The Houston Host Committee and FIFA have launched a new volunteer center in POST Houston to prepare thousands for the 2026 World Cup. The 15,000-square-foot facility will host interviews starting Tuesday amid over 12,000 applications for 5,000 spots. Organizers highlighted the volunteers as the 'heartbeat' of the event.
Houston took a significant step toward hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Monday with the opening of its dedicated Volunteer Center at POST Houston. The ribbon-cutting ceremony marked the debut of this 15,000-square-foot hub, designed for training and interviewing volunteers for the global tournament.
John Coppins, Vice President of Operations for the Houston Host Committee, expressed surprise at the overwhelming interest. “We knew we’d see a strong response,” Coppins said. “But I’ll be honest — the numbers surprised me.” More than 12,000 people from around the world have applied, though only about 5,000 positions will be available.
Interviews begin Tuesday, featuring interactive experiences to engage candidates. Jaclyn Escareno, FIFA26 Host City Volunteer Manager for Houston, described the setup: “Volunteers from all over the world will come try out to make the team. We tried to make it as interactive as possible.” The center includes World Cup memorabilia, highlight clips, games, and selfie stations to inspire participants before one-on-one sessions.
“We’re trying to find out what makes each volunteer tick,” Escareno added. “There’s a role for everyone — it’s all about finding the best fit for their personality.” Each candidate will share their story in an individual interview with another volunteer, with the full process expected to last seven weeks. Selected volunteers will be notified in January.
Coppins emphasized their importance: “We couldn’t do it without them. They’re the heartbeat of this World Cup.” This initiative underscores Houston's preparations to welcome the world for the tournament.