Atlanta and Spain: Building on a World Cup Moment

Published: Thursday June 25, 2026

As Spain's national team competed in Atlanta during the FIFA World Cup, business, government, and civic leaders gathered to discuss how international sporting events can serve as a catalyst for deeper relationships between cities, institutions, and countries.

World Affairs Council of Atlanta Program Manager of Global Leadership Development Elena Fernandez joined the Metro Atlanta Chamber, the Spain–U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and the Embassy of Spain for the Spain–Atlanta Global Business & Sports Summit. Ambassador of Spain to the United States Ángeles Moreno Bau attended alongside representatives from FIFA, Telemundo, The Coca-Cola Company, and other organizations with interests in both markets.

Discussions focused on the growing relationship between Atlanta and Spain, supported by direct air connections through Delta Air Lines Inc., longstanding educational ties among universities, and Spanish companies already operating throughout Georgia.

The summit followed a May trade mission to Spain led by Metro Atlanta Chamber President and CEO Katie Kirkpatrick. During the visit, chamber representatives met with Atlanta-based companies operating in Spain, Spanish trade and investment officials, existing investors, and prospective companies exploring U.S. expansion opportunities.

Several upcoming events provide opportunities to continue building on this momentum. Spain will co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup alongside Morocco and Portugal. The Atlanta Falcons are also scheduled to play in Madrid this November, and Ambassador Moreno noted plans to host a reciprocal business event in Spain during the visit.

The summit highlighted how international sporting events can serve as a platform for deeper economic, cultural, and diplomatic engagement between cities and countries. For Atlanta and Spain, organizers expressed hope that the connections established during the World Cup will continue to grow in the years ahead.

Read the full recap of the World Affairs Council of Atlanta's event, The World Cup in Atlanta: Unlocking Economic Opportunity in 2026 and Beyond, featuring Katie Kirkpatrick.