Houston – Houston is gearing up for a major soccer celebration as the city prepares to host seven matches during the FIFA World Cup in 2026. While the tournament is still over a year away, excitement is already building.
It’s partly thanks to the relaunch of the “Art of Soccer” campaign by the Harris County-Houston Sports Authority and Professional Sports Partners. The campaign, originally launched in 2019 during Houston’s bid to host the World Cup, invites businesses and individuals to collaborate with local artists to design custom three foot fiberglass soccer balls. The balls will then be displayed at a location of the businesses’ choosing. The pieces will not only beautify the city but also raise funds for legacy programs, like “Grow the Game”, which supports youth soccer programs. Other programs include sustainability efforts and human rights causes.
Businesses interested in participating can work with artists to personalize a design, with all proceeds benefiting the community. The goal is to leave a lasting impact long after the final whistle of the World Cup.
Harris County-Houston Sports Authority senior director of communications Daniel Gotera sat down with Houston life co-host Derrick Shore and correspondent Lauren Kelly to outline how Houston’s diverse communities, many of which already have a deep love for soccer, could benefit from this campaign and build a stronger soccer culture in the city. Watch his full interview in the player above!
With the World Cup expected to bring thousands of fans and visitors to Houston, the “Art of Soccer” campaign is a fantastic way to showcase the city’s creativity and community spirit. To learn more or get involved, visit the Harris County-Houston Sports Authority Foundation website or send and email to Erik@professionalsportspartners.com