Manchester City Help Bolster Houston’s World-Class Hosting Credentials

Houston’s bid to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup has been boosted this week by the news that the city will host current Premier League Champions Manchester City at the state-of-the-art NRG Stadium as part of the club’s 2022/23 pre-season tour.

Manchester City will play against Club América in their first pre-season fixture at the 72,000 capacity NRG Stadium. The fixture will mark Manchester City’s return to NRG Stadium after taking on Manchester United in July 2017 in the first overseas Manchester derby, demonstrating Houston’s international appeal and proven ability to host global sporting events successfully. 

The NRG Stadium has hosted two Super Bowls, two NCAA Men’s Final Fours, Copa America, Gold Cup and various international soccer matches, including the United States Women’s and Men’s National Teams, the Mexican Men’s National Team and major teams from around the world.

Houston 2026 World Cup Bid Committee President Chris Canetti, said of the announcement: “The fact that current Premier League Champions Manchester City have chosen to return to the city of Houston twice in five years is evidence of the city’s operational readiness to host global sporting events.

“Houston’s state-of-the-art NRG Stadium, recognised as the “Best Football Crowd in America” in 2008, will provide an electric atmosphere for fans in the stadium and those watching around the world. Ultimately, this is a timely boost as we near a decision on our objective of becoming a host city for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.”

Houston is one of 17 U.S. cities bidding to host matches for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with FIFA set to decide on the U.S. host cities in June. Houston has hosted more large-scale sporting events than any other candidate host city since 2004, served by tried and tested venues, world-leading medical facilities, vast accommodation capacity and extensive local, domestic and international transport network.