Houston launches Impact Houston 26 to manage World Cup legacy programme

World Cup 2026 host city Houston has launched its legacy programme under the Impact Houston 26 banner which will manage and ensure the hosting of 2026 has an ongoing impact beyond the finals.

It will operate under the Sports Authority Foundation, a nonprofit organisation that manages the charitable and community-focused initiatives of the Harris County–Houston Sports Authority and its local organising committees.

“The Sports Authority Foundation exists for one reason: to serve our community by unlocking the power of sports to inspire and transform. With FIFA World Cup 2026 coming to Houston, we fused that belief with the Host Committee’s vision for a lasting legacy. The result is Impact Houston 2026, a bold legacy initiative designed to match the scale and spirit of the world’s biggest sporting event,” says Ryan Walsh, Chief Executive Officer – Harris County–Houston Sports Authority.

The Houston bid has had as its mission statement three core pillars: Growing the Game, Defending Human Rights, and Protecting the Environment. Impact Houston 26 mission is to bring a co-ordinated and impactful approach to legacy initiatives that will help elevate the quality of life across the region.

Funding for legacy initiatives and any surplus of Host Committee funds will be channelled through Impact Houston 26 with grants being distributed to programmes that meet the Host Committee’s legacy plans.

Those initiatives include: pitch development, Youth Soccer Programming, Soccer Clinics and Tournaments, Coach and Referee Development Programs, Art of Soccer, Sustainability Programs, and Human Rights Programs.

“This is Houston’s time to shine, not just for the month of the tournament but for generations to come,” said Chris Canetti, President of the FWC26 Houston Host Committee. “We have been driven by legacy since day one, and it is great to see the original vision coming to fruition as the World Cup approaches. Fueled by the generous support of Houston’s corporate community, we are ready to show what meaningful impact looks like in action.”

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