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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.

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.

Sugar Land eyes tourism boost from Houston World Cup crowds

The suburb hopes to capture spillover tourism from Houston's matches.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Sugar Land" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2025/11/25/sugar-land-social-district-world-cup-outdoor-drinking" data-vars-content-id="af25d76e-2af1-42f5-b6cf-7247014bcb9d" data-vars-headline="Sugar Land eyes tourism boost from Houston World Cup crowds" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2025/11/25/sugar-land-social-district-world-cup-outdoor-drinking" target="_self">Sugar Land</a> is planning a slate of watch parties and soccer-themed programming as an official FIFA World Cup 26 Houston Host City Supporter.Why it matters: The suburb is hoping to capture spillover tourism from <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Houston&#x27;s 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="af25d76e-2af1-42f5-b6cf-7247014bcb9d" data-vars-headline="Sugar Land eyes tourism boost from Houston World Cup crowds" 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&#x27;s World Cup matches</a> as city leaders continue a broader push to position Sugar Land as a tourism destination.

Texas Southern expands aviation program with new Houston Spaceport hangar

A new TSU hangar at Houston Spaceport aims to grow Houston's aviation workforce.

Education

Texas Southern University opened a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new aviation facility" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2023/05/08/tsu-flight-training-facility-houston-texas" data-vars-content-id="057f78e9-ead4-4b2c-b2b9-c6fc24951f60" data-vars-headline="Texas Southern expands aviation program with new Houston Spaceport hangar" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2023/05/08/tsu-flight-training-facility-houston-texas" target="_self">new aviation facility</a> near Ellington Airport this weekend.Why it matters: The project signals Houston&#x27;s expanding footprint in aviation and strengthens TSU&#x27;s role in training a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="more diverse pipeline" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2021/06/24/aviation-industry-war-on-sexism" data-vars-content-id="057f78e9-ead4-4b2c-b2b9-c6fc24951f60" data-vars-headline="Texas Southern expands aviation program with new Houston Spaceport hangar" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2021/06/24/aviation-industry-war-on-sexism" target="_self">more diverse pipeline</a> of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="pilots and industry professionals" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2022/05/05/pilot-shortage-texas-travel-airports" data-vars-content-id="057f78e9-ead4-4b2c-b2b9-c6fc24951f60" data-vars-headline="Texas Southern expands aviation program with new Houston Spaceport hangar" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2022/05/05/pilot-shortage-texas-travel-airports" target="_self">pilots and industry professionals</a>, the university&#x27;s president says.

2026 FIFA World Cup Houston schedule: Full list of matches and teams

Portugal with Ronaldo set to play at NRG Stadium for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo is coming to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Houston" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston" data-vars-content-id="cb5664c2-ecd4-4de4-b30b-b0480e0f4fd9" data-vars-headline="2026 FIFA World Cup Houston schedule: Full list of matches and teams" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston" target="_self">Houston</a> to play in two World Cup games, according to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="newly released matchups" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/12/06/2026-fifa-world-cup-schedule" data-vars-content-id="cb5664c2-ecd4-4de4-b30b-b0480e0f4fd9" data-vars-headline="2026 FIFA World Cup Houston schedule: Full list of matches and teams" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/12/06/2026-fifa-world-cup-schedule" target="_self">newly released matchups</a> for games to be played next summer across the U.S., Mexico and Canada.Why it matters: The reveal fuels fresh excitement across the city — and kicks off a logistical sprint in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="16 cities" data-vars-click-url="https://www.fifa.com/en/tournaments/mens/worldcup/canadamexicousa2026/host-cities" data-vars-content-id="cb5664c2-ecd4-4de4-b30b-b0480e0f4fd9" data-vars-headline="2026 FIFA World Cup Houston schedule: Full list of matches and teams" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.fifa.com/en/tournaments/mens/worldcup/canadamexicousa2026/host-cities" target="_blank">16 cities</a> as millions of fans line up flights, match tickets and places to stay.

Houston adds new direct route to Rome

IAH will offer nonstop service to Rome for the first time.

Houstonians will soon be able to fly nonstop to Rome for the first time. State of play: ITA Airways is launching direct flights between George Bush Intercontinental Airport and Rome Fiumicino Airport starting May 1, 2026.

Buckle up for busy Thanksgiving travel

AAA says a record 5.8 million Texans will travel for Thanksgiving — part of the busiest holiday rush ever.

A record-breaking 5.8 million Texans are expected to travel this week for Thanksgiving, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="per AAA" data-vars-click-url="http://tx-aaa.iprsoftware.com/news/aaa-texas-forecasts-record-breaking-thanksgiving-travel-5-8-million-texans-expected-to-hit-the-road" data-vars-content-id="34379069-852e-493e-ad6f-883cc936d9ed" data-vars-headline="Buckle up for busy Thanksgiving travel" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="http://tx-aaa.iprsoftware.com/news/aaa-texas-forecasts-record-breaking-thanksgiving-travel-5-8-million-texans-expected-to-hit-the-road" target="_blank">per AAA</a>.Why it matters: Thanksgiving is still the busiest travel holiday of the year. AAA expects 81.8 million Americans to travel — the highest on record and 1.6 million more than in 2024.

FAA flight reductions could spark Houston holiday travel meltdown

United is canceling about 4% of flights each day — roughly 20 roundtrips in Houston.

Business

The Federal Aviation Administration <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="will begin reducing flights" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/06/faa-flight-cuts-cancellations-what-to-do" data-vars-content-id="b6f6a2ef-9129-4563-8732-b9a95f1866b1" data-vars-headline="FAA flight reductions could spark Houston holiday travel meltdown" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/06/faa-flight-cuts-cancellations-what-to-do" target="_self">will begin reducing flights</a> and restricting airspace on Friday to alleviate stress on air traffic controllers due to the government shutdown.Why it matters: These drastic moves will <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="impact dozens of U.S. airports" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/11/06/faa-flight-reductions-delays-shutdown-ohare-midway-thanksgiving" data-vars-content-id="b6f6a2ef-9129-4563-8732-b9a95f1866b1" data-vars-headline="FAA flight reductions could spark Houston holiday travel meltdown" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/11/06/faa-flight-reductions-delays-shutdown-ohare-midway-thanksgiving" target="_self">impact dozens of U.S. airports</a>, including George Bush Houston Intercontinental and Houston Hobby, forcing airlines to cancel or delay flights.

Nearly half of Texans don't have passports

12 million Texans are currently without a valid passport

About 45% of Texans who are U.S. citizens don&#x27;t have a valid passport as of 2024, per <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="estimates" data-vars-click-url="https://www.americanprogress.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/01/SAVEact-tables.pdf" data-vars-content-id="6a78df34-e56f-48f2-b305-d509d4ada66e" data-vars-headline="Nearly half of Texans don&#x27;t have passports" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.americanprogress.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/01/SAVEact-tables.pdf" target="_blank">estimates</a> from the think tank Center for American Progress.Why it matters: A valid passport is one of the few forms of accepted identification for international travel — and it&#x27;s also required for domestic air travel if you don&#x27;t have a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Real ID" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/05/03/real-id-deadline-dmv-appointment-travel-delays" data-vars-content-id="6a78df34-e56f-48f2-b305-d509d4ada66e" data-vars-headline="Nearly half of Texans don&#x27;t have passports" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/05/03/real-id-deadline-dmv-appointment-travel-delays" target="_self">Real ID</a>.

Southwest Airlines ends free checked bags policy

Southwest, a major airline at Hobby Airport, has long touted that "bags fly flee."

Transit

Dallas-based Southwest Airlines announced Tuesday that it would soon end its free checked bags policy.Why it matters: Southwest, a major airline at Hobby Airport, has long touted that &quot;bags fly flee,&quot; a calling card for the company throughout its 54-year history.

Spring break travel begins in Houston

2.3 million travelers are expected to pass through IAH and HOU over spring break.

If you&#x27;re flying, driving or cruising for spring break, patience and planning will be key.<ul><li>Almost <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="173 million" data-vars-click-url="https://abcnews.go.com/US/spring-break-travel-forecast/story?id=118888614" data-vars-content-id="58b20106-9d1c-49f1-a75a-ac89e11ad7c1" data-vars-headline="Spring break travel begins in Houston" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://abcnews.go.com/US/spring-break-travel-forecast/story?id=118888614" target="_blank">173 million</a> Americans are expected to fly in March and April.</li></ul>

Travel

IAH is all dressed for the World Cup

Volaris launches new nonstop flights from Houston to Querétaro and Puebla

Sugar Land eyes tourism boost from Houston World Cup crowds

Texas Southern expands aviation program with new Houston Spaceport hangar

Brace for pricier Houston flights — and how to find deals