by Nicole Bradford
Unlike their fellow graduates, the Pearland ISD’s Class of 2026 will not graduate from NRG Stadium.
“Why? The World Cup,” PISD Superintendent Larry Berger said regarding the FIFA event coming to Houston in 2026.
The graduation conflict was noted during the PISD Board of Trustees meeting during a discussion of the district’s academic calendar for 2025-26.
“NRG said ‘Thank you but no thank you, Pearland ISD, we’re going to have the World Cup,” Berger said.
For Houston, the economic impact of the planned seven World Cup matches and accompanying 38-day Fan Fest is estimated to be equivalent to seven Super Bowls.
Therefore, Berger said, Pearland ISD will be graduating in 2026 from Pearland ISD Stadium.
Graduation dates are May 20 for Turner High, May 21 for Dawson High, and May 22 for Pearland High.
Updated information for the Class of 2026 will be posted at pearlandisd.org/parents/graduation-2026
