Houston and Arlington Shine as World Cup Tourism Thrives

WHO:

Greater Houston Partnership - Visitors from around the globe, including fans from CURAÇAO, Portugal, Uzbekistan, Netherlands, and Sweden.

NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth - Arlington Mayor Jim Ross, FIFA President Gianni Infantino.

WHAT:

Greater Houston Partnership - Visitors expressed their appreciation for Houston's hospitality, with one stating, “Thank you, Houston for hosting us and giving us such a warm welcome for our World Cup debut. With so much love, CURAÇAO.”

Greater Houston Partnership - Another visitor remarked, “This is my 4th World Cup and the best one yet!!! Houston did an amazing job! Loved the atmosphere at every match!!!”

Greater Houston Partnership - Houston hosted seven matches during the FIFA World Cup 2026™.

NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth - Arlington is one match away from completing its role as a host city for the FIFA World Cup 2026, with a semifinal match scheduled next week.

NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth - Arlington's hospitality industry generated over $31 million in hotel revenue in June, not including restaurants and retail.

WHERE:

Greater Houston Partnership - Houston, Texas.

NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth - Arlington, Texas, specifically at Dallas Stadium.

WHEN:

NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth - The semifinal match in Arlington is scheduled for next week.

WHY:

NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth - Mayor Jim Ross highlighted Arlington's diversity, stating, "For Arlington, that's special. We're the most diverse city in all of Texas. We're third most diverse in the country."

NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth - The World Cup has delivered historic economic results and strengthened international relationships for Arlington.

NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth - Mayor Jim Ross believes meetings with world leaders, including the king of Jordan, could lead to long-term business partnerships.

HOW:

NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth - Mayor Jim Ross mentioned that FIFA President Gianni Infantino praised Arlington during the tournament, saying, "This is the mayor that has the city with the best stadium in the world."

NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth - Arlington plans to pursue additional opportunities to host future FIFA events, including the FIFA Women's World Cup.

Visitors to Houston have expressed their gratitude for the city's warm hospitality during their World Cup debut, with one saying, “Thank you, Houston for hosting us and giving us such a warm welcome.” Another attendee, who has been to multiple World Cups, declared this one the best yet, praising the atmosphere at every match. Meanwhile, Arlington's Mayor Jim Ross highlighted the city's diversity and shared that FIFA President Gianni Infantino praised Arlington, calling it home to "the best stadium in the world."