Liz Roldan

HOUSTON (CW39) – Let’s be honest: this isn’t just a World Cup. It’s a stage — and the biggest names in soccer showed up like they built it. Houston is hosting history, yes. But across FIFA World Cup 2026, something even louder is happening: the game’s superstars are reminding everyone who runs it. Lionel Messi. Kylian Mbappé. Erling Haaland. Harry Kane. Cristiano Ronaldo. Not just part of the conversation — they are the conversation. And the Golden Boot race? It already feels personal.

HOUSTON (CW39) — When the World Cup comes to Houston, it’s not just about the games. It’s going to change what daily life in this city looks like — whether you have tickets or not. Most of Houston’s matches are around noon. Which means everything hits at once when people are heading to work, leaving work, and fans area heading to watch parties, or trying to get to NRG. A midday game in Houston is going to create a real snarl. If you want to watch it live — plan your day around it.

Editor’s note: Video above is this morning’s Htown Morning News. HOUSTON (CW39) – Cristiano Ronaldo is coming to Houston – and this summer could be the final chapter of one of the most famous careers in sports. Ronaldo plays for Portugal’s national team and has served as its captain in recent World Cups.