WSTV: World Cup 2026: FIFA selects Atlanta as one of 16 host cities
Behind Atlanta United’s success and record attendance numbers, Atlanta has grown into one of the hottest soccer cities in the world. On Thursday, its success paid off in a big way. FIFA announced that Atlanta will be one of 16 cities to host the 2026 World Cup.
“We have the pleasure of celebrating Atlanta’s selection as a host city of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, because of our strong, bipartisan public-private partnerships and many who have been working for years to put Georgia on the map since we hosted the 1996 Olympics,” said Gov. Brian P. Kemp. “This premiere event will have a positive impact on so many hardworking Georgians. Hotels will fill with guests from around the world; restaurants will provide visitors a taste of the South they will not soon forget; attractions across Georgia will welcome those seeking to experience all the Peach State has to offer."
AJC: Atlanta will host part of 2026 World Cup
One of the world’s biggest and most-watched sporting events is coming to Atlanta in four years. Soccer’s global governing body, FIFA, on Thursday named Atlanta and 15 other North American cities to host matches in the 2026 men’s World Cup.
“The world will be watching as we meet this moment,” Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp said during a news conference at Mercedes-Benz Stadium following FIFA’s nationally televised announcement from New York. Kemp said the World Cup will be “one of the most impactful events in our state’s history.”
Fox 5: World Cup 2026: Atlanta's Mercedes-Benz Stadium named as a host site
Gov. Brian Kemp said the state's focus will be on security.
A study by the Boston Consulting Group during the initial bid process forecasted the matches could contribute $5 billion in new economic activity with $415 million alone for the city of Atlanta.
WABE: Atlanta chosen as host city for 2026 World Cup
A delegation from FIFA, soccer’s world governing body, visited Atlanta in September to tour Mercedes-Benz Stadium and other facilities in Atlanta. At the time, the officials spoke of Atlanta United’s record-setting home crowds, the quality of the stadium and training facilities, and the accessibility of Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport.
“We have the pleasure of celebrating Atlanta’s selection as a host city of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, because of our strong, bipartisan public-private partnerships and many who have been working for years to put Georgia on the map since we hosted the 1996 Olympics,” said Governor Brian Kemp. “This premier event will have a positive impact on so many hardworking Georgians.”
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