New initative will empower K-12 students around the Greater Houston area to participate in Host Committee -aligned sustainability projects and create a lasting environmental impact, with micrograntpplications for schools open through February 27.
HOUSTON, TEXAS (February 2, 2026) – The FIFA World Cup 2026™ Houston Host Committee, in collaboration with the Sports Authority Foundation, is excited to announce the launch of Impact Houston 26’s Sustainable School Badge that is designed to further environmental literacy in K-12 schools and support projects that are taking meaningful steps toward environmental sustainability.
Through this program, the FIFA World Cup 2026™ Houston Host Committee is encouraging students from schools across the Houston-Galveston Area Council (HGAC) region to implement sustainability projects within their schools or communities. Participants are encouraged to apply for microgrant support through the Children’s Environmental Literacy Foundation (CELF) at this form, providing funding and resources to help bring their innovative, student-led projects to life and support meaningful, real-world impact. Microgrants ranging from $50 to $2,000 are available and priority applications are due February 27, with awards based on project alignment and school financial need. The Host Committee’s goal is to encourage local participation in sustainability-driven initiatives and to spotlight student’s efforts leading up to and during the FIFA World Cup 2026™ games in Houston.
The Host Committee has developed an official K–12 Sustainability Padlet, available at https://celf.padlet.org/StephanieCELF/k-12-menu-for-impact-houston-26-sustainability-student-actio-4dfxeyt7ejkbok8n, which will be distributed to schools across the region. This online resource serves as a comprehensive guide for the schools and students to help inspire and implement their own sustainability projects. The resource features real-world examples from other schools to follow along with step-by-step guidance, clear connections to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDG) and the Houston Host Committee’s sustainability plan. While the resource will provide an array of best practices, schools are encouraged to design their own projects using the established sustainability frameworks.
The goal is to spotlight student sustainability efforts leading up to and during the FIFA World Cup 2026™.
The launch of the Impact Houston 26 Sustainable School Badge is all part of Impact Houston 26’s larger commitment to leaving a meaningful legacy for the region. Environmental protection, along with growing the game of soccer and defending human rights, is one of the three core pillars of Impact Houston 26 and this program aims to ensure that the tournament leaves behind a positive environmental through student-led action.
For more information on the Impact Houston 26 Sustainable School Badge, including eligibility criteria and project resources, schools are encouraged to visit the official K–12 Sustainability webpage for the FIFA World Cup 2026™ Houston Host Committee at https://www.fwc26houston.com/environmentalsustainability.
About the FIFA World Cup 2026™ Houston Host Committee
The FIFA World Cup 2026™ Houston 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 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 facilities 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.
About Impact Houston 26
Impact Houston 26 is a bold legacy program launched by the FIFA World Cup 2026™ Houston Host Committee in collaboration with the Sports Authority Foundation, designed to ensure that Houston’s role as a host city for the FIFA World Cup 2026™ creates meaningful, long-lasting benefits for the region. Operating under the Harris County-Houston Sports Authority’s Sports Authority Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to community-focused and charitable sports initiatives, Impact Houston 26 will guide and manage legacy programs that extend well beyond the tournament. Guided by three core pillars; Growing the Game, Defending Human Rights, and Protecting the Environment, the initiative aims to elevate the quality of life across the Greater Houston area and serve as a model for future World Cup host cities. Legacy efforts include (but are not limited to) field development, youth soccer programming, soccer clinics and tournaments, coach and referee development, sustainability efforts, human rights programs and community arts initiatives. Funding is supported by Impact Houston 26 donors, who are committed to building a meaningful legacy impact anchored in sport, community and opportunity. Current Sponsors include: Airbnb, Aramco, Arca Continental Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages, CenterPoint, Cheniere, Chevron, Citgo, City of Sugar Land, Houston Methodist, Lone Star Sports and Entertainment, NRG, Oxy, Quanta, Rice University, Shell, and Sysco.
Media Contacts
Colin Spaulding, (832) 797-1430
Carla Gomez, (936) 520-1910
