Arcadis Selected to Provide Scenario Planning for Houston Ahead of 2026 FIFA World Cup

The transportation planning firm will help the city prepare for an influx of 500,000 visitors.

Mar. 18, 2026 at 6:18am

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Arcadis, a global design and consultancy firm, has been selected by the Houston-Galveston Area Council to provide comprehensive scenario planning services ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Arcadis will leverage big data and advanced modeling to develop a transportation management plan that aims to boost local business revenue, reduce neighborhood congestion, improve public safety, and showcase Houston as a premier destination for large-scale events.

Why it matters

As one of the host cities for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Houston is expecting a massive influx of approximately 500,000 visitors. Effective transportation planning and event management will be crucial to ensuring a smooth and successful event that maximizes the economic and community benefits for the city.

The details

Arcadis will design an interactive tool that enables stakeholders to compare scenarios, communicate feedback, and access heatmaps and flowcharts to support effective event management. The firm will draw on data from daily traffic patterns around stadiums, points of interest, congestion trends, and past mega-events to develop the comprehensive transportation plan.

  • The 2026 FIFA World Cup is scheduled to take place in June and July of 2026.

The players

Arcadis

A global design and consultancy firm that provides infrastructure, water, environment, and buildings solutions.

Houston-Galveston Area Council

A regional planning agency that serves the Houston metropolitan area.

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What they’re saying

“With a legacy of supporting cities around the world with major events-including Pan American Games, Formula 1, Tour de France and our recent work on the Paris 2024 Olympic Games-Arcadis is proud to help Houston prepare for the FIFA World Cup 2026™. This project exemplifies how Arcadis brings global expertise in operating and managing major international events directly to local clients, helping them prepare for complex challenges and seize growth opportunities.”

— Ramin Massoumi, Global Industry Executive, Transportation, Arcadis (Arcadis)

“Effective traffic management is a strategic driver of economic and community success; by optimizing visitor experiences and encouraging repeat tourism it will strengthen Houston's reputation as a world-class city. Arcadis is committed to shaping the infrastructure behind the moments that move the world, empowering cities to thrive both during and long after the spotlight fades.”

— Koushik Arunachalam, Project Manager, Arcadis (Arcadis)

What’s next

Arcadis will work closely with the Houston-Galveston Area Council and other local stakeholders to finalize the transportation management plan and prepare the city for the influx of visitors during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The takeaway

By proactively planning for the transportation and logistics challenges associated with hosting a major international event like the FIFA World Cup, Houston is positioning itself to maximize the economic and community benefits while showcasing its capabilities as a premier destination for large-scale events.