The Houston 2026 World Cup Bid Committee has added another all-star to its team.
Houston 2026 World Cup Bid Committee chairman John Arnold, along with executive board member Janis Burke and Committee president Chris Canetti, have announced that DaMarcus Beasley has been appointed to the Committee’s board of directors. Beasley joins 21 other local leaders who sit on the Committee’s board.
Beasley is a four-time FIFA World Cup participant and former member of the Houston Dynamo. He is the only U.S. man to play in four FIFA World Cups.
“We are honored to have DaMarcus on our esteemed board,” Arnold said. “To have an individual with his World Cup experience and overall expertise guiding us is an incredible opportunity.”
Beasley’s 21-year playing career came to end when he retired from the Dynamo at the end of the 2019 season after six years with the club.
“I am extremely excited and honored to join the 2026 Houston World Cup bid Committee,’’ Beasley said. “Being able to play in a World Cup was a dream come true and I want to share those experiences with the city of Houston.
“I call Houston home now and can’t think of a better city to host matches for the World Cup. This city is enriched with culture, diversity and loves its community. The passion for the game of soccer in Houston is through the roof and I want to help grow the game and inspire the next generation and what better city to do that in than Houston”
Beasley is one of the most decorated U.S. players of all time having appeared 126 times for the U.S. National team over 17 years.
“Having one the of the most accomplished players in U.S. history on our team brings significant value,” said Burke, the CEO of the Harris County - Houston Sports Authority. “After playing for the Dynamo and now residing in Houston, DaMarcus has strong ties to our community and to the sport of soccer in our community.”
His club career included a decade abroad with stops in The Netherlands, England, Scotland, Germany, and Mexico. He played for some of the world’s most reputable clubs, including PSV Eindhoven, Manchester City, Rangers, Hannover 96, and Puebla.
He had 553 appearances for club and country teams and scored 63 goals during his playing career.
“In particular I am most excited to work with DaMarcus on our strategy called Winning through Soccer,” Canetti said. “This strategy is about growing the game and focuses on under-served communities in and around Houston. I know that DaMarcus has a passion for these issues and that he will provide valuable contributions to our efforts.”
Beasley grew up in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and is currently leading an effort to establish a United Soccer League expansion club and develop a new soccer stadium in his hometown.
The Houston 2026 World Cup Bid Committee is leading our region’s efforts to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup. It is a subsidiary of the Harris County-Houston Sports Authority. The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be played in 16 cities across the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Houston is among 17 U.S. candidate host cities vying for 10 spots. A decision on the final 10 U.S. cities is expected in 2021.
