The World Cup in Atlanta: Unlocking Economic Opportunity in 2026 and Beyond

By: Jared Lenton

Published: January 28, 2026

On January 27, 2026, the World Affairs Council of Atlanta convened 150+ global leaders for a dynamic breakfast discussion on the economic impact of The FIFA World Cup 26™. Hosted at The Loft, The Woodruff Arts Center’s newly opened space, the discussion highlighted Atlanta’s unique opportunity on the world stage. From boosting tourism and improving infrastructure to driving community development and attracting global investment, the conversation underscored how hosting the games will bring long-lasting benefits for Atlanta.

Moderating the conversation was Rickey Bevington, President of the World Affairs Council of Atlanta, and featured insights from distinguished guest speakers Al McRae, President, Bank of America Atlanta and Hala Moddelmog, President and CEO of the Woodruff Arts Center.

Rickey Bevington, president, World Affairs Council of Atlanta | Commencement

In her opening remarks, Bevington outlined The FIFA World Cup 26™ as our generation’s Olympics, setting the tone for the morning’s discussion. She posed key questions to guests to kick-off the event: How do we turn global visibility into a lasting local impact? What does this mean for infrastructure? How do we ensure that the benefits of this moment are shared broadly throughout communities?

Al McRae, president, Bank of America Atlanta | Guest Speaker

McRae emphasized the bank’s longstanding commitment to community success, economic growth and well-being. He shared his pride in partnering with the Council as part of a global movement he described as a game changer, tongue in cheek.

“Bank of America has been serving Atlanta for over 100 years,” McRae noted. “As the official bank of the FIFA World Cup 26™, we’ll see tremendous opportunity, not just to reach the billions of fans who will be watching, but how these matches can unite communities and deliver lasting impact.”

McRae also underscored projections showing The FIFA World Cup 26™ generating over $1 billion in regional economic activity, supporting thousands of jobs and attracting an estimated 300,000 visitors. He detailed Bank of America’s focus on supporting local businesses and strengthening partnerships with organizations such as the World Affairs Council of Atlanta, Metro Atlanta Chamber and Woodruff Arts Center to ensure Atlanta shines on the global stage.

Hala Moddelmog, president and CEO of Woodruff Arts Center | Guest Speaker

Moddelmog shared how the Woodruff is preparing to welcome the world during The FIFA World Cup 26™. She announced that the Center has begun meeting with international partners and will offer exclusive cultural experiences for VIP visitors, including “Basura,” a show featuring music by Emily Estefan, along with symphony performances and popular dance programming.

Moddelmog also introduced, “Élise,” the Arts Center’s newly opened restaurant by acclaimed Chef Craig Richards, expanding the Center’s appeal as a prime attraction for dining and entertainment. With five performance stages, it’s largest holding 1,800; the Woodruff Arts

Center hopes to secure licensure to screen FIFA World Cup 26™matches, creating a vibrant gathering space for fans.

“When your people aren’t in the stadium or having dinner, bring them to the Center,” encouraged Moddelmog. “Think about us to entertain your guests.”

Katie Kirkpatrick On The FIFA World Cup 26™’s Once in A Generation Impact | Keynote Speaker

Katie Kirkpatrick, President and CEO of the Metro Atlanta Chamber, expanded on the scale of opportunity ahead. “For 40 days, the world will be saying ‘Atlanta,’” she noted, calling the moment an unprecedented branding and credibility boost for the region. Kirkpatrick shared that more than $1 billion in economic impact is anticipated, with 40% of Atlanta’s job creation historically driven by indirect investment, expected to grow post-World Cup.

Preparations for the games are underway. Kirkpatrick outlined $120 million in downtown infrastructure improvements, including road upgrades, crosswalks, ADA ramps, beautification projects and 120 new digital wayfinding signs to support non-English-speaking visitors. Kirkpatrick also underscored federal investments totaling $675 million for transit improvements, airport upgrades such as enhancements to the Plane Train, new signage and robust security coordination from state and local governments.

To equip the city’s small businesses for increased demand, the Metro Atlanta Chamber has partnered with Showcase Atlanta and Atlanta Community Bankers Bank (ACBB) to create a catalog of local businesses. Resources related to inventory, insurance and visitor readiness will also be provided as part of this initiative.

“The city of Atlanta is doing an incredible job educating small businesses,” Kirkpatrick said. “We’re building muscle that will last well beyond the World Cup.”

What’s Next? 

Don’t miss the next event in this speaker series — International Women’s Day: Leadership Lessons from a Life in Soccer, featuring two-time FIFA Women’s World Cup Champion, Kelley O’Hara at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, sponsored by Bank of America. In this dynamic fireside chat, O’Hara will explore leadership, equity and the global impact of women’s sports.