Houston’s World Cup 2026 president discusses event preparations ahead of Copa showdown between

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Monday night is a significant occasion for American soccer fans as a large national audience tunes in to support the underdog U.S. team against Uruguay in the Copa America.

Chris Canetti, the president of Houston’s World Cup 2026 committee, will be watching the game while taking a brief break from preparations for the world’s largest sporting event.

“People are going to be coming in from all over the planet. It’s about safety and security,” Canetti said. “There’s airport protocols. There’s ground protocols.”

In addition to logistics, Canetti is focused on highlighting human rights and sustainability and making soccer more accessible to young players in Houston.

Canetti will also be watching Thursday night when Argentina faces Ecuador in the Copa America at NRG Stadium. Local fans will flock to NRG, hoping to see Lionel Messi play in person. Messi, a global icon, is expected to play, offering fans the chance to witness one of soccer’s legends.

However, even Messi’s presence pales compared to the World Cup. “Imagine seven Super Bowls in Houston over the course of twenty days,” Canetti said.

The World Cup experience is much more than the seven matches our city will host. Houston’s World Cup ’26 Fanfest will run thirty-nine days, from the opening match on June 11th to the final on July 19th.

The scope of planning for the largest sporting event Houston has ever hosted is immense. City, state, and federal authorities are already collaborating with FIFA to ensure Houston delivers a great experience for everyone.

“This event is for Houston. It’s for the good of Houston,” Canetti said. “We need to make sure all the stakeholders in the city take advantage of this platform to ensure it’s safe, secure, and delivers positive results for our community.”

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