Airbnb’s Funds Will Help Build a Legacy in Houston
HOUSTON, TX — As part of its Host City Impact Program across North America, Airbnb has announced plans to invest more than $1 million in funds in Houston that will fuel the FIFA World Cup 26™ Houston Host Committee and its legacy programs under Impact Houston 26, building a lasting impact for locals through initiatives that include sustainable infrastructure enhancements and growing access to the game of soccer.
“We are elated to have the support of Airbnb, which will be integral in supporting Impact Houston 26 programming that will channel the energy and excitement around a once-in-a-lifetime event into positive, long-lasting advancements for the city. These legacy projects under the Impact Houston 26 name are central to the work we’re doing,” said Chris Canetti, President of the FIFA World Cup 26™ Houston Host Committee. “It’s not every day that a company makes such a concerted effort in improving the quality of life for residents—Airbnb is exemplifying how corporations can serve communities in meaningful ways.”
Green Corridor
The first project that Airbnb will help support, the Green Corridor—which is under development now—is a significant network of improvements and experiences that will demonstrate a more connected and resilient era for Houstonians as a part of Impact Houston 26’s sustainability pillar.
Far more than a single project, Green Corridor initiatives center around enhancing both resident and visitor experience during FIFA World Cup 26™ and beyond. The 14-mile sustainable transit loop connects FIFA World Cup 26™ venues—the FIFA Fan Festival in East Downtown (EaDo) and NRG Stadium—and incorporates improvements along the corridor to mitigate heat, highlight nature and biodiversity, improve navigation and encourage sustainable transport options. Features include:
- Heat mitigation measures, like shade and water refill points
- Native planting, an expanded tree canopy and air quality monitoring
- An interactive map and sustainability educational moments like signage, murals, sensory areas and other activations
- Innovation demonstrations, renewable energy stations, bike storage and more
Following the METRORail Red Line, the Green Corridor links NRG Park, the Museum District, Midtown, Downtown and EaDo and connects EaDo to Brays Bayou via the Columbia Tap Trail. Other existing venues along the corridor include Discovery Green, Main Street Promenade, Hermann Park, The Ion, and Greentown Labs—some of the best community-centric venues Houston has to offer.
“The Green Corridor will highlight the connectivity and infrastructure of a major hotspot of activity in Houston while positively connecting Houstonians for years to come—in practical terms, this could look like people riding a bike from Downtown to NRG Stadium safely, with respite from the heat and water along the way,” said Elizabeth Carlson, Chair of the FIFA World Cup 26™ Houston Host Committee Sustainability Sub-Committee.
Grow the Game
Further, Airbnb’s contributions will help fuel a second legacy pillar of Impact Houston 26: Grow the Game. Aimed at expanding access to the game of soccer to people of all ages and walks of life, Grow the Game will be an incredible growth catalyst for Houston’s soccer ecosystem. The initiative will promote:
- Field Development – renovating soccer fields in underserved communities across Harris County
- Soccer Clinics and Tournaments – activating the fields with free or low-cost tournaments, youth clinics, and community programs
- Coach and Referee Development – launch certification pathways for coaches and referees
- Art of Soccer – connect people to the sport via a public art experience showcasing giant soccer balls painted by local artists
Legacy and Impact
The Green Corridor and Grow the Game are part of broader Impact Houston 26 legacy plans by the FIFA World Cup 26™ Houston Host Committee, creating a cohesive framework to harness this one-in-a-generation event and maximize its impact across the city for generations to come.
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ABOUT THE FIFA WORLD CUP 26™ HOUSTON HOST COMMITTEE
The Houston World Cup 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 NRG 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 FIFA WORLD CUP 26™
FIFA World Cup 26™ will be the biggest sporting event ever, with three Host Countries, 16 Host Cities, 48 teams and 104 matches uniting an entire continent to showcase a momentous new tournament format. With more countries, cities, teams, and games, FIFA World Cup 26™ will be the most inclusive tournament ever, engaging millions of fans across 16 unique stadiums and billions worldwide. The tournament will take place June 11 – July 19, 2026. Media representatives should register for updates via the FIFA Media Hub.
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 venues 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.
