ATLANTA, Ga. — Atlanta will host eight World Cup matches this summer, including a semifinal. All will be played at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
The World Cup is a chapter in a book written by Arthur Blank.
Blank built Atlanta United FC into a powerhouse of the South, winning the MLS Cup and US Open Cup. The team consistently ranks among the global leaders in attendance.
He had a hand in helping the city establish U.S. Soccer’s first-ever national training center and headquarters. In the past few months, he announced the addition of a National Women’s Soccer League team.
“You look at 1994 when the World Cup was here, Major League Soccer was shortly announced and launched thereafter. What is the impact for the World Cup being here in 2026? And what does that entail 10, 15, 20 years from now? And how can we capture this moment and utilize it to help grow and expand exponentially?” said Josh Blank, with AMB Sports and Entertainment.
Remembering Ted Turner
Blank said part of capitalizing on that moment is the global superstars within soccer.
The Home Depot co-founder also owns the Atlanta Falcons.
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