J.J. Watt is a man of many talents. The former Houston Texans star and future NFL Hall of Fame defensive end now spends much of his time as both an NFL broadcaster and a European soccer club owner, one with major investments in both Burnley F.C. in England and RCD Espanyol in Spain. Watt knows all things football and his fair share of things fútbol. He also has one additional, very important skill: polishing off a good meal. 

Watt took the Internet by storm last summer when he absolutely crushed the famed 9-9-9 challenge at American Family Field in Milwaukee, pounding nine beers and devouring nine hot dogs in just under six innings. And while Watt may not be partaking in any specific food challenges in Houston this summer, he has plenty of advice for visitors to the Bayou City in June and July during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. 

Back in March, Watt shared to Roger Bennett, the host of popular soccer podcast and video program Men in Blazers, his top Houston eats at a live event at Rice University. The star ripped off a laundry list of Houston-area hotspots to try, ensuring no visitor goes hungry across the next month. 

“This is the place that I first tried when I moved here to Pearland: it’s called Gringo’s,” Watt told the audience before pointing to those in attendance. “You know exactly what I’m talking about.” His list quickly continued from there.

“Killen’s Burgers, very good, obviously, very good. Pappas Burger, very good burger. Trill Burgers are unfair. They put something in there that can’t be legal. It’s like crack, okay?”

Watt’s laundry list continued from there. He shouted out Houston staples Kolache Factory and Shipley Do-Nuts, adding he’s a fan of Mediterranean-American chain Island Grill, River Oaks restaurant State of Grace and Pappas Barbecue (whose jalapeño sausage breakfast tacos he raved about). Watt racked up plenty of sacks on the gridiron while playing in Houston. It seems as though he also packed in plenty of calories, preparing him to be Houston’s food ambassador for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. 

Houston will host seven World Cup matches from June 14 to July 4. But for those eyeing the full breadth of international options, we at Chron have you covered. Make sure to check out this World Cup food guide, where we reveal Houston-area restaurants featuring cuisine from each country participating in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.