James_Jan-Feb_2026_web - Flipbook - Page 44
There’s also an intangible
benefit which comes in the form
of media viewership. FIFA World
Cup 2026™ is expected to be the
most watched event in the world,
drawing an audience of 19 billion in
2022. That’s right— nearly half the
world’s population watched. That
will create a significant amount
of exposure for our city and the
excitement generated by local and
visiting fans will also drive tourism,
social media chatter and general
buzz about Atlanta.
Atlanta has a long track record
of hosting large-scale events— Super Bowls, College Football Playoff
National Championships, Final
Fours, the 1996 Olympics— and the
city and state have continued to invest in infrastructure, public safety,
hospitality and transportation. This
tournament serves as a catalyst
too, specifically for Downtown.
Nearly $950 million in new development will enhance the city’s
44
JAMES JANUA RY /F E B RUA RY 2 02 6
infrastructure ahead of the matches next year. This is transforming
the heart of Atlanta, merging
history with innovation that will
deliver a dynamic mix of housing,
hospitality, live entertainment and
public spaces all perfectly timed to
welcome the world in 2026.
There will also be a host of
people who will come to Atlanta
without a ticket to a match. Fans
will travel to attend festivals and
other events just to experience the
championship atmosphere. Centennial Olympic Park will be a central
hub for that activity. The park will
host Atlanta’s official tournament
fan festival, just as it did during the
1996 Summer Olympic Games 30
years prior. This space will buzz
with excitement as fans come together to soak in the culture, energy
and global spirit that make World
Cup unlike anything else. There
will be many things to discover
in our neighborhoods, across the
metro area and throughout the state
through local programming, community festivals and watch parties.
Visitors won’t have a shortage
of things to experience during their
time in Atlanta. Whether it’s visiting a world-class attraction, dining
at one of our 63 MICHELIN-recommended restaurants, enjoying live
music and nightlife, experiencing
the heart of the arts district in
Midtown or indulging in the Southeast’s finest shopping district in
Buckhead, guests will quickly
discover why Atlanta stands apart
as a world-class destination.
Atlanta is ready. We’re not just
hosting matches— we are hosting
the world. From food, culture and
sport, we’re excited to demonstrate
what Atlanta does best. And we
promise to do so with the Southern hospitality and civic pride that
defines our special city.
William Pate is the president and CEO of the
Atlanta Convention and Visitors Bureau.
