Meet the artist behind Houston’s longest World Cup mural

Houston’s East End Cultural District has unveiled a 200-foot-long mural along the METRO light rail line on Harrisburg Boulevard, designed by artist Betirri to commemorate the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Gateway Mural, created with six other East End artists, will welcome visitors to the World Cup Fan Fest and the seven games Houston will host between June 14 and July 4. Betirri, who has lived in Houston’s East End for over a decade, specializes in surrealist soccer-themed artwork. His previous exhibitions included FIFA World Cups in Brazil (2014), Russia (2018), Qatar (2022), and the Women’s World Cup in Canada (2015). The mural’s location near the Green Line ensures visibility for both tournament attendees and future visitors. Betirri’s passion for soccer began in childhood but shifted to painting after asthma ended his playing career. He initially studied architecture but pivoted to professional painting in 2012, aligning with the Brazil World Cup. His first exhibition in Brazil sold paintings and prints, sparking a decade-long journey of displaying his work at global fan festivals. When Houston was selected as a 2026 World Cup host city, Betirri felt a personal connection. After years of exhibiting abroad, he saw the mural as an opportunity to represent his hometown. He collaborated with local organizations to bring the project to life, emphasizing unity and pride. The mural’s completion follows months of planning and community involvement. It stands as a lasting tribute to Houston’s role in the tournament, blending art and soccer culture. The East End Cultural District aims to maintain the mural’s impact beyond the World Cup, inviting ongoing public engagement.