Partners