Houston completed nearly half a billion dollars in public improvements ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026™ — investments designed to strengthen the region long after the tournament ends.
Led by the City of Houston and regional partners, the effort spans more than 200 projects focused on mobility, public spaces, transit access and beautification, including:
- 400 lane miles of resurfaced streets
- $100 million in drainage improvements
- $84 million for sidewalks and pathways
- $29 million in street lighting
- $15 million for neighborhood parks
- 7,000 new trees
- 5,000 improved bus stops and 2,000 new shelters
“The level of visibility the World Cup provides is an opportunity to strengthen Houston’s international reputation as a welcoming and friendly city where people and businesses can thrive,” said Steve Kean, President and CEO of the Greater Houston Partnership.
Transportation + Connectivity
Houston’s gateways and transportation network were a major focus of the region’s preparations. George Bush Intercontinental Airport opened its newly expanded Terminal E earlier this year, creating a more streamlined experience for international travelers with self-service bag drops, check-in kiosks, expanded curb space and a 17-lane TSA checkpoint.
READ MORE: IAH Opens Expanded Terminal E for International Travelers
Regional partners also advanced the Green Corridor, a 14-mile corridor that links key destinations like Houston Stadium, the FIFA Fan Festival in East Downtown, Downtown, Midtown, the Museum District and Third Ward through METRORail, hike-and-bike trails and public spaces.
The project also included the addition of native plantings, expanded tree canopy, shade features, air quality monitoring, water stations and bike repair stations along the route, creating a more accessible and comfortable experience for residents and visitors.
A key piece of the Green Corridor is the Columbia Tap Trail, a four-mile hike-and-bike trail connecting Third Ward and East Downtown. The trail is undergoing a $7.5 million improvement project that will add more than 300 solar-powered pedestrian lights along the trail.
Parks + Community Spaces
Mason Park, in Houston’s East End, has been revitalized with an improved soccer field, enhanced drainage, more than 130 new trees, upgraded benches and a kid-focused nature area featuring student art and play space.
Other community investments include the new Futbolito court in Second Ward, designed for pickup games and family gatherings, as well as FREEKICKS Soccer, an initiative to build or refurbish 23 pitches across Greater Houston and expand access to organized youth soccer in underserved communities.
EXPLORE: Around the World: A Guide to Houston’s Global Neighborhoods
Reimagining Downtown
One of the largest investments is the Main Street Promenade, a $17 million project led by Downtown Houston+ that transformed seven blocks of Main Street into a vehicle-free corridor. Stretching from Allen’s Landing to Rusk Street, the promenade created a safer, more inviting place to walk, dine, shop and gather in the heart of downtown.
READ MORE: Downtown Houston’s Main Street Promenade Opens Ahead of World Cup
The organization also completed the first phase of its Cool + Connected Corridors initiative along Texas Avenue, adding shade structures, landscaping, pedestrian lighting and streetscape enhancements near key destinations such as Daikin Park and the Theater District, making the corridor easier to navigate.
Regional Collaboration for a Lasting Impact
These projects highlight Houston’s ability to work together across public, private and civic sectors to deliver investments that improve daily life for residents, strengthen the visitor experience and better position the region to host major events in the future.
Learn more about what makes Houston a leading place to live, work and build a business.