Atlanta’s role as a FIFA World Cup 2026™ Host City extends far beyond the pitch.
As FIFA World Cup 2026™ continues in Atlanta, the city’s role as a Host City is reaching far beyond match day.
This week, Mayor Andre Dickens welcomed international leaders, athletes and community partners as Atlanta celebrated two nations with strong ties to the region: the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Haiti.
From a meeting at City Hall with Ambassador Kapinga Yvette Ngandu of the Democratic Republic of the Congo to a reception honoring Haiti’s national team, Les Grenadiers, the week highlighted what Atlanta has been building throughout the tournament: a citywide welcome rooted in culture, community and global connection.
Welcoming the Democratic Republic of the Congo
On Thursday, Mayor Dickens met with Ambassador Kapinga Yvette Ngandu, Ambassador of the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the United States, at Atlanta City Hall.
The meeting came ahead of Saturday’s FIFA World Cup 2026™ match between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uzbekistan, highlighting the international relationships and cultural exchange that continue to grow through the tournament.
The DRC is making just its second FIFA World Cup appearance and its first since 1974. After a historic draw against Portugal and a narrow loss to Colombia, the Leopards enter Saturday’s match with an opportunity to advance to the knockout stage.
The celebration continues Friday, June 26, when the Atlanta Congo Coalition presents ATLDRC LIVE at the Atlanta Cultural Exchange, featuring storytelling, music and community engagement that showcase Congolese culture and heritage. Residents can explore the full lineup of performances, exhibits and conversations at Atlanta Cultural Exchange.
Atlanta also shares a special connection to the Democratic Republic of the Congo through the late Dikembe Mutombo, the NBA Hall of Famer, humanitarian and former Atlanta Hawk who made Atlanta home while continuing to serve communities in his native country.
Honoring Haiti’s Return to the World Cup
Later Thursday, Mayor Dickens joined dignitaries, local supporters and members of the Haitian-American community at Clark Atlanta University for a reception honoring Haiti’s national team, Les Grenadiers.
The event celebrated Haiti’s return to the World Cup stage and the pride the team inspired across the Haitian diaspora.
Metro Atlanta is home to a flourishing Haitian-American community, including entrepreneurs, professionals, civic leaders, students and families who help shape the region’s culture and economy.
In his remarks, Mayor Dickens thanked the team for inspiring communities both in Atlanta and around the world.
“The scoreboard may not have told the story you wanted to tell. But there’s no scoreboard that could account for the pride you carried, the passion you played with or the joy you brought to so many of us.”
More Than a Match
The FIFA World Cup is about more than what happens inside the stadium. Across Atlanta, residents have opportunities every day to experience new cultures, support local businesses and connect with communities from around the globe.
Whether you’re attending Saturday’s Democratic Republic of the Congo match, exploring the Atlanta Cultural Exchange or stopping by a neighborhood watch party, there’s still plenty to experience throughout the tournament. View the full Atlanta Cultural Exchange schedule at Atlanta Cultural Exchange.
