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Judge Hidalgo Working to Ensure Safety and Security at Houston FIFA World Cup 2026™ Games

Harris County, TX, July 31, 2025 — On Wednesday, July 30, Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo met with key stakeholders to discuss plans for safety and security ahead of the Houston FIFA World Cup 2026™ games

“We are so excited to host seven FIFA World Cup 2026™ matches at Harris County’s NRG Stadium next year. As Harris County’s head of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, I know we have to hope for the best but prepare for the worst. Our community is fortunate to have skilled and committed teams working every day to prepare for this important event. I look forward to working with everyone closely as we continue to get ready for next year,” said Judge Lina Hidalgo.

“The Houston 2026 World Cup Host Committee appreciated the opportunity to meet with Judge Lina Hidalgo and her staff today to provide a briefing on the safety and security plans for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. We were pleased to report that the planning process is on track and to show the large-scale community-wide effort that is behind this very complex operation,” said Chris Canetti, President, Houston FIFA Host Committee. 

Attendees at the meeting included:

  • Chris Canetti, President, FIFA World Cup 26 Houston™ Host City Committee
  • Tommy Calabro, Chief Safety & Security Officer and Chair of Public Safety Committee, FIFA World Cup 26 Houston™
  • Lars Thestrup, Chief Medical Officer, FIFA World Cup 26 Houston™ Host City Committee
  • Brian Mason, Chair of Transportation Committee, FIFA World Cup 26 Houston™ Host City Committee
  • Bernard Mendoza, Senior Director of Operations, FIFA World Cup 26 Houston™ Host City Committee
  • Mark Nichols, Director of Regional Safety and Security (Central Region), FIFA World Cup 26™
  • Ryan Walsh, CEO, Harris County - Houston Sports Authority
  • Tammy Narvaez, Executive Director, Harris County Intergovernmental & Global Affairs (IGA)
  • Francis Nugent, Director, Harris County Intergovernmental & Global Affairs (IGA)
  • Laurie Christensen, Chief Fire Marshal, Harris County Fire Marshal’s Office
  • Rodney Reed, Assistant Chief of Operational Support, Harris County Fire Marshal’s Office
  • Saul Suarez, Assistant Chief, Harris County Sheriff’s Office
  • Mark Sloan, Emergency Management Coordinator, Harris County Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Management

The FIFA World Cup 2026™ kicks off on June 11, 2026. Houston/Harris County will host seven matches at NRG Stadium between June 14, 2026 and July 4, 2026, as well as a 39-day ‘Fan Fest’ in East Downtown leading up to the games. According to the Houston World Cup 2026 Host Committee, the FIFA World Cup 2026™ games are expected to bring an economic boost of more than $1.5B to the Harris County region. 

FIFA World Cup 26™ will be the biggest sporting event in history, engaging billions of fans worldwide across three host countries (the United States, Mexico and Canada) and 16 host cities with 48 teams playing 104 matches.

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