Glynn A. Hill , Houston Chronicle Jan. 10, 2019 Updated: Jan. 10, 2019 9:04 p.m.
As a boy, John Arnold played soccer on the local fields in Dallas. But it wasn’t until he watched the 1990 World Cup in Italy that he truly fell in love with the sport.
Almost 30 years later, Arnold will try to help land the 2026 World Cup in Houston after being named the chairman of the city’s 2026 World Cup Bid Committee on Thursday at NRG Stadium.
In search of an individual with deep pockets and local business ties, the committee connected with Arnold after Mayor Sylvester Turner and J. Kent “Kenny” Friedman, the chairman of the Harris County-Houston Sports Authority’s board, suggested him.
Arnold, 44, worked as an energy trader before transitioning into philanthropy with his wife, Laura. As the committee’s chairman, he aims to help bolster the city’s bid through his business ties.
Houston is among 17 American cities vying to become one of 10 host cities selected when the finalists are trimmed by 2021.The 2026 World Cup will also include 10 games each in Canada and Mexico. A host city would get six games during the 32-day event.
Bid committee president Chris Canetti is hopeful of Houston’s chances but sees the addition of Arnold as another boon for the bid.
Canetti believes Arnold’s contributions will help Houston secure a spot among the 10 American cities selected.
It was also announced Thursday that BBVA Compass Stadium will play host to a friendly between the U.S. men’s national team and Chile on March 26. It will be the U.S. team’s first appearance in Houston since 2012.