ATLANTA (June 11, 2025) – The Atlanta World Cup Host Committee (AWCHC) marked One Year to Go until the FIFA World Cup 26™ with a celebration that highlighted the area’s preparation for the world’s largest sporting event while also announcing multiple initiatives designed to boost fan engagement, honor the region’s rich culture, and build momentum ahead of the city’s first match on June 15, 2026.
“The FIFA World Cup is about more than matches; it’s about people, culture, and the kind of energy and hospitality only Atlanta can bring,” said Dan Corso, Atlanta Sports Council and AWCHC president. “Today is a celebration of our progress and our passion. From our world-class stadium and infrastructure to the unmatched energy of our communities, Atlanta is proud to be part of this historic moment. These next 12 months will center around what makes our city special and ensuring the legacy of this event is felt for years to come.”
The AWCHC hosted a community briefing that brought together civic leaders and key stakeholders from across the region to outline their collective efforts to prepare for the global event. The briefing featured panels with representatives from Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Atlanta Stadium), City of Atlanta, Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, Metro Atlanta Chamber, Atlanta Police Department, Georgia World Congress Center (GWCC), MARTA, and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport who highlighted Atlanta’s readiness for next summer’s matchups.
“Preparing for FIFA World Cup 26 requires broad collaboration from leaders across the public and private sector who share a common vision to create a safe and wonderful experience for our visitors from across the world,” said Corso. “We have been fortunate to host many global events in recent years, which has created a spirit of cooperation among city, state, and regional leaders who meet regularly to ensure that we are ready for kickoff next June.”
AWCHC leaders also announced key partners and broader community programs, including:
- AWCHC Host City Supporters: The AWCHC announced its first four Host City Supporters – Cox Enterprises, Georgia-Pacific, The Home Depot and Southern Company. The Host City Supporters are key partners who will play a pivotal role in bringing the tournament to life across Atlanta and throughout Georgia.
- AWCHC FIFA World Cup 26™ Legacy Project: The AWCHC announced its FIFA World Cup 26™ Legacy Project will support the development of a new StationSoccer location at the Hamilton E. Holmes MARTA Station in partnership with Soccer in the Streets and Atlanta’s host city supporters. This project will create a community hub where youth programming, transportation, education, public space, and resources come together to foster holistic community support.
- Boys & Girls Clubs of Georgia Partnership: In addition to its local initiatives, the AWCHC is committed to creating a lasting, statewide impact through a strategic partnership with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Georgia. This collaboration focuses on delivering programs and resources in communities including Albany, Athens, Augusta, Columbus, Dalton, Fayetteville, Gainesville, Macon, Rome, Savannah, Statesboro, Valdosta, Thomasville, Brunswick, and Blue Ridge — ensuring the spirit and legacy of the FIFA World Cup reach every corner of Georgia.
- FIFA Fan Festival: In partnership with the Georgia World Congress Center Authority (GWCCA), the AWCHC announced that the official FIFA Fan Festival will take place in Centennial Olympic Park. Celebrating 30 years since the 1996 Centennial Olympic Games, this historic park will once again host residents and fans for 20 operational days throughout the tournament and surrounding Atlanta’s eight matches.
- Hype Video: Grammy Award-winning rapper and Atlanta native Killer Mike launched a special video that highlights Atlanta’s iconic Southern hospitality, diversity, and the historic roots which have shaped the city’s passion for soccer. It can be watched here.
- Men in Blazers Media Network Partnership: The AWCHC will partner with the Men in Blazers Media Network (MiBMN) to host multiple episodes of their Match Day Live series, as part of their summer 2026 tour and programming. These live shows will feature stars from the Atlanta soccer, culture, and entertainment ecosystem, and highlight and celebrate the singular story of Atlanta within the sport.
- Official FIFA World Cup 26™ Atlanta Countdown Clock: The AWCHC and the GWCCA revealed the official countdown clock, which will be displayed outside of the GWCCA and is approximately 5 feet wide by 10 feet tall. In addition, the AWCHC launched a countdown clock campaign across digital billboards and the downtown area counting down until the first match of the FIFA World Cup 26™.
- Official FIFA World Cup 26™ Atlanta Volunteer Headquarters: The AWCHC will partner with CP Group to host the Atlanta Volunteer Headquarters at The Center. Formerly known as CNN Center, the 1.2 million-square-foot facility will be the hub of activity for the local volunteers who work to make the event a success.
- Official FIFA World Cup 26™ Atlanta Gear: FIFA has launched Host City-branded merchandise as part of the “One Year to Go” festivities. Fans can show their local pride with a number of items featuring the FIFA World Cup 26™ Atlanta logo. Items can be purchased at https://store.fifa.com/content/atlanta-2026-host-city.
Today’s announcements come just days before Atlanta hosts its first match of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025™ on June 16. The tournament will feature the best club teams from around the globe competing for the world club champion title.
The Atlanta efforts are part of a larger celebration across all 16 Host Cities from the U.S., Mexico and Canada to commemorate the One Year to Go milestone. AWCHC representatives were a part of celebrations that began in New York City on June 9, when representatives from the Host Cities came together for an exclusive media luncheon. The event officially launched the One Year to Go countdown and featured three esteemed panels:
- North America’s United Moment: Operations and Logistics, which focused on the ongoing collaboration between the U.S., Mexico and Canada and the opportunity for economic growth.
- Beyond the Match: Culture Community and the Fan Experience, where Atlanta Sports Council and Atlanta World Cup Host Committee President Dan Corso and three other panelists emphasized the unifying force of soccer and creating world-class fan experiences outside of the matches.
- Built to Last: Legacy & Social Impact, which addressed how cities are prioritizing long-term community investment through youth soccer programming and community engagement.
Atlanta will host eight matches of the FIFA World Cup 26™, including a semifinal on July 15, 2026. For more information on Atlanta’s hosting of the FIFA World Cup 26™ and to get involved, please visit www.AtlantaFWC26.com. Additionally, fans can sign up to receive more information at FIFA.com/tickets, the official and preferred source of tickets for the tournament.
Media assets from today’s event can be downloaded here.
###
About the FIFA World Cup 26™ Atlanta Host Committee
The FIFA World Cup 26™ Atlanta Host Committee is the local organizing committee for the 23rd edition of the FIFA World Cup™ and acts as the liaison between FIFA, the City of Atlanta, the State of Georgia, and the local community. The FIFA World Cup 26™ Atlanta Host Committee was formed in 2022 under the Championship Hosting Division of the Atlanta Sports Council and features members from the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau (ACVB), AMB Sports and Entertainment (AMBSE), City of Atlanta and the Georgia World Congress Center Authority (GWCCA). The Host Committee is responsible for helping to plan, organize and support activities and events that will enhance the FIFA World Cup 26™ experience for the city, state, and region. For more information, please visit www.AtlantaFWC26.com.
###
QUOTE SHEET
“One year from now, Georgia will yet again proudly stand on the global stage of sports, now as a premier destination for the FIFA World Cup 2026. This tournament is an opportunity for our entire state to come together and showcase our world-class hospitality, safe and welcoming communities, and incredible southern culture. Georgia is ready to welcome the world and ensure all visitors leave with a reason to keep Georgia on their minds.”
– Brian Kemp – Governor of Georgia
“Even though we have just one year to go until the first match, we have been preparing to welcome the world alongside our partners on everything from safety, transportation, infrastructure, fan experience and more. While we are excited for this once in a lifetime opportunity, I have said from the beginning that our Administration is committed to ensuring the FIFA World Cup happens with Atlanta and not to Atlanta.”
– Andre Dickens – Mayor of Atlanta
“FIFA World Cup will be a four-week global showcase for Atlanta, and we’re ready to shine. The passion for soccer is undeniable here and serves as a significant part of our city’s landscape. With the world’s busiest airport and our prime geographic location, Atlanta is perfectly positioned to be a central hub for fans from across the globe. Our hospitality industry is already hard at work to ensure everyone – whether they have tickets to a match or are simply here to be part of the energy – has an unforgettable FIFA World Cup experience.”
– Wiliam Pate – President and CEO, Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau (ACVB)
“Successfully hosting FIFA World Cup 2026 is a true team sport – and it’s no small feat. Success stems from coordination across local and state partners, along with strong support from metro Atlanta’s business community. This is much more than a downtown Atlanta moment; it’s a statewide spotlight – boosting our economy, energizing youth soccer, supporting our businesses, and strengthening communities across Georgia.”
– Katie Kirkpatrick – President and CEO, Metro Atlanta Chamber
“Atlanta has long been a global sports destination, and hosting the FIFA World Cup 2026 is the next chapter in that legacy. This moment is about far more than the matches themselves — it’s about welcoming the world and creating lasting memories. From the world-class experience at Mercedes-Benz Stadium to the meaningful legacy work happening in neighborhoods across Georgia, we’re committed to delivering a World Cup that represents the very best of the city of Atlanta and the state of Georgia to the world.”
– Tim Zulawski – President, AMB Sports and Entertainment
“We’re proud to host Atlanta’s FIFA Fan Festival at Centennial Olympic Park — 30 years after the 1996 Olympic Games brought global attention to our city. For nearly three weeks, fans from around the world will gather to experience the energy, culture, and community that define Atlanta and the state of Georgia. The city’s deep passion for soccer will be on full display, making the Fan Festival not just a celebration of the sport, but a reflection of how strongly the game lives in Atlanta. This event honors our legacy as an international gathering place and reflects our continued role in hosting major events in the heart of downtown.”
– Kevin Duvall – Chief Executive Officer, Georgia World Congress Center Authority
“This is a unique opportunity as one of Atlanta’s hometown companies to connect our businesses and brands with one of the world’s greatest and most watched sporting events. It’s a chance to support our home city, especially downtown Atlanta, as it shines on the global stage,” says Christian Fischer, president and chief executive officer. “As we approach our 100th anniversary in 2027, we believe this event will help us advance our business and brand awareness efforts not only here in the U.S., but across the worldwide soccer fanbase and is another example of how we are investing in the future of downtown Atlanta and in the continued growth of our company.”
– Christian Fischer – President and CEO, Georgia-Pacific
“Atlanta is our hometown, and The Home Depot is proud to support our city as an official Host City Supporter for the FIFA World Cup 2026™. With one year until kickoff, the momentum is growing – and we’re excited to help build an unforgettable experience for fans in Atlanta and around the world. This isn’t just a global tournament – it’s a moment to bring people together, and we’re honored to be part of it.”
– Molly Battin – Senior Vice President & Chief Marketing Officer, The Home Depot
“As a proud Atlanta-based company, we are honored to support our city as it takes center stage for the FIFA World Cup 2026. We’re dedicated to ensuring that this moment highlights the best of what Atlanta has to offer and leaves a legacy we can all be proud of. This is more than a tournament—it’s a celebration of culture, resilience, and the spirit of Atlanta.”
– Dallas Clement – President & CFO, Cox Enterprises
“We’re proud at Southern Company, Georgia Power and Atlanta Gas Light to support the 2026 FIFA World Cup here in our hometown of Atlanta. We’ve been reliably powering the Atlanta community and the state of Georgia for more than a century and have seen firsthand the positive impact access to professional sports has on the athletes of today and how it helps shape the leaders of tomorrow. The World Cup brings together different countries, team pride and incredible athleticism – we’re excited to be a part of this international competition. We’re ready to once again introduce the world to the city we love and host an event on the world stage.”
– Chris Womack – Chairman, President and CEO, Southern Company.
“The Center is proud to host the official Volunteer Headquarters for the FIFA World Cup 2026. Hosting this global effort is an honor and testament to The Center’s emerging role as a dynamic and connected community hub at the core of downtown Atlanta’s entertainment district. We look forward to supporting this impactful catalyst for our city.”
-Chris Eachus – Founding Partner, CP Group