FIFA unveils official FIFA World Cup 26™ Houston Host City Poster

Local artist captures the city’s culture and love for soccer in colorful design 

HOUSTON – The FIFA World Cup 26 Houston™ Host Committee is excited to unveil the city’s Official FIFA World Cup 26™ Host City Poster designed by local artist Stephanie Leal. 

Houston is the 5th of the 16 host cities to release an iconic poster that helps shape each city’s passion, excitement, and love for the biggest sporting event in the world, arriving in North America in the summer of 2026. 

“As the FIFA World Cup 26 approaches and the excitement increases, we are pleased to unveil the Houston Host City Poster, which will become an iconic symbol for the event and our city.” Said Chris Canetti, President of the FIFA World Cup 26 Houston™ Host Committee. “We are proud of the great work that was done by our local artist, Stephanie Leal, and congratulate her on creating an outstanding legacy for our community.” 

Houston’s poster features everything that has defined the city over the years, including nods to our history in space exploration, cultural diversity, rodeo spirit, and Texas-sized appreciation for the world’s beautiful game.  

Prominently featured is the astronaut ‘Orion’ who is seen controlling a soccer ball in front of the Houston skyline while wearing the ‘Captain’s Armband”, which is meant to celebrate the city’s flag and growth. 

"Designing the winning Houston Host City Poster has been an incredible honor. Soccer and art have been integral parts of my life for as long as I can remember,” said Houston’s FIFA World Cup 26™ Host City Poster artist Stephanie Leal. “Combining these passions to represent my city—my home—on a global stage is truly surreal. I hope this inspires others to pursue their dreams with the same passion and dedication." 

Leal is currently the Digital Marketing and Design Specialist for a Houston-area agriculture company. Previously, she served as lead designer for the Houston Dynamo and Houston Dash, bringing ideas to life through motion graphics, illustrations, and photography. A graduate of the University of Houston with a bachelor’s degree in fine arts and a minor in Art History, Leal uses her talents to tell the stories of her hometown. 

Leal was chosen as Houston’s Host City Poster designer from a talent pool of Houston-area artists who participated in a poster contest in late 2024. 

“To me, Houston is a place of resilience, hustle, and creativity. Diversity isn’t just accepted here—it’s celebrated,” said Leal. “My father chose this city to give our family a better life, and it’s here that my love for fútbol grew even stronger. I’m proud to be a Houstonian, as this city reflects my journey, my growth, and the limitless potential I see in both me and this remarkable city.” 

The 2026 tournament, the first to be hosted across three countries – Canada, Mexico and the United States – promises to be a historic event as the largest edition yet featuring 48 teams across 16 Host Cities. The 16 posters serve as a visual representation of the shared love for the beautiful game within each Host City. 

“The FIFA World Cup 26 will be an inclusive and exciting celebration of the game, while also giving us the opportunity to showcase the incredible diversity of the 16 Host Cities to a global audience,” said Heimo Schirgi, Chief Operating Officer of the FIFA World Cup 26™. “These Host City posters are truly a beautiful, artistic way to capture and commemorate the tournament and showcase local artists and each city’s connection to this global sport.” 

More information about the campaign is available at FIFAWorldCup.com, where fans can see each poster and learn more about the artists. Fans can also sign up to be notified when posters go on sale. Each Host City will also celebrate its poster launch locally. 

The Official FIFA World Cup 26™ Tournament Poster, celebrating the event across all Host Cities, will be revealed prior to the Final Draw, which is scheduled to take place later this year.