Texas Cities Embrace World Cup Opportunities for Future Events

WHO:

Audacy - Monica Paul is the President of the North Texas FIFA World Cup Organizing Committee.

Texas Public Radio | TPR - Ryan Walsh is the CEO of the Harris County-Houston Sports Authority.

Texas Public Radio | TPR - John Whitmire is the Mayor of Houston.

WHAT:

Audacy - Dallas hopes to be a part of the 2031 Women's World Cup, which is expected to take place across four countries including the United States.

Texas Public Radio | TPR - Houston's bid to host the Women's World Cup is confirmed, with Ryan Walsh stating, "We will make a formal bid to FIFA, along with a couple of others, and present why we think Houston should be selected as a host city for the Women's World Cup in 2031."

Texas Public Radio | TPR - Houston is also expected to make bids for other international sporting events, including the Rugby World Cup in 2031, the World Masters Athletics Championship, and several NCAA tournaments.

Audacy - North Texas hosted nine matches during the FIFA World Cup.

Audacy - Hundreds of thousands of visitors attended the nearly six-week event in North Texas.

Texas Public Radio | TPR - Houston officials reported hosting seven matches during the FIFA World Cup as a major success.

Texas Public Radio | TPR - Houston plans to make a formal bid to FIFA to host the Women's World Cup in 2031.

Texas Public Radio | TPR - The 2027 Women's World Cup will be hosted in Brazil from June 24-July 25, 2027.

Texas Public Radio | TPR - Houston's NRG Stadium and Shell Energy Stadium are potential sites for matches in the Women's World Cup bid.

WHERE:

Audacy - The matches in North Texas were held at Dallas Stadium in Arlington.

Texas Public Radio | TPR - Houston is the city making the bid for the Women's World Cup.

WHEN:

Texas Public Radio | TPR - FIFA is expected to announce the host countries for the 2031 Women's World Cup in the coming months.

WHY:

Texas Public Radio | TPR - Ryan Walsh noted that the successful hosting of the men's World Cup has changed the narrative for Houston's bid, stating, "I think we've proven ourselves clearly that we've got a very, very successful men's World Cup."

Audacy - Monica Paul described the World Cup experience as "magical" for North Texas, highlighting teamwork and stakeholder collaboration.

Texas Public Radio | TPR - Ryan Walsh stated that Houston aims to replicate the successes of hosting the men's World Cup in their bid for the Women's World Cup.

HOW:

Audacy - Safety, security, and transportation were prioritized during the World Cup events in North Texas.

Texas Public Radio | TPR - Houston's bid will include a presentation to FIFA explaining why the city should be selected as a host.

(UPDATED July 24, 2026 20:22 UTC)

Dallas is eager to be part of the 2031 Women's World Cup, which will take place in four countries, including the United States. Houston has confirmed its bid to host the Women's World Cup, with Ryan Walsh emphasizing their commitment to presenting a strong case to FIFA for selection as a host city. Additionally, Houston plans to pursue bids for other major international sporting events, such as the Rugby World Cup and the World Masters Athletics Championship, building on the success of the recent men's World Cup.

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(UPDATED July 24, 2026 19:31 UTC)

Monica Paul, President of the North Texas FIFA World Cup Organizing Committee, described the World Cup experience as "magical," with hundreds of thousands of visitors attending nine matches held at Dallas Stadium in Arlington. Houston officials, led by Mayor John Whitmire and Ryan Walsh, CEO of the Harris County-Houston Sports Authority, reported a successful hosting of seven matches and are planning to formally bid for the Women's World Cup in 2031, with potential venues including NRG Stadium and Shell Energy Stadium. FIFA is expected to announce the host countries for the 2031 Women's World Cup in the coming months, as Houston aims to replicate the successes of the men's World Cup in their bid.