Daisy Espinoza / Houston Public Media
Pictured is a METRO light rail vehicle in February 2024.
Houston’s public transportation services are set to receive more than $9 million in federal funding for improvements ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Across the United States, the Federal Transit Administration is investing $100 million to improve public transportation for cities that are hosting World Cup matches. On Thursday, Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, announced Houston would receive $9.09 million.
“The 2026 World Cup is just around the corner, which will bring hundreds of thousands of fans to Houston in need of a safe mode of transportation to seamlessly travel to and from stadiums,” Cornyn said. “I’m grateful these resources will enhance public transit to help meet the expected surge in demand and create memorable experiences for players, teams, and fans.”
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It was not immediately clear Thursday how exactly the funding will be utilized in Houston or how quickly improvements will be made. The Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County (METRO), which operates buses and light rail lines as the region’s public transit provider, did not immediately return a request for comment.
The funding will come through the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2026, which was signed into law in early February. The money must be allocated for capital, planning and operational expenses for matches and other events associated with the World Cup, such as Houston’s Fan Festival.
The federal government says the amounts of funding apportioned accounts for the stadium capacity and the number of matches each city is hosting. Houston’s NRG Stadium will host seven matches, between mid-June and early July, during the international soccer tournament.
“DOT is doing its part to ensure the United States is ready to host the most spectacular World Cup in history,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy. ”We’re proud to partner with host cities to provide fans with a seamless travel experience that will be part of the memories they cherish from attending these historic games.”
The 2026 World Cup is being held in the U.S., Canada and Mexico. It begins on June 11, with Houston’s first match on June 14. The World Cup host committee in Houston estimates the tournament will bring more than 500,000 visitors and generate $1.5 billion for the city’s economy.