HOUSTON — U.S. Rep. Al Green said Tuesday that Houston is prepared to host matches for the 2026 FIFA World Cup during a congressional panel discussion, while officials also identified security, immigration enforcement, and emergency readiness as ongoing planning concerns.
Green, a member of the House Homeland Security Committee, toured NRG Stadium with Rep. Bennie G. Thompson, the committee’s ranking member, ahead of Houston’s seven scheduled World Cup matches. Local officials told lawmakers that Houston, Harris County, and surrounding jurisdictions have spent years preparing for the tournament.
“Houstonians, while it is not a hotspot today, the potential exists, given that we’re having this great World Cup event take place in Houston,” Green said. “We’re concerned about a good number of things that could happen and whether we’re prepared to deal with these things that may happen.”
Officials described the event as a “fact-finding forum,” with discussions focusing on preparedness rather than criticism of current plans.
Mark Sloan, Harris County’s Homeland Security and Emergency Management coordinator, said the county is planning for World Cup operations while maintaining readiness for other emergencies.
“The rest of Harris County still needs to operate on a day-to-day basis and be prepared for other emergencies and crises that can occur while the event is ongoing,” Sloan said. “We continue to plan for those activities and not solely focus on the FIFA activities.”
Green referenced about $65 million in Federal Emergency Management Agency funding allocated for security and public safety planning related to the tournament. Thompson noted that the funding arrived later than expected.
Officials also raised questions about immigration enforcement at World Cup venues. Green said there was no definitive information about the role of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement during the event.
Thompson said officials have discussed the issue with individuals in contact with federal immigration authorities.
“We were assured that those actions would not be encouraged,” Thompson said. “From our vantage point, the rumors are the rumors.”
Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis said visitors may experience differences in local infrastructure and climate during the tournament.
“We’re not a city known for mass transit, as an example,” Ellis said. “People are going to enjoy the heat and humidity.”
