Janis Burke, chief executive of Harris County – Houston Sports Authority, was instrumental in bringing the 2026 FIFA World Cup to Houston.Although the United States, Canada and Mexico won the rights for the prestigious tournament back in 2018, it was another four years before the host cities were selected.FIFA President Gianni Infantino announced the 16 cities in June, with 11 of those chosen situated in the US. Houston was among them, with matches set to be hosted at the NRG Stadium.Burke, who had been planning Houston’s bid at least a decade before it came into fruition, revealed her emotions as Infantino declared that World Cup football would be heading to her city.“Pure joy and exhilaration mixed with relief,” she said. “I believe that we are all still smiling months later."

How did Janis Burke bring the 2026 World Cup to Houston?

The US last hosted the World Cup in 1994, and although neighbouring Dallas was a host city, Houston wasn’t even considered a possibility. Burke was adamant this wouldn’t happen again.

“I knew that the US was going to bid again for a World Cup at some point and we needed to prove ourselves as a successful hosting destination long before we were in the competition stages of a bid, so we put a plan in place to show the world that we could be the soccer capital of the nation,” Burke explained.

“Houston was able to attract an MLS team and become the first city in the nation to get a first-class soccer stadium built in a downtown area. We partnered with our MLS and NFL teams to host every kind of soccer event and international friendly we could get our hands on for each stadium.

“Big or small we would gladly host whatever soccer matches we could and put the event in the right sized venue to play to a sold-out or near sold-out crowd time and time again. Houston also added a women’s professional soccer team and rallied to support them.

“Over the last decade, Houston has hosted more soccer events than any other city in the US. That was on purpose.”

Video: Watch Houston named as a 2026 World Cup host city

Football surged in popularity in the US after the 1994 World Cup, and Burke revealed that Houston was prepared for another boom.

“We know it will increase again at a more rapid rate than last time,” she said. “In Houston it’s part of our legacy plan.

“We hope to increase the number of soccer fields and give access to all young people who wish to play the sport. Soccer, in its purest form. is the most accessible and racially diverse team sport in the world, but not in America.

“Soccer fields are traditionally located in the suburbs and is largely offered as a pay to play sport. We hope to close the disparity gap and greatly increase access to fields.”

17 JUL 1994: THE CLOSING CEREMONY PRIOR TO THE BRAZIL VERSUS ITALY 1994 WORLD CUP FINAL AT THE ROSE BOWL STADIUM IN PASADENA, CALIFORNIA. Mandatory Credit: Ben Radford/ALLSPORT

How is the Houston Sports Authority advancing women’s sport in Houston?

Bringing the World Cup to Houston was a major focus for Burke, but the promotion of women’s sport is of equal importance.

Houston Dash reached the play-offs of the NWSL for the first time this season, and although they suffered a 2-1 defeat to Kansas City in the quarter-finals, it was still a breakthrough moment.

Burke cited Houston Dash as just one example of how women are supported and celebrated in sports leadership roles in the city.

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JUNE 07: Haley Hanson #9 of the Houston Dash controls the ball against Angel City FC at Banc of California Stadium on June 07, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

“Houston not only has a professional women’s soccer team, but the President of that team is a female,” Burke said.

“The stadium where the Dash call home has a female General Manager in place, and they are currently working to build a new training facility that is separate from the men and youth programming.

“The new facility will service only the Dash players and we believe that makes a loud statement regarding the commitment towards these female athletes.

“The NBA Houston Rockets team has a female President. There is a Women in Sports & Events Houston Chapter financially supported by all the local professional sports teams to help provide networking, education, and mentoring programming for women of all ages who wish to have a career in sports.

“I’m a huge advocate for female athletes and leaders alike, and I’ll keep doing my part to help advance women’s sport in Houston.”

Burke believes that the success of such women’s sport teams and initiatives allows girls to see sport as a viable option.

“They are big contributors to the message we want all young girls to see and hear… if you can dream it, you can do it in Houston, Texas.”