A New Year, New Hopes: Our Houston Soccer Wishes for 2026
(image via Getty Images)
As we head into what should be a pivotal year for soccer in Houston, 2026 feels full of possibility. With a World Cup on the horizon and momentum building at every level of the game, this felt like the right moment to look ahead rather than back. We asked our Bayou City Soccer writers for one wish they have for Houston soccer in 2026 — one thing they hope to see, feel, or experience as the next chapter begins.
Cristian
As 2026 brings a huge spotlight to Houston, my wish would be that the Houston Dynamo become relevant once again, both on and off the field.
On the field, my hope is that the Orange will contend for at least one title, while staying true to that beautiful soccer Ben Olsen got us accustomed to. I hope the casual soccer fan that doesn’t follow MLS can become a Houston Dynamo FC fan and be proud of their hometown team even if they have a primary “first love club” from their home country or league they follow.
Off the field, I would love to see the club embrace the great diverse soccer culture in Houston in their marketing and become bigger in their social media presence. Too much? I don’t think so.
Diego
I hope that in 2026 the Dash continue to build on Fabrice Gautrat’s first year and continue to play more consistently on the level that they did in the second half of the season. And a bonus wish, I hope to see that lead to another playoff game at home!
Dustyn
My wish for 2026 is that the World Cup helps transform soccer here in Houston. I hope HDFC doesn’t let this huge opportunity slip and is able to capitalize on the soccer hysteria to get people invested in the Dynamo and Dash. I could write a novel on ways I think they could increase the fan base (more outreach at youth soccer, getting the SGs to Dash games, etc) but this World Cup is a once in a lifetime event. With the Fan Festival taking place literally in and around Shell Energy Stadium, it’s time to turn Houston’s love for soccer into a love for it’s local club.
Joey
I would love to see the squad stay healthy enough for Ben Olsen to get back to his brand of soccer that led to success in 2023 and 2024. I’m hoping Erik Sviatchenko can play 30 plus games in the regular season as he is a key piece to the winning formula.
Juan
I hope that in 2026, the Dynamo will give some youth players the opportunity to play some MLS minutes. Players like Sebastian Rodriguez and David Garcia are players with high upside, and it’d be great to see them more involved in the first team dynamic.
If Houston wants to stay competitive while also making revenue, developing those types of players and moving them on to bigger clubs will make the Houston Dynamo a more plausible option for aspiring athletes in the area.
Manny
This is a crucial year for Houston soccer, both on the Dynamo and Dash side. Houston is a hot bed for soccer no doubt about it, but not for local teams. The 2026 World Cup can change that. Everyone, old and new fans, will be so concentrated on this tournament and won’t want it to end after the final.
Now it’s up to the Dynamo and Dash to take advantage of that. One way to do that is to be competitive on the field and show in their respective leagues that they are a force to deal with. Both teams have the chance to step up and be aggressive in the market.
Rudy
My hope for Houston soccer in 2026 is that the World Cup reminds everyone—here and everywhere—what a true soccer city Houston is. Sometimes it feels like soccer fans get lost behind the bigger sports in town, and past missteps from the club didn’t help. But things are changing. The Dynamo and Dash are building something better, something worth believing in again.
So when that World Cup energy hits our streets, I hope it brings fans back home, back to cheering for the Dynamo, Dash, and Dynamo 2 with pride. Maybe I’m just dreaming big… but that’s the only way I know how to dream.
What is your wish for Houston soccer in 2026? Let us know on social media!
