FIFA World Cup 2026™ Houston Host Committee announce 'Road to the Cup, Presented by Reliant' 7v7 Youth Soccer Tournament
HOUSTON, TEXAS (January 15, 2026) – The FIFA World Cup 2026™ Houston Host Committee and announce the 'Road to the Cup, Presented by Reliant', a 7v7 youth soccer tournament for boys and girls ages U11 through U18/19. The first stage of the competition, including group stage play and knockout rounds, will take place March 6-8 at Houston Sports Park, Campbell Road Sports Park, RISE South Campus and Dave Finkle Fields. Teams in each age groups will compete to earn a place to play in a championship game at FIFA Fan Festival ™ during the initial weeks of FIFA World Cup 2026™.
The tournament is a part of FIFA World Cup 2026 ™ Houston Host Committee’s commitment to growing the game of soccer. Grow the Game, along with defending human rights and protecting the environment, is one of the three pillars of Impact Houston 26 which is the collaborative larger commitment between the Host Committee and the Harris County–Houston Sports Authority's Foundation to leaving a lasting legacy long after the final whistle has been blown.
“The Road to the Cup presented by Reliant is more than a competition, it's about creating unforgettable experiences for youth players across the South Texas region,” said Chris Canetti, President of the FIFA World Cup 2026™ Houston Host Committee. “Giving these young athletes the chance to play at FIFA Fan Festival will connect them with the largest sporting event in the world in a way that they will never forget.”
“As an Official Houston World Cup 2026 Host City Supporter, we are thrilled to be part of celebrating the world’s premier soccer event in our hometown and growing the game in the communities where our customers live and work,” said Mark Parsons, Senior Vice President of Reliant and head of Texas Energy, NRG. “This tournament will create the soccer experience of a lifetime for young athletes across South Texas and we could not be more excited to be part of it.”
Registration is open now at fwc26houston.com/7v7 until January 23 and will require a team entry fee of $750. The Road to the Cup presented by Reliant 7v7 tournament is sanctioned by the South Texas Youth Soccer Association (STYSA) and is open to any team in good standing with a member organization of the US Soccer Federation. Information on tournament rules and procedures will also be available at fwc26houston.com/7v7.
Media Availability
Chris Canetti, President of FIFA World Cup 2026™ Houston Host Committee, will be available for media interviews on Friday, January 16 between 8–11:30 am for inquiries regarding Road to the Cup presented by Reliant.
About the FIFA World Cup 2026™ Houston Host Committee
The FIFA World Cup 2026™ Houston Host Committee, operating under the Sports Authority Foundation, collaborates with FIFA, the City of Houston, Harris County, and community stakeholders to ensure a world-class experience for players, fans, and visitors surrounding FIFA World Cup 2026™. Alongside stakeholders, the Host Committee oversees operations, safety, transportation and logistics for the seven FIFA World Cup 2026™ matches to take place at Houston Stadium and the open-to-the-public FIFA Fan Festival™ to be held in East Downtown Houston during the length of the tournament. A core tenet of the Host Committee is a commitment to leaving a lasting legacy in Houston beyond the tournament via initiatives that advance human rights, sustainability, and the growth of soccer. Learn more at FWC26 Houston.
About the Harris County-Houston Sports Authority and Sports Authority Foundation
The Harris County-Houston Sports Authority (HCHSA), founded in 1997, is responsible for servicing the debt of the world-class sports facilities it was created to build and ensuring their long-term sustainability. In support of this core mission, HCHSA leads the charge in attracting major sporting events to Houston and promoting our region as a home for all sports-related activities. This ultimately results in enhancing our economic development, improving the quality of life for our residents, and reinforcing Houston and Harris County as a premier destination for marquee sporting events. Its 501(c)(3) arm, the Sports Authority Foundation, manages the community engagement and legacy programs tied to major events, including FIFA World Cup 26™ in Houston, through Impact Houston 26. Learn more at Harris County–Houston Sports Authority and Sports Authority Foundation.
About Reliant, an NRG company
Reliant makes power personal. Texans trust Reliant as a provider of electricity and a pillar of support across the state. From a best-in-class app to breakthrough innovations, Reliant is recognized nationally for outstanding customer service and as the leader in the evolving energy and smart home space. Reliant is part of NRG Energy, Inc., a Fortune 500 company that delivers innovative natural gas, electricity, and smart home solutions to homes and businesses across North America. Visit reliant.com for more information and connect with us on Facebook at facebook.com/reliantenergy and X or Instagram @reliantenergy. PUCT Certificate #10007.
Foster Sr. 3B Emerson Lechler (Baylor signee)Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
