Like strands of DNA, a rail line and ship channel on an East End mural encircle nine soccer uniforms, each belonging to a national team traveling to Houston this month to compete in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Known as the East End Gateway Mural, it was created by local artist Bettiri and unveiled on Sunday alongside six apprentices and local leaders. It adorns a 230-foot-long wall on Harrisburg and, he said, pays homage to the area’s connection to soccer, Houston’s identity and the nine countries playing here during the World Cup.
The mural is rich in detail and symbolism. Bodiless figures, a signature style of Betirri’s art, wear a jersey for each team Houston will host — Germany, Curaçao, Portugal, the Netherlands, Uzbekistan, Cabo Verde, Saudi Arabia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Sweden…