Everton legend Yakubu was the star guest as more than 450 Blues packed into a Houston watch party to see David Moyes’ side kick off the 2026/27 Premier League season with a victory.
Despite a 9am local kick-off, Evertonians turned out in force at Pitch 25, close to Houston Dynamo’s Shell Energy Stadium, to watch the Toffees secure a 2-0 win over Crystal Palace at Hill Dickinson Stadium.
The event formed part of the Premier League’s Coast to Coast weekend, which saw all 20 top-flight clubs stage events across the United States.
Supporters from Texas and others who had travelled from across the US were given a taste of an Everton home matchday in the heart of Houston.
Giant banners were displayed around the venue, including one featuring Alan Ball’s famous quote: “Once Everton has touched you, nothing will be the same.”
Fans also joined in with Everton favourites Spirit of the Blues and Forever Everton before the venue filled with the sound of Z-Cars as the players emerged for kick-off back on Merseyside.
A special video message from former Everton goalkeeper and US Men’s National Team star Tim Howard was shown on screens around the venue.
Former Everton striker Yakubu was also on hand to meet supporters, sign autographs and pose for photographs.
The Nigerian striker, affectionately known as ‘The Yak’, took part in a Q&A where he spoke about his delight at being in Houston for the start of the new Premier League campaign and reflected on his four years with Everton between 2007 and 2011.
Representatives from The Friedkin Group were also at the event, including Everton Executive Chairman Marc Watts.
Ryan Walsh, CEO of the Harris County – Houston Sports Authority, attended to formally welcome Everton to the city.
Yakubu said:
“It was a fantastic event and it was so special to see so many Evertonians, and to hear how much they love the team.
“People were telling me about how they became Everton fans and goals of mine that they remembered. It was really good.
“The atmosphere was great all morning and even better when we won. I said we would win 2-0!
“I want to thank all the fans who were there. It was really special – the perfect start to the season.”
Tony Sampson, Chair of North American Toffees, added:
“There’s something special about Evertonians wherever you find them. Seeing hundreds come together in Houston was a reminder of the reach the Everton family has.
“Different city, different time zone – but the same passion for our Club.
“Having the Club and the Yak out here has created some special memories for Blues of all ages and has strengthened the bond even further.
“There’s more than 50 supporters’ clubs across North America and, just like in Houston, they’ll have enjoyed our opening day win.”
The Premier League’s Coast to Coast weekend comes following the 2026 World Cup staged across the United States, Canada and Mexico and aims to build on the growing popularity of English football in North America.
Supporters attending the free Everton event were treated to giveaways and opportunities to win squad-signed 2026/27 home and away shirts.
There were also performances from local football freestyler Zohair Ali.
Yakubu’s Houston visit extended beyond the Everton watch party.
On Friday, he was a guest of the Houston Texans and was shown around the NFL team’s stadium by former first-round draft pick and cornerback Johnathan Joseph.
Later on Saturday, Yakubu visited Major League Baseball side the Houston Astros, where he was invited pitchside for batting practice before meeting and exchanging jerseys with the Astros’ 2022 World Series-winning manager Joe Espada.
The celebrations capped a memorable weekend for Everton supporters in Houston, made even sweeter by the Blues beginning their Premier League campaign with three points.
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