The 2026 FIFA World Cup will partially be hosted in the United States, and 11 cities across the nation are hoping to be named a host city—including Houston.  In a group effort with the Mayor’s Office of Special Events and the Houston 2026 World Cup Committee, Houston Airports is promoting Houston as a soccer-loving city and a viable host of the 2026 World Cup. 

Hobby Airport is undertaking a monumental mural directed by Houston legend GONZO 247 with the help of six additional local artists. When completed the 10,000-square-foot mural will depict iconic images of Houston including astronauts, the Houston Skyline, a bronco riding cowboy, and a jet airplane along with a giant soccer ball. This mural, located near the runway at Hobby Airport, will be visible to passengers as they depart and land at Hobby, as well as to anyone driving down Telephone Road. 

Just recently, these artists have painted seven large ceramic soccer balls that are currently on display in the baggage claim area at Hobby Airport. This gives an opportunity for passengers and residents of Houston to show FIFA their “Houston Friendly” spirit through selfies and photos. Each soccer ball represents an aspect of Houston, from its western roots to its Space City impacts. 

In addition, Houston Airports partnered with the City of Houston’s office of Special Events and the Houston Independent School District  to hold a girls soccer clinic  to introduce underserved girls to the sport of soccer. The event was held the same day as the International Women’s 2021 Soccer Series featuring the U.S. women’s national soccer team.  A professional soccer trainer and four elite girls high school players ran the clinic. The Houston Dynamo, Houston Dash, Mayor Vice Pro Tem Dave Martin, Houston Aviation Director Mario Diaz, Chris Canetti, president of the Houston 2026 World Cup Bid Committee,  and Janis Burke, CEO of the Harris County Houston Sports Authority were all part of this unique collaboration.