Houston to host 2026 World Cup matches: 'Mission: Accomplished'

Houston has been selected as a host city for the 2026 World Cup, according to the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA).

The premier international soccer tournament in four years will be played across three countries for the first time and will be expanded to include 48 teams. 

"Mission: Accomplished," the Houston 2026 World Cup Bid Committee proclaimed on Twitter.

Houston ABC affiliate KTRK reported that NRG Stadium is among the 16 chosen venues to host at least five games.

According to the station, the Bayou City's bid committee spent half a decade stating its case to FIFA on the structural advantages of the 20-year-old stadium and Houston's capability of hosting a high-profile sports event.

Houston CBS affiliate KHOU reported that aside from the U.S., Mexico is the other North American nation to host the World Cup at least once.

It'll be Canada's first time, the station reported.

The 2022 World Cup will be played in Qatar in the fall, and will be the last tournament under the 32-team format.

Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner expressed to Houston FOX affiliate KRIV his excitement over the announcement, which was read by pop star Becky G.

“It’s just an amazing day," Turner said in a recorded Twitter video published by the station. "We all know this is a great city, but for FIFA to acknowledge the greatness of this city by saying we'll be hosting some of those games, is just incredible.”

KTRK reported that Houston, along with Dallas, will represent Texas in the "United 2026" World Cup's central region. The other two regions are east and west.

FIFA narrowed its selections down to 16 from an initial pool of 23 U.S., Mexican and Canadian cities, per the station.

In the last 20 years, Houston has hosted two Super Bowls, four World Series and two National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Men's Division I Basketball Final Fours, with a third Final Four to be held again at NRG Stadium next year.