Key Takeaways
- The FIFA World Cup 2026 Houston Host Committee will host a 7v7 youth soccer tournament March 6-8 across four Houston-area facilities for players ages U11 through U18/19
- Teams pay a $750 entry fee and compete for the opportunity to play championship games at FIFA Fan Festival during the FIFA World Cup 2026
- Registration closes January 23 at fwc26houston.com/7v7, with the tournament sanctioned by the South Texas Youth Soccer Association
- Reliant serves as presenting sponsor as part of its role as an Official Houston World Cup 2026 Host City Supporter
- The tournament supports the Host Committee’s “Grow the Game” pillar within Impact Houston 26, its broader legacy initiative
Tournament Structure Spans Multiple Houston Facilities
The Road to the Cup presented by Reliant will begin with group stage play and knockout rounds across four venues: Houston Sports Park, Campbell Road Sports Park, RISE South Campus, and Dave Finkle Fields. The tournament is open to boys and girls teams ages U11 through U18/19.
Teams in each age group that advance through the March competition will earn the opportunity to play championship games at FIFA Fan Festival during the initial weeks of the FIFA World Cup 2026. The tournament is sanctioned by the South Texas Youth Soccer Association and open to any team in good standing with a member organization of the US Soccer Federation.
Registration remains open through January 23 at fwc26houston.com/7v7, with a team entry fee of $750. Tournament rules and procedures are available on the same registration site.
Aligning Tournament with Broader Legacy Goals
The tournament represents one component of Impact Houston 26, the collaborative commitment between the FIFA World Cup 2026 Houston Host Committee and the Harris County–Houston Sports Authority’s Foundation. Impact Houston 26 focuses on three pillars: growing the game of soccer, defending human rights, and protecting the environment.
“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.”
The Host Committee oversees operations, safety, transportation, and logistics for the seven FIFA World Cup 2026 matches scheduled at Houston Stadium, along with the FIFA Fan Festival to be held in East Downtown Houston during the tournament.
Reliant’s Role as Presenting Sponsor
Reliant, an Official Houston World Cup 2026 Host City Supporter, is presenting the tournament as part of its involvement in the event.
“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.”
What Registration Opens and What Comes Next
With registration open until January 23, teams across South Texas have one week remaining to register. Chris Canetti, President of the 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 the tournament.
The Harris County-Houston Sports Authority, founded in 1997, services the debt of Houston’s sports facilities and attracts major sporting events to the region. Its 501(c)(3) arm, the Sports Authority Foundation, manages community engagement and legacy programs tied to major events, including FIFA World Cup 26 in Houston, through Impact Houston 26.
via: FWC Houston / VYPE
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