With the World Cup underway, Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo released a “Welcome to Houston” video aimed at international visitors, as the county braces for more than 500,000 out-of-town arrivals.
For a lot of people, the World Cup doesn’t start with a kickoff. It starts with the first welcome—what they see when they step off the plane, and whether a place makes them feel like they belong.
Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo is leaning into that moment. In a newly released “Welcome to Houston” video, Hidalgo highlights Harris County’s role as a global gateway and invites international fans to the county during the tournament.
June 15, 2026, marks the start of the push as the World Cup is already underway. More than 500,000 people are expected to visit Harris County from out of town during the World Cup, and the FIFA Houston Host Committee expects that 75% of those visitors will be from other countries.
Hidalgo’s video frames the county as more than a stopover. She acknowledges the familiar nickname—“the Space City”—and adds a different one for the summer: “this summer we’re a World Cup city.” The message is direct and inviting. with the video designed to introduce fans to business and cultural destinations she describes as what make Houston “a world-class city.”.
“We’re known as the Space City, but this summer we’re a World Cup city. Every fan will feel at home here. Harris County is ready to welcome you – see you soon!” Hidalgo says during the video.
The video’s timing matches the stakes of a global crowd descending on a local place. With hundreds of thousands expected to arrive—and a large majority coming from outside the United States—the welcome isn’t just symbolic. It’s an opening act that sets the tone for how visitors experience Harris County from the start.
Harris County Lina Hidalgo Welcome to Houston World Cup Houston FIFA Houston Host Committee international visitors