Houston Police, Firefighters, and Public Health Agencies Will Maintain Staffing and Resources to Handle the Seven Matches of the 2026 World Cup While Continuing to Meet Residents’ Daily Needs.
Houston will use drone surveillance as part of its security strategy during the 2026 World Cup, authorities said just days before the tournament begins.
The city will host seven matches between June 14 and July 4. The Houston Police Department will be the primary security agency during that period and will maintain full staffing throughout the match schedule.
Mayor John Whitmire said the preparations include public safety, health, transportation and coordination with state and federal agencies.
Houston Police will use drone surveillance
Drone surveillance will be part of the security measures during the World Cup, though authorities did not disclose details about where, when or how the technology will be used.
Larry Satterwhite, director of Houston’s Office of Public Safety and Homeland Security, said the city has training and additional equipment to respond to the tournament’s needs.
Houston Police Chief Noe Diaz said the department is prepared to cover the matches, World Cup-related activities, and the city’s regular operations.
The police will remain in operational capacity for the three weeks separating the first match in Houston from the seventh and final match.
Security measures will also include coordination with state and federal agencies, as well as surveillance in spaces linked to the tournament.
Firefighters and medical services will maintain coverage in the city
The Houston Fire Department also plans to maintain full staffing during the World Cup.
Fire Chief Thomas Muñoz said the department will cover emergency medical services and fire response during the matches, while also handling residents’ usual calls.
Houston is preparing to welcome thousands of visitors during the tournament, but authorities noted that resources will not be concentrated solely in stadiums or fan events.
The city will also have additional ambulances available for medical emergencies during the World Cup and other large-scale events.
Heat will be one of the main health risks
Houston’s Department of Health identified heat-related illnesses, foodborne illnesses and diseases preventable by vaccines as the main public health concerns during the tournament.
Houston Health Department Director Dr. Theresa Tran urged residents and visitors to stay hydrated and seek air-conditioned spaces or shade if they begin to feel weakness, fatigue, dehydration or cramps.
Hygiene will also be a central measure to reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses and other ailments during World Cup activities.
Houston will host matches in the summer, when high temperatures and humidity can increase risk for people who spend several hours outdoors.
Authorities do not consider Ebola a threat to Houston
Houston will host the concentration training for the Democratic Republic of Congo’s national football team.
The country faces an Ebola outbreak, but local public health officials said they do not consider the team a risk to the city.
Authorities noted that the players were not in affected areas and that the team has been training in Europe.
Houston’s Department of Health will focus its surveillance on the most probable risks for residents and visitors, including heat, food and vaccine-preventable diseases.
The final match will coincide with July 4 celebrations
Houston will play its seventh and final World Cup match on July 4.
That same day, the city will host Freedom Over Texas, the annual Independence Day celebration, which will require additional coordination among police, fire, medical services and other agencies.
The hurricane season will also be underway during the tournament. Houston authorities said their plans include the ability to respond to weather-related emergencies while continuing World Cup activities.
The city began preparing its security and response strategy at least two years before the tournament began.
Houston will host seven World Cup 2026 matches
The 2026 World Cup will begin on June 11 in Mexico City.
Houston will be one of the host cities in the United States, Canada and Mexico, and will host seven matches between June 14 and July 4.
Authorities asked residents and visitors to remain attentive to official instructions, take care of their hydration, and seek help if they display heat-related symptoms during the events.
