Atlanta Marks One Year to Go until the FIFA World Cup 26™ with Joint Host City Efforts and Citywide Celebrations

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 (ACVB), 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. 

“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,” said William Pate, president and CEO, ACVB. “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.”

“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.