With teams like Portugal, Germany and the Netherlands scheduled to play in Houston next summer, fans are thrilled.
HOUSTON — The countdown to the 2026 FIFA World Cup is underway, and Houston soccer fans got an early taste of the excitement Saturday at Shell Energy Stadium.
Hundreds of fans poured into the home of the Houston Dynamo for the “Houston Soccer Celebration Kickoff,” an event featuring games, photo ops, and appearances from soccer legends as the city gears up to host seven World Cup matches next summer.
With the group stage matchups announced earlier in the day, including powerhouse teams like Portugal, Germany and the Netherlands scheduled to play in H-Town, fans said the reality of the World Cup coming to Houston is starting to feel real.
“Actually, it’s very exciting. It’s something that we wanted to take part in in Houston,” soccer fan Jennifer Chavez said. “We’re just ready to see what team comes in and maybe catch a game.”
For many, it is a chance to relive the magic of past tournaments.
“I went to it when it was in Dallas, and it was a good experience, and I want to do it again here. You know, it’s something where everybody wants to be there,” soccer fan Wilfredo Chavez said.
And even fans whose favorite teams are not on Houston’s match schedule for the group stage are still all in.
“Argentinos love the soccer, love the soccer. Soccer is special, but we love the Dynamo and the World Cup is the best for us,” soccer fan Cnokaert Marilina said.
Others said they hope the tournament schedule eventually brings their home countries to Houston as the knockout rounds begin.
“We are very excited. We’re ready. Go Mexico! I don’t know if it’s coming here, but we hope,” soccer fan Armando Soto said.
During the kickoff event, families snapped photos with a replica FIFA World Cup trophy, met former U.S. Men’s National Team star DaMarcus Beasley and Mexican legend Luis “El Matador” Hernández, and they also played soccer-themed games scattered across the stadium.
It was clear that fans cannot wait for the World Cup. For them, soccer is not just a sport – it is a bonding experience.
“It’s something that we do as a family, so it is pretty exciting, emotional,” soccer fan Silvia Macias said.
Local business owners and city leaders are also eagerly awaiting the global event. Officials estimate that the seven World Cup matches in Houston will have a roughly $1.5 billion economic impact on the region.
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