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Texas AG launches investigation into FIFA days before World Cup

Texas is the latest state to target FIFA over ticket sales for the World Cup.

News

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton on Tuesday launched an investigation into FIFA&#x27;s ticket sale tactics ahead of 2026 <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="World Cup" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/06/09/world-cup-green-corridor-houston" data-vars-content-id="eba28a45-ba47-45c4-bd28-3d806eea9bd1" data-vars-headline="Texas AG launches investigation into FIFA days before World Cup" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/06/09/world-cup-green-corridor-houston" target="_self">World Cup</a> play in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Houston" data-vars-click-url="https://www.fifa.com/en/match-centre/match/17/285023/289273/400021464" data-vars-content-id="eba28a45-ba47-45c4-bd28-3d806eea9bd1" data-vars-headline="Texas AG launches investigation into FIFA days before World Cup" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.fifa.com/en/match-centre/match/17/285023/289273/400021464" target="_blank">Houston</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Arlington" data-vars-click-url="https://www.fifa.com/en/match-centre/match/17/285023/289273/400021470" data-vars-content-id="eba28a45-ba47-45c4-bd28-3d806eea9bd1" data-vars-headline="Texas AG launches investigation into FIFA days before World Cup" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.fifa.com/en/match-centre/match/17/285023/289273/400021470" target="_blank">Arlington</a> this weekend.The big picture: Paxton is the latest state prosecutor to target FIFA over ticket sales for the World Cup.

How Houston compares to other World Cup host cities

Houston expects 500,000 World Cup visitors.

The World Cup begins this week. Here&#x27;s how <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Houston" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2025/12/06/fifa-2026-world-cup-houston-schedule-matches" data-vars-content-id="2639456b-c7b4-4745-a842-deb5f855faa3" data-vars-headline="How Houston compares to other World Cup host cities" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2025/12/06/fifa-2026-world-cup-houston-schedule-matches" target="_self">Houston</a>&#x27;s preparations stack up against other host cities. Why it matters: The tournament is a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="massive test" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/06/03/world-cup-host-cities-preparations" data-vars-content-id="2639456b-c7b4-4745-a842-deb5f855faa3" data-vars-headline="How Houston compares to other World Cup host cities" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/06/03/world-cup-host-cities-preparations" target="_self">massive test</a> for all 16 host cities across three countries. It&#x27;s a global showcase — and a logistical challenge — as each city tries to stand out while managing crowds and operations.

The World Cup games and players to watch in Houston

Cristiano Ronaldo is coming to Houston to play two games with Portugal.

Sports

Houston will host four-time World Cup champion Germany and one of the biggest long shots, Curaçao.Why it matters: Some of the best teams and players in soccer will be playing in Houston over the next few weeks.

Houston launches Ebola dashboard ahead of World Cup

Local officials say public risk for Ebola remains low.

Harris County and the city of Houston&#x27;s health departments have launched an Ebola dashboard ahead of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="World Cup" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2025/12/06/fifa-2026-world-cup-houston-schedule-matches" data-vars-content-id="6ecc0568-2515-42ee-8b15-e29dc134392e" data-vars-headline="Houston launches Ebola dashboard ahead of World Cup" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2025/12/06/fifa-2026-world-cup-houston-schedule-matches" target="_self">World Cup</a>.Why it matters: Officials say there are no confirmed <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Ebola cases" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/05/19/houston-world-cup-congo-trump-travel-restrictions-ebola" data-vars-content-id="6ecc0568-2515-42ee-8b15-e29dc134392e" data-vars-headline="Houston launches Ebola dashboard ahead of World Cup" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/05/19/houston-world-cup-congo-trump-travel-restrictions-ebola" target="_self">Ebola cases</a> in Harris County and the public risk remains low, but the dashboard is meant to keep residents informed as international visitors arrive.

Texas grid braces for record summer demand

Electricity use from data centers, crypto operations and other large customers continues to rise.

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Texas power grid" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/02/04/texas-grid-gets-low-grades" data-vars-content-id="97b714d0-8fad-4caf-9e1d-e176ea5a0ec9" data-vars-headline="Texas grid braces for record summer demand" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/02/04/texas-grid-gets-low-grades" target="_self">Texas power grid</a> may experience record electricity demand this summer, per the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT). Why it matters: The demand will test the state&#x27;s power grid during peak summer heat as electricity use from <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="data centers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/06/10/texas-gov-greg-abbott-data-center-regulation" data-vars-content-id="97b714d0-8fad-4caf-9e1d-e176ea5a0ec9" data-vars-headline="Texas grid braces for record summer demand" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/06/10/texas-gov-greg-abbott-data-center-regulation" target="_self">data centers</a>, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="crypto operations" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/08/28/bitcoin-mining-noise-texas" data-vars-content-id="97b714d0-8fad-4caf-9e1d-e176ea5a0ec9" data-vars-headline="Texas grid braces for record summer demand" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/08/28/bitcoin-mining-noise-texas" target="_self">crypto operations</a> and other large customers continues to rise.

Inside Houston Stadium, all ready for the World Cup

The stadium will host seven matches during the tournament.

Houston Stadium is ready for the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="World Cup" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/06/08/houston-world-cup-host-city-comparison" data-vars-content-id="8a763499-afd8-4725-94c7-2bf51169a7e5" data-vars-headline="Inside Houston Stadium, all ready for the World Cup" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/06/08/houston-world-cup-host-city-comparison" target="_self">World Cup</a>.The big picture: The venue, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="temporarily renamed" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/06/08/photo-to-go-houston-stadium" data-vars-content-id="8a763499-afd8-4725-94c7-2bf51169a7e5" data-vars-headline="Inside Houston Stadium, all ready for the World Cup" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/06/08/photo-to-go-houston-stadium" target="_self">temporarily renamed</a> for the matches, has been transformed with FIFA branding, a new grass pitch and heightened security measures ahead of Houston&#x27;s first match between Germany and Curaçao on June 14.

Fan Festival is ready. Here's what to know before you go.

Watching sports is fun with a crowd and a lively environment.

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="FIFA Fan Festival" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/06/01/world-cup-fan-festival-construction" data-vars-content-id="f2eea3ee-2638-4c53-bdbb-5ef41d1518b4" data-vars-headline="Fan Festival is ready. Here&#x27;s what to know before you go." data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/06/01/world-cup-fan-festival-construction" target="_self">FIFA Fan Festival</a> has transformed from a cluster of parking lots and warehouses into a sprawling <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="World Cup watch-party destination" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/06/08/houston-world-cup-host-city-comparison" data-vars-content-id="f2eea3ee-2638-4c53-bdbb-5ef41d1518b4" data-vars-headline="Fan Festival is ready. Here&#x27;s what to know before you go." data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/06/08/houston-world-cup-host-city-comparison" target="_self">World Cup watch-party destination</a>, ready for hordes of fans to cheer on their teams.Why it matters: Watching sports is fun with a crowd and a lively environment.

Highlights of the World Cup's Green Corridor in Houston

The Green Corridor is a 14-mile route linking the Fan Festival and Houston Stadium.

Houston&#x27;s World Cup organizers are using a 14-mile route linking the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Fan Festival in East Downtown" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/06/01/world-cup-fan-festival-construction" data-vars-content-id="ddd8d32b-13cd-4f8c-a852-346c3556ad07" data-vars-headline="Highlights of the World Cup&#x27;s Green Corridor in Houston" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/06/01/world-cup-fan-festival-construction" target="_self">Fan Festival in East Downtown</a> to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Houston Stadium" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/06/08/photo-to-go-houston-stadium" data-vars-content-id="ddd8d32b-13cd-4f8c-a852-346c3556ad07" data-vars-headline="Highlights of the World Cup&#x27;s Green Corridor in Houston" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/06/08/photo-to-go-houston-stadium" target="_self">Houston Stadium</a> to showcase sustainability projects they hope will outlast the tournament.Why it matters: Organizers are promoting the corridor as a way for visitors to travel between <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="World Cup destinations" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/06/08/houston-world-cup-host-city-comparison" data-vars-content-id="ddd8d32b-13cd-4f8c-a852-346c3556ad07" data-vars-headline="Highlights of the World Cup&#x27;s Green Corridor in Houston" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/06/08/houston-world-cup-host-city-comparison" target="_self">World Cup destinations</a> by foot, bike and public transit instead of relying solely on cars.

IAH is all dressed for the World Cup

Travelers can expect a mix of infrastructure upgrades and fan-focused experiences.

George Bush Intercontinental Airport is transforming as it prepares for an influx of visitors ahead of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="World Cup" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/06/03/world-cup-host-cities-preparations" data-vars-content-id="527ebb28-e612-4f22-a071-82164f20c7fd" data-vars-headline="IAH is all dressed for the World Cup" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/06/03/world-cup-host-cities-preparations" target="_self">World Cup</a>.Why it matters: For travelers who are flying, the airport will be the first impression of Houston, where <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="seven World Cup matches" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2025/12/06/fifa-2026-world-cup-houston-schedule-matches" data-vars-content-id="527ebb28-e612-4f22-a071-82164f20c7fd" data-vars-headline="IAH is all dressed for the World Cup" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2025/12/06/fifa-2026-world-cup-houston-schedule-matches" target="_self">seven World Cup matches</a> will be played.

How Harris County's West Nile threat stacks up this year

While the threat is "omnipresent," several factors are at play.

Harris County Public Health officials are keeping a close eye on the West Nile virus after <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="detecting it in mosquitoes" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/05/15/houston-mosquito-season" data-vars-content-id="baa70ba0-0b5a-43e5-8268-2c2953dfb807" data-vars-headline="How Harris County&#x27;s West Nile threat stacks up this year" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/05/15/houston-mosquito-season" target="_self">detecting it in mosquitoes</a> way earlier than usual.Why it matters: The West Nile virus can cause <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="serious health problems" data-vars-click-url="https://www.cdc.gov/west-nile-virus/symptoms-diagnosis-treatment/index.html" data-vars-content-id="baa70ba0-0b5a-43e5-8268-2c2953dfb807" data-vars-headline="How Harris County&#x27;s West Nile threat stacks up this year" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.cdc.gov/west-nile-virus/symptoms-diagnosis-treatment/index.html" target="_blank">serious health problems</a> and sometimes lead to death. Harris County health leaders are urging the public to do their part.

Convicted illegal dumpers rarely reoffend in Harris County

A diversion program that combines cleanup work with education may reduce illegal dumping and prevent future offenses.

People charged with <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="illegal dumping in Houston" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/06/03/houston-illegal-dumping-whitmire-salinas" data-vars-content-id="ab47f518-1737-49eb-8e67-576e37af2b26" data-vars-headline="Convicted illegal dumpers rarely reoffend in Harris County" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/06/03/houston-illegal-dumping-whitmire-salinas" target="_self">illegal dumping in Houston</a> rarely reoffend, and the Harris County District Attorney&#x27;s Office sees that as an opportunity.Why it matters: Prosecutors tell Axios a diversion program that combines cleanup work with education may reduce illegal dumping and prevent future offenses.

News 🗞

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Inside Houston Stadium, all ready for the World Cup

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Fan Festival is ready. Here's what to know before you go.

Meta launches data center job guarantee program in Houston