Senate Resolution 942
By: Senators Echols of the 49th, Ginn of the 47th, Dixon of the 45th, Halpern of the 39th,
Anderson of the 43rd and others
A RESOLUTION
Commending the Atlanta World Cup Host Committee; and for other purposes.
WHEREAS, in June 2022, Atlanta, Georgia, was selected through a highly competitive bid
process to serve as one of the 16 host cities across three different countries for the FIFA
World Cup 2026, one of the world's most prestigious international sporting events; and
WHEREAS, the FIFA World Cup 2026 will occur over a month in Georgia, with the first
group match in Atlanta on June 15, 2026, and the semi-final match on July 15, 2026; and
WHEREAS, Atlanta, Georgia, was awarded eight FIFA World Cup 2026 matches, the
second highest number of matches, which includes five group stage matches, a round of 32
match, a round of 16 match, and a semi-final match; and
WHEREAS, this summer, Atlanta and the State of Georgia will welcome Cabo Verde, Haiti,
Morocco, Saudi Arabia, Spain, South Africa, Uzbekistan, European Play-Off D Winner, and
Intercontinental Play-Off 1 Winner; and
WHEREAS, The Atlanta Sports Council spearheaded the bid to host the FIFA World Cup
2026 alongside its partners in the community and state, including the Atlanta Convention &
Visitors Bureau, Arthur M. Blank Sports and Entertainment, Georgia World Congress Center
Authority, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Metro Atlanta Chamber, the City of Atlanta, and the
State of Georgia; and
WHEREAS, the Georgia General Assembly and Governor Brian P. Kemp championed
Georgia's ability to host major sporting events with the extension of the sales tax exemption
on tickets for major sporting events and a $25 million appropriation to facilitate public
safety, security, and infrastructure costs for hosting FIFA World Cup 2026; and
WHEREAS, the FIFA World Cup 2026 will be hosted at the world-class Mercedes-Benz
Stadium, the home of Atlanta United and the Atlanta Falcons; future home of Atlanta's
National Women's Soccer League (NSWL) team; and the future host of multiple major
sporting events, including Super Bowl 62 and the NCAA Men's Final Four 2031; and
WHEREAS, Cox Enterprises, Georgia-Pacific, The Home Depot, NAPA Auto Parts, and
Southern Company signed on as official Atlanta World Cup Host City Supporters to provide
business community support for our city and state's ability to host this prestigious
international event; and
WHEREAS, over 3,000 volunteers from Georgia, the Southeast, and the world have stepped
forward to serve as ambassadors, offering the first impression for guests and showcasing our
first-class hospitality for national and international visitors across the event's footprint; and
WHEREAS, the Atlanta World Cup Host Committee will support the development of a new
StationSoccer location at the Hamilton E. Holmes MARTA Station in partnership with
Soccer in the Streets, creating a community hub for youth programming, transportation,
education, and a public space to foster community support; and
WHEREAS, the Atlanta World Cup Host Committee is committed to creating lasting,
statewide impact through a strategic partnership with the Boys and Girls Clubs of Georgia
in local communities, including plans in Albany, Athens, Augusta, Columbus, Dalton,
Fayetteville, Gainesville, Macon, Rome, the Savannah/Statesboro area, Valdosta,
Thomasville, Brunswick, and the Blue Ridge region; and
WHEREAS, the FIFA World Cup 2026 has catalyzed development all across our state,
spurring over $5 billion in private development occurring in Downtown Atlanta and over
$100 million in infrastructure investments improving Atlanta's preparedness for residents and
visitors from around the world; and
WHEREAS, the FIFA World Cup 2026 is projected to generate more than $500 million in
economic impact for the State of Georgia from spending by out-of-state attendees throughout
its duration.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE that the members of this body
commend the Atlanta World Cup Host Committee for its efforts to prepare Atlanta and the
State of Georgia to welcome national and international visitors for the FIFA World Cup
2026.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of the Senate is authorized and directed
to make an appropriate copy of this resolution available for distribution to the Atlanta World
Cup Host Committee.