The Art of Soccer campaign is a Houston 2026 initiative that brought together more than 50 local businesses, civic leaders, athletes and fans to raise funds to support the bid. By combining art and soccer, local artists were paired with campaign participants to paint oversized ceramic soccer balls and display them in high-traffic areas across the city.
The Art of Soccer viewing party brought all of the soccer balls on display in one room for the first time. “Today’s Art of Soccer viewing party is another example of how Houstonians are rallying together to support our city’s bid to deliver a World Cup of the Future, in America’s City of the Future. Not only does it demonstrate the incredible commitment and investment from public, private and civic institutions, but it also underlines Houston’s unique spirit that sets it apart from any other candidate city,” said Houston 2026 World Cup Bid Committee President Chris Canetti.
The event was attended by Houston business and community leaders and featured a special viewing ceremony and an update on the bid process, with a decision expected this spring. “If Houston is awarded the honor of hosting the FIFA World Cup in 2026, we would invite the world to come and experience Houston’s vibrant culture and deeply passionate soccer fan base,” added Canetti.
The Art of Soccer campaign is one of many initiatives launched as part of the bid committee’s ‘Spirit of Houston’ campaign, aimed at showcasing that the weight of the entire community is passionately rallying together to bring the world’s game to the most ethnically diverse city in the United States.
