Sugar Land becomes Houston’s sole support city for 2026 FIFA World Cup
Sugar Land will be the sole Host City Supporter in the Greater Houston area and the only support city in a 26-county radius for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
At a Sept. 2 meeting, Sugar Land City Council voted 6-1 to allow Visit Sugar Land to pursue a $2.5 million sponsorship with the Houston 2026 World Cup Host Committee.
Breaking it down: Elizabeth Huff, Sugar Land executive director of economic development, said the World Cup is expected to generate $1.5 billion in revenue for the Houston economy, and Sugar Land officials are hoping to get in on the action.
Zooming out: The sponsorship comes after the city approved its 2025-27 strategic plan in February, which aims to stimulate economic growth, boost community reputation and encourage community engagement, Community Impact previously reported.
Looking ahead: There will be seven World Cup matches in Houston, starting with a group stage matchup March 10 and ending with a Round of 16 game on July 4.
Feng Cha, a Texas-based national tea shop chain, has opened a new location in Oyster Creek Village at Lake Olympia in Missouri City. What’s on the menu: According to its website, the location offers drinks that can be paired with boba, jelly, aloe vera or cookie crumbles, including:
Tea
Milk tea
Coffee
Smoothies
Additionally, the shop offers milk foam cakes topped with cheese, taro, matcha, sea salt and tiramisu.
Zooming out: There are 17 other locations across Greater Houston, according to the website. Nearby locations include 13540 University Blvd., Sugar Land, and 6419 Reading Road, Rosenberg.
Leah Barton to head Harris County Public Health as executive director
After serving more than a year as Harris County Public Health’s interim director, Leah Barton was officially appointed to lead the county’s public health department.
Quote of note: “Over the past year, I’ve had the great privilege of leading Harris County Public Health,” Barton said in a Sept. 2 news release. “During that time, we have opened new health hubs, expanded mobile care, strengthened support for families, and responded to public health challenges across our community. These efforts reflect our shared commitment to making health services more accessible, connected, and responsive to the needs of the people we serve.”
Zooming out: Barton was first tapped to serve in the interim role in 2024 after former HCPH Executive Director Barbie Robinson was removed from her position last August.
