Rice University will host a news conference at 10 a.m. Friday, Jan. 30, to announce its role in supporting the FIFA World Cup 2026™ Houston Host Committee, positioning the university in a high-profile partnership connected to the world’s largest sporting event ever. Rice and Houston Host Committee leaders will discuss what the collaboration means for the city, the campus and the broader community.
What: Rice partnership supporting FIFA World Cup 2026™ Houston Host Committee
Who: Reginald DesRoches, Rice president; Tommy McClelland, vice president and director of athletics; Chris Canetti, president of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Houston Host Committee
When: 10 a.m. Friday, Jan. 30
Where: Rice University’s Patterson Sports Performance Center, 6100 Main St. (Click here for map); news crews can park in West Lot 3
*** Media interested in attending should RSVP with Chris Stipes at chris.stipes@rice.edu or 713-348-6778.
FIFA World Cup 2026™ will be the largest sporting event ever, spanning three host countries, 16 host cities, 48 teams and 104 matches. The tournament will take place in June and July and is expected to engage millions of fans across North America and billions worldwide.
Guided by its Momentous strategic plan, Rice is advancing a bold vision to deliver global impact through a personalized, student-centered approach — positioning the university to become the world’s premier institution for teaching and research while redefining what it means to be elite by expanding access and opportunity through its generous financial aid programs.
For the latest World Cup information, visit the FIFA World Cup 26 Houston website.