Atlanta’s work to welcome the world during FIFA World Cup 2026™ is receiving national recognition.
The Public Diplomacy Council of America (PDCA) has named Atlanta a recipient of its 2026 U.S. Sports Diplomacy Award, recognizing how the city used the tournament to welcome international visitors, showcase Atlanta businesses and culture, and build global relationships designed to last beyond the World Cup. Boston was also selected for the honor.
PDCA said Atlanta stood out for backing its efforts with tangible results and demonstrating how sports can help build understanding and connections across countries.
Why Atlanta Was Recognized
Guided by Mayor Andre Dickens’ principle that the World Cup should happen with Atlanta, not to Atlanta, the city prepared residents, businesses and City services to welcome visitors from around the world.
That work included:
- Welcoming international visitors: More than 2,000 volunteers contributed 55,000-plus hours, while iSpeakATL provided real-time interpretation in 22 languages.
- Creating opportunities for Atlanta businesses: Showcase Atlanta prepared more than 1,900 businesses, trained 1,000-plus entrepreneurs and connected more than 2,100 job seekers with opportunities.
- Sharing Atlanta with the world: More than 2,000 media representatives from 82 countries covered matches at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, while more than 2,200 media members from 89 countries attended the FIFA Fan Festival.
- Building lasting global connections: Atlanta welcomed 43 international delegations representing 45 countries and hosted diplomatic, cultural and economic exchanges with countries including Morocco, Spain, Cabo Verde and South Africa.
Those connections are already extending beyond the tournament. Invest Atlanta and the Moroccan Investment and Export Development Agency signed an agreement to support future trade missions, business exchanges and host-city knowledge sharing ahead of the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
Nearly 30 years after hosting the Centennial Olympic Games, Atlanta once again used a global sporting moment to welcome the world, showcase the city and build connections designed to last.
The effort was made possible by City departments and offices working alongside community, business and regional partners across Atlanta.
Learn more about how Atlanta came together to deliver FIFA World Cup 2026™ and the legacy it leaves behind at ATL & Beyond and in Atlanta’s FIFA World Cup 2026 Legacy & Impact Book.
