With the FIFA World Cup 2026™ approaching, Houston has a prime opportunity to showcase its global competitiveness. In March, Team Houston traveled to Germany, Portugal, and the Netherlands to position the city as a top destination for business, investment, and major international events. Coordinated by the Greater Houston Partnership in collaboration with Houston First Corporation and the FIFA World Cup 2026 Houston Host Committee, the mission demonstrated how strategic global engagement can drive lasting economic growth.
Over the course of the week, the delegation engaged with nearly 100 European companies, opening the door to new business relationships and reinforcing Houston’s reputation as a leading hub for energy, infrastructure, life sciences, and innovation.
In Germany, Team Houston participated in the Invest in Houston Summit at DFB, the German Football Association’s headquarters, convening companies interested in expanding into the U.S. market. A key highlight was a meeting with BASF, the world’s largest chemical manufacturer. The delegation toured BASF’s facilities and held discussions around future opportunities in Houston. With its strong industrial base and leadership in energy and manufacturing, Houston continues to be a natural fit for global companies like BASF seeking growth in North America.
In Portugal, the delegation built on this momentum at the Invest in Houston Summit hosted at the Portuguese Football Federation’s Cidade do Futebol. The event elevated Houston’s international visibility, drawing participation from business leaders and global sports figures, including Portugal National Team Head Coach Roberto Martínez and football legend Pepe. Beyond the summit, Team Houston met with Lisbon Mayor Carlos Moedas and city leadership to strengthen ties between the two regions.
The delegation also held a highly productive meeting with EDP, a global energy company with a significant presence in Houston. Conversations centered on the future of grid-scale battery storage and energy resilience, critical components of Houston’s evolving energy ecosystem. As EDP continues to expand its renewable energy portfolio, Houston remains a key partner in advancing energy innovation.
In the Netherlands, the mission culminated with a series of high-level engagements that underscored Houston’s global connectivity. At a reception hosted by U.S. Ambassador Joseph Popolo in The Hague, the delegation connected with leaders from the Port of Rotterdam, U.S. Commercial Service, and Dutch business community. These discussions highlighted shared priorities in trade, logistics, and energy transition between two of the world’s leading port regions.
The Invest in Houston Summit at the Royal Dutch Football Association (KNVB) headquarters further reinforced Houston’s value proposition, bringing together Dutch companies and startups interested in entering the U.S. market. The delegation also toured KNVB’s innovation hub, gaining insight into how sports, technology, and infrastructure intersect, an approach that aligns closely with Houston’s vision as a global sports and innovation leader.
A key meeting with Arcadis, a global leader in infrastructure and sustainability headquartered in Amsterdam, emphasized Houston’s role as a strategic partner for major international firms. With an existing footprint in Houston and involvement in critical projects, Arcadis is well-positioned to support the region’s long-term growth.
Overall, the mission was a clear success, strengthening relationships, generating new investment opportunities, and positioning Houston at the center of global conversations on energy, infrastructure, and innovation. As these relationships continue to develop, Houston is well-positioned to convert global interest in FIFA games hosted in the city into lasting economic impact.
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