Issuu

APRIL-JUNE 2026

Q2 Social Snapshot

Thesecond quarter marked a milestone moment for the Houston–Harris County region as FIFA World Cup 26™ finally arrived. With the conclusion of seven matches and one of the longest-running FIFA Fan Festivals™, Houston will have conducted one of the most impressive runs of top-tier sporting events any city has ever seen. The momentum leading into the tournament was equally remarkable, including the inaugural Fleet Week Houston, The Chevron Championship, Astros Race to the Pennant, home games for the Astros, Rockets, Dynamo, Dash and Gamblers, and other major events that generated more than a $1 billion in estimated economic impact before accounting for the World Cup itself. Collectively, they increased visibility for the region and reinforced Houston’s reputation as a premier destination for major sporting events.

Q2 at a Glance

8,449,023

IMPRESSIONS (UP 452.9% FROM Q1)

3,309

NET AUDIENCE GROWTH (UP 231.6% FROM Q1)

673,425

VIDEO VIEWS (UP 991.5% FROM Q1)

126,175

TOTAL ENGAGEMENTS (UP 327.6% FROM Q1)

9,557

POST CLICKS (UP 17.5% FROM Q1)

1.5%

AUDIENCE GROWTH: Increased 24.6% year-over-year.

NET AUDIENCE GROWTH: Increased 217.4% year-over-year.

VIDEO VIEWS: Increased 6,646.7% year-over-year.

ENGAGEMENT RATE (DOWN 0.4% FROM Q1) Data Source: Sprout - Cross-Network

As Houston prepared to welcome the world, Impact Houston 26 was established as the official legacy program for the FIFA World Cup 26™ Houston. The initiative, created by the Sports Authority Foundation and FIFA World Cup 26™ Houston Host Committee, focuses on creating generational and lasting benefits through efforts centered on growing the game, protecting the environment, and supporting local communities. Throughout the quarter, Impact Houston 26 advanced initiatives across its three core pillars—Grow the Game, Human Rights, and Sustainability— bringing together partners from across the region to maximize the tournament’s positive impact on local communities.

Keep Houston Beautiful

Day

On April 11, HCHSA staff joined volunteers from across the region for Keep Houston Beautiful Day, a citywide initiative focused on enhancing public spaces and promoting environmental stewardship. Volunteers worked together to remove litter, beautify local neighborhoods, and create cleaner, more welcoming spaces for both Houston residents and visitors.

EaDo Cleanup

On May 30, volunteers gathered in East Downtown for a community cleanup ahead of FIFA World Cup 26™. The effort united local organizations, businesses, and residents in a shared commitment to sustainability and community pride, supporting the neighborhood’s long-term vibrancy for the people who live, work, and raise families in EaDo every day.

ALL ABOUT FIFA WORLD CUP 26™

FIFA WORLD CUP 26™ GROUP STAGE

Houston Stadium hosted five Group Stage matches during FIFA World Cup 26™, welcoming fans from around the world and showcasing some of the tournament’s most memorable earlyround moments. Highlights included Cristiano Ronaldo becoming the first player in history to score at six different FIFA World Cups™ and the Netherlands’ 5-1 victory over Sweden, powered by two goals each from Cody Gakpo and Brian Brobbey. The Group Stage also brought vibrant fan marches representing the Netherlands, Sweden, Uzbekistan, and Portugal, adding to the atmosphere throughout the city. Throughout the Group Stage, Houston played host to nine nations and thousands of supporters, helping set the stage for the tournament’s knockout rounds.

FIFA WORLD CUP 26™ ROUND OF 32

Houston Stadium hosted its first knockout-stage match of FIFA World Cup 26™ during the Round of 32, where advancement to the tournament’s final 16 was on the line. Brazil defeated Japan by a score of 2-1, with Gabrel Martinelli scoring the game winner at 90+6’. The win secured a place in the Round of 16 and added another memorable chapter to Houston’s World Cup story.

FIFA WORLD CUP 26™ ROUND OF 16

Houston Stadium hosted its final FIFA World Cup 26™ match during the Round of 16, with a spot in the quarterfinals on the line. Morocco shut out Canada 3-0 with a brace from Azzedine Ounahi to secure the victory, advancing to the final eight for the second straight World Cup. The match closed out an unforgettable run of seven matches in Houston that showcased the passion, excitement, and global spirit of the world’s game.

FIFA FAN FESTIVAL™ HOUSTON

FIFA Fan Festival™ Houston transformed East Downtown into a hub for fans throughout FIFA World Cup 26™. The free event featured live match broadcasts, entertainment from local musicians and performers, interactive activations, and cultural experiences that brought together residents and visitors from around the world. Throughout the tournament, the festival served as a central gathering place for fans to celebrate the world’s biggest sporting event while experiencing the energy and culture of Houston.

FOOTBALL FIESTA

Created by the Sports Authority Foundation, Football Fiesta was designed to support local businesses and celebrate Houston’s culture during FIFA World Cup 26™. The program connected residents and visitors with restaurants, bars, breweries, and entertainment venues throughout East Downtown, where participating businesses hosted watch parties, themed activations, and special offerings. By encouraging exploration of the neighborhood, Football Fiesta helped drive economic activity while showcasing the hospitality and character that makes Houston unique.

The Houston Gamblers opened their 2026 home schedule at Shell Energy Stadium with a dramatic 22-20 victory over the Birmingham Stallions, securing the win on a game-winning field goal in the final seconds. The matchup marked the team’s first season under the revived Gamblers identity and their debut at Shell Energy Stadium. Houston finished the season with a 4-6 record, continuing to build its presence within the UFL and contributing to the region’s year-round professional sports calendar.

Houston hosted its inaugural Fleet Week from April 15–22, welcoming members of the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard for a week of public events, educational programming, and community engagement. The celebration included ship tours, military demonstrations, and partnerships with local organizations, providing residents and visitors with a unique opportunity to connect with the men and women who serve our country.

Clash of Clubs brought more than 100 girls basketball clubs and athletes ages 9–17 to NRG Center for a premier recruiting showcase. The event provided young athletes with the opportunity to compete against top talent while gaining exposure to college coaches and recruiters from across the country. By creating a platform for competition, development, and recruitment, the tournament helped support the next generation of studentathletes.

The Chevron Championship brought the world’s top female golfers to Memorial Park Golf Course for the first major championship of the LPGA season and marked the tournament’s inaugural year at the venue. Nelly Korda captured the championship with a winning score of 18-under par, while Patty Tavatanakit and Ruoning Yin finished tied for second at 13-under par. Korda’s five-stroke victory marked the largest winning margin at The Chevron Championship in 18 years. The tournament showcased elite competition and further strengthened Houston’s reputation as a destination for world-class sporting events.

The inaugural Astros Race to the Pennant presented by Houston Methodist brought together thousands of runners and walkers for a one-of-a-kind community fitness event in Houston. Participants navigated a course through the city around Daikin Park, celebrating Houston’s passion for sports, health, and community engagement. Following a successful debut, the event is set to return in 2027 and adds a new unique event to Houston’s calendar.

Olympic & Paralympic Day was celebrated at FIFA Fan Festival™ Houston on the Aramco Pitch, bringing together athletes, fans, and members of the community to recognize the values of the Olympic and Paralympic movements. Featured guests included Kyra Constantine (CAN), Seun Adigun (NGR), Sam McGuffie (USA), Angela Williams (TTO), Andrea Blackett (BAR), and Funmi Blakemore (USA), who shared their experiences through interactive activities and community engagement. The event inspired participants of all ages while highlighting the power of sport to unite and motivate communities.

Looking Ahead

Following a historic second quarter, Houston’s sports calendar remains active throughout Q3 with a variety of events that continue to showcase the region’s depth and diversity. Upcoming highlights include the ITTF Americas Table Tennis Championship, the Houston Texans Home Opener, and Abilities in Motion, each offering opportunities to engage athletes, fans, and communities while reinforcing Houston’s reputation as a premier destination for sports.