Preparation for the FIFA World Cup is happening at every level across the city, including from one of the most visible public safety units on Atlanta’s streets: the Mounted Patrol.
In recent weeks, the Atlanta Police Department’s Mounted Patrol returned to the Georgia World Congress Center area to continue training in and around the footprint where major World Cup activities will take place. The exercise builds on earlier joint rides with the Cobb County Sheriff’s Office and reflects ongoing coordination across agencies preparing to support large crowds in 2026.
Mounted officers bring a unique advantage during major events. From horseback, they can see above traffic, parking areas, and dense crowds, allowing them to identify issues quickly and respond faster when needed.
“When we’re in a congested area or moving through parking lots and large gatherings, we can see over cars and over people’s heads,” said Lt. Greg Lyon of APD’s Mounted Patrol. “It gives us a great vantage point to identify problems and respond.”
That elevated visibility becomes especially important during global events expected to bring hundreds of thousands of visitors into downtown spaces surrounding match sites and fan activations.
Just as important as mobility is presence.
Mounted patrol officers often serve as the first friendly point of contact for visitors navigating unfamiliar areas. Their role supports both safety operations and the city’s welcoming experience.
“When people think about the World Cup and they see horses in a crowd environment, they see a big, bold, beautiful presence,” Lyon said. “Our main goal is to be ambassadors of the city.”
These continued training rides near the event footprint help ensure both riders and horses remain comfortable operating in high-energy environments with traffic, noise, and large gatherings. The work also strengthens coordination with regional partners who will support operations throughout the tournament.
As preparations continue across transportation, infrastructure, public safety, and neighborhood readiness efforts, mounted patrol remains one more example of how teams across the region are getting Atlanta ready to welcome the world in 2026.
