HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Houston’s 2026 economic forecast is linked to global events and billion-dollar projects, according to a report by the Houston Business Journal.
Major airport renovation, the 2026 World Cup, the 2026 World Baseball Classic, the 2026 NCAA Men’s Basketball South Regionals all have a tie to the Houston area.
A $2.6 billion dollar renovation of Terminal B at George Bush Intercontinental Airport is expected to be completed in 2026.
Houston will host 7 2026 FIFA World Cup matches at NRG Stadium with an estimated economic impact of $1.5 Billion dollars, according to the Greater Houston Partnership.
Daikin Park will host a dozen World Baseball Classic matches in 2026 with an expected economic impact of between $50 to $60 million dollars, according to the Houston Business Journal.
Ten million dollars of economic activity is expected to be generated when the 2026 NCAA Men’s Basketball South Regional, according to the Houston Business Journal.
The complete picture means money being generated and spent in the Houston Metro Area, according to business leaders.
“These are exciting times, all these events that are happening, all these folks that are moving to Houston. It’s an amazing story and the port is proud to be a part of it,” said John Moseley, who is Port Houston’s Chief Commercial Officer.
Moseley explained why these events and investments matter.
“Everything is interconnected, so when you manufacture a product to provide a service that creates a business that creates jobs and when that worker goes in they need to go buy lunch somewhere, so you have these indirect jobs and a ripple effect that happens,” Moseley said.
According to a recent report by Rice University’s Baker Institute, it remains to be seen if Houston will see net job growth or loss in 2026.
Moseley said he believes that the foundation which aids growth is present in Houston.
“That’s what Houston is able to offer, this massive hub where you can find the talent, you can find the resources and the infrastructure to be able to enable your business to grow and prosper,” Moseley said.
Copyright © 2026 KTRK-TV. All Rights Reserved.
