The euphoria of the 2026 World Cup draw was felt around the world, and Houston was not left out. On the eastern side of the city, the buzz and excitement of this event, which kept millions glued to their screens, were palpable.
It was at the local bar Little Woodrow’s, where local authorities gathered, including Houston Mayor John Whitmire, Harris County Precinct 1 Commissioner Rodney Ellis, members of the organizing committee, and fans to witness the moment when the groups were drawn for the 48 nations that will participate in the FIFA World Cup 2026.
At the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, located in Washington, D.C., the capital of the country, the presidents of the United States, Donald Trump, of Mexico, Claudia Sheinbaum, and the Prime Minister of Canada, Mark Carney, gathered. Each leader drew the name of his country and the group in which each landed.
Groups of the FIFA World Cup 2026
After the host countries were placed in their respective spots, the rest were arranged into the groups.
Meanwhile, here in Space City, every time a team was mentioned, the cheers could be heard in the bar. Reflecting its multicultural character, this event drew people from various countries who came to celebrate soccer and this tournament, which returns to the United States after 31 years and makes Houston a host for the first time in its history.
“The entire region will benefit. There will be a great impact, and for us it’s a great opportunity to showcase the best places in Houston,” Walsh said.
Regarding the economic spillover and the opportunities for local businesses, Dr. Laura Murillo, president and CEO of the Houston Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, affirmed that there are many.
“This is excellent for Houston; every match that comes to Houston will be equivalent to a Super Bowl. We have just under 200 days left until the first match,” Murillo said.
Since 2018, when work began on a proposal for Houston to host, Murillo has been part of the organizing committee, and she described this day as a “testament to the work done” across all these years.
The official announcement of which matches will come to Houston will be made this December 6 by FIFA.
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