Original Houston Chronicle article
Rice University has been named to be an official Houston host city supporter for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the university and Houston’s World Cup host committee announced Friday.
The university plans to host watch parties, community programs and soccer clinics, and to create opportunities for students to pitch in on World Cup-related activities ahead of the World Cup. It will even run FIFA-themed campus tours.
“Our role as a university is to create opportunities for learning, connection and service that extend far beyond our campus,” Rice President Reginald DesRoches said in a statement. “Supporting the FIFA World Cup 2026 Houston Host Committee allows Rice to help welcome the world to Houston — to showcase the spirit of this city, to engage our students in meaningful, hands-on experiences and to contribute in ways that reflect our commitment to having global impact at a personalized scale.”
Chris Canetti, the local host committee president, said Rice is the first university or college to partner with a World Cup host city in North America as a supporter.
Houston is hosting seven matches this summer at NRG Stadium for the World Cup. Five of those are in the group stage and two are in the knockout round, including an exciting match set for July 4.
FIFA Fan Fest will be held in EaDo, meaning people who are taking public transportation from the fan festival and downtown to games will pass the university on the light rail.
World Cup watch parties will be hosted at Tudor Fieldhouse and the Ion, the innovation center located in Midtown, according to a news release.
DesRoches also said that Rice will collaborate with Art Club for a “sustainable ecologies installation exhibit” that will be found on campus and other places across the city.
“The FIFA World Cup represents the very best of global sport, and Rice Athletics is thrilled to help welcome the world to Houston,” Rice athletic director Tommy McClelland said in a statement. “We are excited to welcome soccer fans to Tudor Fieldhouse and the Ion District to celebrate the ‘beautiful game’ at its highest level. These events allow us to showcase our campus and students while elevating interest in the sport of soccer across Houston and bringing our community together around an unforgettable global moment.”