Houston Airports connects fans to every 2026 tournament host city

May 5, 2025

With 400 days to go, a new interactive map on Fly2Houston.com helps fans plan the journey of a lifetime—starting in Houston.

HOUSTON — The biggest sporting event on the planet will officially be 400 days away on Wednesday, May 7, and Houston is already helping soccer fans chart their course. The 2026 tournament is set to become the largest in history—spanning three countries, 16 cities and more than 100 matches. With millions of fans expected to attend and billions watching worldwide, air travel, accommodations and ground transportation will be in unprecedented demand.

The countdown is on.

Houston Airports just launched a new interactive map, making it easier than ever for soccer fans to find nonstop flights to all 16 host cities across North America.

With a click on Fly2Houston.com or the free Houston Airports app, travelers can now access a smart, interactive destination map tailored to the world's biggest sporting event.

From the homepage, select “Explore Destinations.”

Select the “Fútbol” filter under the “Interests” tab, and you’ll instantly see all nonstop flights from George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) and William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) to all host cities across North America. Houston connects fans to every major match from Los Angeles, New York, and Vancouver to Mexico City, Guadalajara and Toronto.

“We want to make it easy for fans to follow their teams — and we want them to start in Houston,” said Jim Szczesniak, director of aviation for Houston Airports. “This interactive map is one way we’re helping travelers plan their 2026 experience. Our airport system drives economic growth, working closely with airline partners to expand service and serving as a primary gateway to Latin America. With the new international terminal opening ahead of the tournament — including a 17-lane TSA checkpoint — we’re making sure fans spend less time in line and more time enjoying the journey.”

Houston—itself a 2026 host city— is uniquely positioned as the central hub for soccer fans. Most destinations are just three hours away, and multiple air carriers at IAH offer direct service to all host cities — a distinction few airports can match. With many summer 2026 flights expected to open for booking by the end of this year, now is the perfect time to start planning.

"Houston has a rich tradition of hosting unforgettable sporting events from Super Bowl XXXVIII and LI to many NCAA Men’s Final Fours, and the College Football Playoff National Championship. These moments have helped define Houston as a city that knows how to welcome fans and celebrate the spirit of competition,” said Ryan Walsh, CEO of the Harris County-Houston Sports Authority. “The new interactive map from Houston Airports is a great example of the collaboration and teamwork happening across our city. It’s a fun, engaging tool that not only connects fans to Houston but also to the broader World Cup experience. It shows what’s possible when all our stakeholders come together with a shared goal - to deliver a world-class event."

"There were many reasons why Houston was selected to be a host city for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and among them is our great airports. With travelers descending on Houston from across the globe for the seven matches to be played in our city, our airports will play an important role in their overall experience,” said Chris Canetti, President of the FIFA World Cup 26 Houston ™ Host Committee. “We are fortunate to have world-class airport facilities and an incredible airport staff as part of our World Cup host city program.”

But what makes Houston the ultimate hub for soccer fans isn’t just the flights — it’s the whole experience.

With thousands of hotels and short-term rentals, award-winning restaurants—including Michelin-recognized spots, legendary Texas barbeque, NASA and Space Center Houston, world-class museums and performing arts and one of the most diverse populations in the United States, Houston offers something unforgettable between every match.

“From our incredible food and entertainment to dynamic cultural attractions, Houston is proud to welcome the world to our city for an unforgettable experience,” said Michael Heckman, president and CEO of Houston First Corporation, the destination marketing organization for the region. Heckman added that Houston First expects to see international interest begin to surge once initial team matchups are announced. “As the nation’s most diverse city, Houston reflects the global spirit of this tournament, and we are ready to celebrate the beauty of the game and the cultures it unites.”

Houston Airports is also elevating the traveler experience from curb to gate. Frontline employees are now trained in the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program to support travelers with invisible disabilities. Collectively, airport customer service representatives speak more than 24 different languages. The airport has been enhanced with upgraded information booths, vibrant orange polo uniforms for easy staff visibility and new family restrooms and sensory rooms. Dining options are expanding to showcase local flavor.

Tech upgrades include airport-wide Wi-Fi improvements and real-time information kiosks. Designated zones for rideshare pick-up and drop-off are improving traffic flow. Rental car partners are increasing their electric vehicle inventory. In partnership with the City of Houston and METRO Houston, the new 500 IAH/Downtown Direct route launched more than a year before the games to raise awareness about the convenient transit between the airport and the George R. Brown Convention Center.

“Whether you’re flying in or out, we’re focused on creating an experience that’s seamless, intuitive and traveler-friendly,” Szczesniak added. “Our goal is to make every fan feel welcomed, supported and excited when they enter our terminals.”

Start your journey with a tap, whether cheering in Monterrey or celebrating in Miami.

Visit Fly2Houston.com, and click “Explore Destinations.”

With 400 days and counting, the road to 2026 starts in Houston.