Houston prepares for the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a major fan festival expected to draw nearly 500,000 visitors over 39 days.
HOUSTON — Houston is gearing up for the 2026 FIFA World Cup with plans for a major fan festival. The city expects to welcome nearly half a million visitors over 39 days, according to District I City Council Member Joaquin Martinez.
About the FIFA Fan Festival
The FIFA Fan Festival will take place at Shell Energy Stadium for 34 of the 39 days of the tournament, coinciding with Houston’s hosting of seven matches at NRG Stadium. Martinez described the magnitude of the event as “seven Super Bowls all tied into pretty much 39 days.”
“The entire world will be able to see what Houston’s about,” Martinez said of the city’s role in the international tournament.
The fan festival is set to become the central hub for World Cup activities, where fans can watch matches even on days when games are not held at NRG Stadium.
“You’ll be at NRG for seven days. Thirty-four of the 39 days during the FIFA World Cup will be at the heart of Fan Fest,” Martinez said.
Local businesses get ready
Local businesses in east downtown are already showing enthusiasm for the upcoming event.
“They’re excited about the international world coming in. Houston’s ready to welcome the world—whether it’s the food, whether it’s the music, entertainment,” Martinez said. “The businesses are front and center in this conversation as well.”
Houston’s history with major event safety
Martinez emphasized that the city is well prepared for the crowds and logistical challenges.
“Houston’s prepared for these types of major events. We’ve had major events here before—Super Bowl, college baseball championships, NCAA tournaments,” he said. “We have that infrastructure to be able to do this right now.”
The city has been working for months—and even years—with FIFA, the local host committee, and law enforcement to prepare. Plans include a unified command station to ensure safety, public access, and emergency response readiness.
Martinez, who represents the district where the fan festival will be held, expressed personal excitement about the location.
“I’m excited that it’s District I. I’m excited that I grew up in the East End just a few miles away—1.5, 2 miles away—for those folks to have access to this event as well,” he said.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup presents a major opportunity for Houston to showcase itself on a global stage, with the fan festival expected to be a key component of the city’s World Cup experience.