Visit Sugar Land Joins as an Official FIFA World Cup 26 Houston™ Host City Supporter
Partnership Highlights City’s Diversity and Economic Opportunities During Global Event.
SUGAR LAND, TX – September 3, 2025 – Visit Sugar Land has announced a trailblazing partnership with the FIFA World Cup 26 Houston™ Host Committee, positioning Sugar Land as an Official Supporter of FIFA World Cup 26 Houston™. This significant contribution grants Sugar Land a voice in shaping how the city engages with the event and offers a unique platform to highlight its vibrant community and diverse experiences.
Houston will host seven FIFA World Cup™ matches from June 14 to July 4, 2026, across 21 days, in the summer of 2026, welcoming visitors from around the world to one of the largest sporting events in history. The games are estimated to bring 500,000 fans from around the world to the region, generating a projected $1.5 billion economic impact. As a regional partner, Sugar Land will capture a portion of that impact through tourism, hospitality, and business development, while boosting the city’s visibility throughout the tournament and beyond.
The city of Sugar Land will engage the local community in volunteer and youth development programs, launch targeted marketing campaigns, and activate its world-class venues such as Sugar Land Town Square, First Colony Mall, Smart Financial Centre, Constellation Field, and Sugar Land Regional Airport. Sugar Land’s location in Fort Bend County, one of the most diverse counties in Texas, makes it a prime choice as an Official Supporter of FIFA World Cup 26 Houston™, and will be the only city within a 26-county radius to hold this designation.
Sugar Land’s sponsorship will create a legacy that extends well beyond the tournament itself. The city aims to turn the global spotlight into long-term economic benefits by attracting new visitors, strengthening its reputation as a vibrant destination, fostering opportunities for local businesses to grow and attracting new businesses and residents to become part of Sugar Land’s thriving community.
For more information on Sugar Land and FAQ's on the partnership, visit here.
Image link: https://spaces.hightail.com/space/2yz8bMbDtR (Credit: Visit Sugar Land)
QUOTES:
“This partnership elevates Sugar Land’s profile on a global scale. Joining the Houston 2026 World Cup Committee as an Official Host City Supporter, we are not only welcoming the world to our community, but also investing in long-term economic growth, enhanced tourism, and strengthening a sense of pride for our residents and businesses.” - Sugar Land Mayor Carol McCutcheon
“Sugar Land’s involvement in the 2026 FIFA World Cup as a Host City Supporter directly supports the part of Sugar Land’s Strategic Action Plan aimed at stimulating economic growth. It will not only tell our story on a global stage, but it will also generate significant economic benefits for the city, including increased tourism revenue, support for local businesses, and long-term business attraction. We’re excited to coordinate across the city and region to deliver a world-class experience, from public safety and traffic management and to introduce visitors from around the world to our internationally competitive business environment and signature hospitality.” - Elizabeth Huff, Sugar Land Executive Director of Economic Development
“Beyond the excitement of the World Cup matches, this is a strategic investment in Sugar Land’s future. We’re leveraging this global platform to expand tourism, attract new business, and position Sugar Land as a premier destination for residents, visitors, and companies alike.” - Alison Brooks, Assistant Director of Visit Sugar Land
“The FIFA World Cup is more than just matches in Houston—it’s a regional celebration that unites our entire community. Sugar Land’s commitment as a Host City Supporter demonstrates how cities across the region are coming together to ensure this event leaves a legacy. Their partnership highlights the power of collaboration in showcasing all that Greater Houston has to offer to the world.” – Chris Canetti, President of the FIFA World Cup 26 Houston™ Host Committee
“As the Official Houston 2026 World Cup Host City Supporter, Sugar Land is helping showcase the strength and unity of our entire region on the world’s stage. Their partnership reflects the true spirit of the World Cup — bringing communities together, inspiring future generations, and ensuring that Houston and the surrounding region shine brightly in 2026 and beyond.” – Ryan Walsh, CEO Harris County Houston Sports Authority.
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About the City of Sugar Land Office of Economic Development, Tourism, (SLOEDT) and Department of Redevelopment
The Sugar Land Office of Economic Development and Tourism (SLOEDT), a department of the City of Sugar Land, is committed to promoting sustainable economic growth and a vibrant visitor economy. Through its two divisions: Business Development and Tourism, SLOEDT focuses on attracting new businesses, retaining existing employers, revitalizing the community, implementing strategic initiatives, and fostering tourism. These efforts play a vital role in enhancing the quality of life for residents, supporting local businesses, and welcoming visitors.
Working alongside SLOEDT, the Department of Redevelopment plays a key role in strengthening Sugar Land’s economic future. With a mission to advocate for and support development and redevelopment that sustain strong community services and a thriving quality of life, the department facilitates strategic public-private partnerships and implements reinvestment and redevelopment strategies that bolster the city’s long-term fiscal health.
Together, these departments support a unified vision for prosperity and growth. For more information, visit www.SugarLandEcoDev.com or contact ecodev@sugarlandtx.gov.
About FIFA World Cup 26™
FIFA World Cup 26™ will be the biggest sporting event ever, with three Host Countries, 16 Host Cities, 48 teams and 104 matches uniting an entire continent to showcase a momentous new tournament format. With more countries, cities, teams, and games, FIFA World Cup 26™ will be the most inclusive tournament ever, engaging millions of fans across 16 unique stadiums and billions worldwide. The tournament will take place in June and July 2026. For the latest FIFA World Cup 26™ information please visit the FIFA World Cup 26™ website. For media representatives wishing to stay up-to-date on all things 2026, please register via the FIFA Media Hub.
About the Harris County – Houston Sports Authority
The Harris County - Houston Sports Authority (HCHSA) is responsible for approving upgrades and servicing the debt of the world-class facilities it was created to build. To support this mission, HCHSA also plays a central role in attracting and hosting major sporting events that showcase Houston on the global stage. As a proud partner in bringing the FIFA World Cup 2026™ to Houston, HCHSA is helping connect the city’s world-class venues, strong community support, and international reputation as a sports capital. Through these efforts, HCHSA enhances Houston’s economic development, improves quality of life for residents, and ensures the city and county remain premier destinations for marquee events.
Media Contacts:
Visit Sugar Land
Lou Hammond Group
sugarland@louhammond.com