Overview
- Rice will serve on host‑committee subcommittees and help run Houston’s FIFA Volunteer Program.
- Planned campus and city activations include watch parties at Tudor Fieldhouse and the Ion, soccer clinics, and FIFA‑themed tours.
- Student opportunities will emphasize experiential learning tied to World Cup operations and community engagement.
- Host committee president Chris Canetti said Rice is the first North American university to partner with a World Cup host city in this role.
- Houston is slated to stage seven matches at NRG Stadium and host the public FIFA Fan Fest in EaDo, with Rice announcing its role at a Jan. 30 news conference featuring university and host‑committee leaders.