“Gateway to the World” Mural Supports Houston’s 2026 World Cup Bid
The Houston 2026 World Cup Bid Committee, in collaboration with Houston Airports, will begin painting a 10,000-square-foot “Gateway to the World” mural at William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) in support of Houston’s bid to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The 20-by-500-foot mural, titled “Gateway to the World,” will be painted on the exterior of the Price Compressor Co. building at Hobby Airport by renowned street artist Mario Figueroa Jr., artistically known as GONZO247, and six other artists.
Houston Mayor Pro Tem Dave Martin, said of the initiative: “History has shown that our city can mobilize and come together in big moments, and there is no doubt that we will be able to rise to the occasion once again and serve as a great host to FIFA. I can say with confidence that our airports’ backing for our World Cup Bid is unmatched by any of our competitors.”
The monumental mural will be visible from aircraft departing and arriving at Hobby Airport, and will capture the synergy of Houston as the most diverse and innovative city in America. The work of art will include iconic Houston imagery and will highlight the city’s love of soccer. In addition to the mural, large ceramic soccer balls will be painted and later displayed inside Bush and Hobby airports.
Houston 2026 President Chris Canetti, added: “Soccer has always been an integral part of the history and future of Houston and it’s so wonderful to see our community come together to support the bid. We are really looking forward to seeing the artists’ vision come to life in the Hobby Airport mural and to showcase to the world why Houston is ready to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup.”
The World Cup will attract visitors from across the world. Houston is the only city in the Western Hemisphere to have two four-star Skytrax rated airports. In 2019, George Bush Intercontinental (IAH) and Hobby Airports served nearly 60 million passengers. In 2024, Bush Airport’s new Mickey Leland international terminal will provide greater capacity for wide-body aircraft.
GONZO247 and the six additional artists – Sylvia Blanco, Hannah Bull, Roni Cabrera-Moreno, Black Cassidy, Nicky Davis and Mathieu Jeanbaptiste – expect to have the mural completed by the end of the month.
