ATLANTA (May 18, 2023) – In the summer of 2026, Atlanta will be one of 16 Host Cities across North America for the world’s largest sporting event, the 23rd edition of the FIFA World Cup™. Today, the leaders of the Atlanta World Cup Host Committee (AWCHC), in partnership with FIFA, released the Official Brand that will blanket the city in the leadup to the historic event.
Over the next two weeks, AWCHC and its local partners will showcase elements of the branding across the city, giving fans their first opportunity to experience the excitement of the quadrennial event that will bring participants and fans from across the globe into the city for at least four games in the summer of 2026.
To culminate the brand launch, AWCHC will host a celebration at halftime of the Atlanta United’s match against the New England Revolution on May 31 with dignitaries and community leaders.
In addition to the reveal of the Official Brand, the AWCHC launched their website at AtlantaFWC26.com, as well as their social channels on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter under the handle @FWC26Atlanta. The AWCHC encourages fans to follow on all platforms to get updates on future announcements and activations in the market.
“The release of the Official Brand is the first tangible example for soccer fans across the southeast to feel the excitement that the FIFA World Cup will bring to our city in the summer of 2026,” said Dan Corso, president of the Atlanta Sports Council and head of the AWCHC. “The FIFA World Cup will give Atlanta and the State of Georgia another opportunity to shine on a global stage as fans and participants from around the globe will be greeted by this iconic logo that represents so many elements that make our city special.”
Today’s announcement follows the global release of the Official Brand of FIFA World Cup 2026, which was unveiled yesterday at a star-studded event in Los Angeles. The Official Brand introduces fans to the tournament’s new emblem, typeface and striking color palette. The launch campaign, WE ARE 26, empowers people, places and communities to play an integral role in launching the FIFA World Cup 26 Official Brand.
The Official Brand is accompanied by 16 individual Host City Brands that are meant to embody each city’s own world-renowned culture and heritage, in which millions of fans will immerse themselves when kick-off comes in 2026.
The Atlanta colors were selected by FIFA to represent characteristics of the city. The primary color chosen for Atlanta is commonly known as Iris Blue, with secondary colors Aquamarine, Rich Red, Deep Lilac and Persian Red, complemented by Black and White. Inspiration was pulled from Atlanta’s storied past, including:
- A city historically known to galvanize movements through diverse groups who move together towards common goals
- A nod to a city that’s growing
- Reference to the forests that surround the downtown core, making Atlanta known as the “City in a Forest”
- Rising arrows inspired by the “Atlanta From the Ashes” statue in Woodruff Park
- Modern Atlanta & Hip Hop
- Native American Heritage
To celebrate the launch of the Official Brand, FIFA, Host Cities, broadcasters and brands are commissioning portraits of faces and places that tell their FIFA World Cup stories, featuring individuals and experiences that await fans in 2026 and inviting everyone to be a part of #WeAre26.
FIFA World Cup 2026 is expected be the biggest sporting event in history – including three Host Countries, 16 Host Cities, 48 teams and 104 matches. The event will feature a new tournament format while keeping the exciting 4-team group stage phase to ensure the ultimate football spectacle.
Hosting World Cup matches will bring an economic boost to the city: an impact analysis by the Boston Consulting Group during the initial bid process in 2017-18 found that the FIFA World Cup 2026 is forecasted to contribute $5B in new economic activity. Of that, $415 million alone is estimated in net economic benefit for Atlanta, which is becoming renowned for its support of soccer due to the success of Atlanta United in Major League Soccer.
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About the Atlanta World Cup Host Committee
The Atlanta World Cup Host Committee is the local organizing committee for the 23rd edition of the FIFA World Cup™ and acts as the liaison between FIFA, the City of Atlanta, State of Georgia, and the local community. The Atlanta World Cup Host Committee was formed in 2022 under the Championship Hosting Division of the Atlanta Sports Council and features members from Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau (ACVB), Atlanta United, AMB Sports and Entertainment (AMBSE), City of Atlanta and the Georgia World Congress Center Authority (GWCCA). The Host Committee is responsible for helping to plan, organize and support activities and events that will enhance the FIFA World Cup 2026 experience for the city, state, and region. For more information, please visit: AtlantaFWC26.com.