“We are ready to host the World Cup here,” declared South Texas College of Law Houston alumnus Juan Garcia ’04 — chair of the Harris County-Houston Sports Authority (HCHSA) — in a May presentation to Mayor John Whitmire and the Houston City Council. “We are the most prepared city in all of North America.”
Garcia is a founding partner of the Houston-based law firm Johnson Garcia LLP.
Houston, an official host city for the FIFA World Cup 2026, will host seven World Cup soccer matches between June 14 and July 4. The World Cup kicks off June 11 and concludes July 19, with the World Cup final in New Jersey.
Garcia has led the HCHSA’s collaborative efforts, alongside the World Cup Houston Host Committee, to prepare the city for the global tournament. He and Chris Canetti, president of the host committee, made the presentation to the City Council.
“I don’t think we could have a better team in the world than the leadership that’s been exhibited,” Mayor Whitmire said at the meeting. “And naming Juan as the chair of the Sports Authority was one of the best things I’ve done. You’re not only a leader today, Juan, but I expect great things from you going forward.”
Appointed and re-appointed by Mayor Whitmire and Harris County leadership, Garcia is the first Hispanic individual to serve as chair of the HCHSA.
The Sports Authority is coordinating with FIFA, the City of Houston, and regional partners on stadium operations, transportation, and extensive public safety and security measures. In addition to the seven Houston matches, the host committee is coordinating a Fan Fest.
Garcia was chosen to lead the HCHSA during a critical stretch where the Greater Houston region is on the world stage. As HCHSA chair, he leads a 12-member board and ensures the taxpayers are represented while overseeing the investment in Houston’s major sports arenas.
Learn more about FIFA and World Cup 2026 here: https://www.fifa.com/en/tournaments/mens/worldcup/canadamexicousa2026/usa/houston
Here’s a guide to related Houston events: https://www.visithoustontexas.com/wc26/
