HOUSTON – Houston and Harris County officials announced Thursday morning that Houston is vying for one of the 10 host city spots in the U.S. for the 2026 World Cup.
There are 17 in the running for the honor.
Sixteen cities will host matches, including three in Canada, three in Mexico, and 10 in the U.S. Each host city will host six matches.
"We want to make sure Houston is one of them," Harris County - Houston Sports Authority Chairmain J. Kent Friedman said Thursday.
Friedman said over the next two years, Houston will be seeking its spot in the host city race. The final decision will be made in 2020.
"Hosting the World Cup will have a major impact on our community," Friedman said. "It will deliver a significant economic return. We're estimating north of $500 million to this community. It will provide our city with billions of worldwide impressions."
He said the city is going to show the world what Houston has to offer in its bid, not taking for granted the past events the city has hosted, such as the Super Bowl.
Mayor Sylvester Turner, Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo and other Harris County - Houston Sports Authority officials also presented with newly hired Houston World Cup 2026 Bid Committee president Chris Canetti.
The 68th FIFA Congress announced the host for the 2026 FIFA World Cup went to United 2026 bid (Canada-Mexico-USA) at Moscow's Expocentre on June 13, 2018 in Moscow.