Houston’s 2026 World Cup chairman discusses event preparations ahead of America’s clash with Uruguay

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — On Monday night, American football fans will come out in force to support the American team, the underdog in the Uruguayan football championship, at the Copa America.

Chris Canetti will take a short break in preparations for the world’s biggest sporting event as chairman of the Houston 2026 World Cup committee.

“People are going to be coming from all over the planet. It’s a security issue,” he said. “There are protocols at the airport and protocols on the ground.”

Canetti is also involved in planning events such as highlighting human rights and sustainability, while growing soccer by making it more accessible to young players in Houston.

Canetti will be in attendance again on Thursday night when Argentina take on Ecuador in the Copa America at NRG Stadium.

Home fans will pack the NRG in hopes of seeing Lionel Messi play in person.

Messi is a global story wherever he goes, and his return to training raises hopes he will play later this week in Houston.

But even one of the game’s true legends pales in comparison to the World Cup.

“Imagine seven Super Bowls in Houston in 20 days,” Canetti said.

The World Cup experience extends far beyond the seven matches our city will host. The World Cup ’26 Fanfest in Houston will span thirty-nine days, from the opening match on June 11 to the final on July 19.

The scale of planning is difficult to describe for the largest sporting event Houston has ever hosted.

City, state and federal officials are already working with FIFA to ensure Houston provides a great experience for everyone.

“This event is for Houston. It’s for the good of Houston,” Canetti said. “So we need to make sure that all the people who are stakeholders in the city can take advantage of this platform to make sure it’s safe, secure and produces positive outcomes for our community.”

The pillars that helped Houston secure a spot as World Cup host include developing the game and protecting the environment and human rights.

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