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These World Cup referees have ties to Texas
By Joseph.Rowe@fox.com (Joseph Rowe) at Fox 26 Houston
· June 14, 2026
· 1 min read
Texas has quietly become a pipeline for some of the world’s top soccer referees, a connection that will come into sharper focus as the FIFA World Cup returns to the United States in 2026, with Dallas and Houston set to host multiple matches.
The release of Rahim Fortune's book "Kinship & Community" brings attention to the diverse experiences of Black Texans, a demographic that is often underrepresented in the region's cultural narrative. In The Woodlands, where the community is predominantly white, this book can serve as a valuable resource for residents to learn about and appreciate the state's rich African American heritage. The Woodlands Township and local schools, including those in the Conroe ISD and Tomball ISD, may find the book a useful tool for promoting diversity and inclusion initiatives. Furthermore, the book's focus on community and kinship resonates with The Woodlands' own emphasis on building strong neighborhood relationships and a sense of belonging among residents. By exploring the stories and images presented in "Kinship & Community", locals can gain a deeper understanding of the complexities and nuances of Texas' cultural identity.
About this story
Original reporting by Fox 26 Houston . The Woodlands surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit Fox 26 Houston . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 14, 2026 ·
Source: Fox 26 Houston ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Texas has quietly become a pipeline for some of the world’s top soccer referees, a connection that will come into sharper focus as the FIFA World Cup returns to the United States in 2026, with Dallas and Houston set to host multiple matches.
When was this published? This article was first published on June 14, 2026 by Fox 26 Houston and curated for The Woodlands readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Joseph.Rowe@fox.com (Joseph Rowe) at Fox 26 Houston. To learn more about how The Woodlands selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Woodlands, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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