Houston Dynamo president Chris Canetti announced his resignation on Friday after 13 seasons with the club, moving on to head the Bayou City's effort to become a host city for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Canetti, who also oversees the Dash, the Dynamo's NWSL sibling, will remain with the club through the end of his contract, which expires at the end of the calendar year, and "assist in the transition of leadership" as Houston identify his replacement.
“Today, I am filled with mixed emotions. I love this club, cherish my time here, and feel sadness about it coming to an end,” Canetti said in a statement. “But I am confident that is the right time to move on to the next challenge. And with this next challenge comes the opportunity to work on something vitally important to the game of soccer and our community, and that’s ensuring that Houston secures World Cup matches in 2026.”
Canetti has been part of the Dynamo’s front office since the club moved from San Jose to Houston ahead of their inaugural season in 2006, and has served as president since 2010, making him the longest-tenured team president in MLS. During that time La Naranja have won two MLS Cups (2006 and 2007), advanced to two more (2011 and 2012), won the 2008 SuperLiga and most recently, won this year’s U.S. Open Cup.
Canetti was centrally involved in multiple aspects of building out the club, including the planning and construction of their downtown home, BBVA Compass Stadium, their youth academy and training facility, the creation of the Dash in 2014 and the development of the Dynamo’s USL affiliate club, Rio Grande Valley FC.
“Chris has been a great asset to the team and will certainly be missed. We would like to thank him for his years of dedicated service and for all of the success of the organization during his tenure,” said club majority owner Gabriel Brener. “We wish Chris all of the best in his new position and look forward to supporting him and partnering with him as he spearheads Houston’s run at securing a spot to host matches in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which has been awarded to USA/Mexico/Canada.”
