City of Atlanta Highlights Comprehensive Preparations for FIFA World Cup 2026™

City of Atlanta Highlights Comprehensive Preparations for FIFA World Cup 2026™
Coordinated public safety, operations and community-centered strategies position Atlanta for a safe, efficient and globally welcoming event

ATLANTA - The City of Atlanta announced continued progress across infrastructure, public safety and operational readiness as part of its comprehensive strategy to host eight matches of FIFA World Cup 2026™. This update, shared during the Atlanta City Council meeting, reinforces its commitment to delivering a seamless, safe, and globally competitive experience for both residents and visitors alike. (You can find a copy of the Administration's presentation online here.)

"Atlanta is ready to welcome the world," said Mayor Andre Dickens. "We are aligning public safety, infrastructure, workforce and technology to ensure we deliver a safe, efficient, and welcoming experience while strengthening the systems that serve our residents every day."

The City is leveraging federal funding to support readiness efforts including $52.2 million awarded through FEMA's FIFA World Cup Grant Program (part of $73.4 million for the Atlanta Host Committee). Additionally, $7.6 million was awarded to the Atlanta Police Department (APD) through FEMA's Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems Grant Program (part of $20.3 million statewide).

Public Safety & Operations

Atlanta's public safety strategy prioritizes appropriate response, service connection, and data-driven accountability. APD continues to expand its operational capacity through a comprehensive approach that integrates traditional policing with innovative diversion and response models designed to improve outcomes and reduce strain on emergency services.

As part of this effort, a newly established Special Events Division is dedicated to the planning, coordination and execution of large-scale events, including FIFA World Cup 2026™ operations. This work is supported by a global-stage readiness strategy that includes the introduction of a new APD uniform to enhance professionalism and visibility. Operationally, the City is scaling deployment with more than 700 officers and over 200 supporting outside agencies through mutual aid, alongside the strategic use of safety posts and specialized units such as bicycle response, motors, and mounted patrol.

These efforts are supported through a Joint Operations Center (JOC), which enables real-time coordination, situational awareness and aligned decision-making across City, Regional, State, Federal and other public safety partners.

Technology, Surveillance & Incident Response

APD is deploying advanced technology to enhance situational awareness and response capabilities. This includes the expansion of the drone unit to support enhanced aerial surveillance, rapid incident response, and real-time crowd management and flow monitoring. These capabilities are complemented by broader operational intelligence tools that support traffic monitoring and incident detection, assist tactical and emergency operations, and ensure documentation and after-action review to strengthen continuous improvement.

Atlanta's Integrated Response Model reinforces this approach by ensuring the right response is delivered at the right time. Non-emergency calls received through 911 are immediately transferred to ATL311 or a qualified partner agency within the Policing Alternatives & Diversion (PAD) network, with each interaction documented to support accurate record keeping and real-time performance tracking. In the field, officers encountering individuals eligible for diversion facilitate direct connections to services, including escorting individuals to appropriate care centers.

Atlanta is one of four cities out of the 16 host cities in North America that have published a Human Rights Action Plan, which is grounded in dignity, access and inclusion. It prioritizes equitable access to City services, language access, community trust and the protection of civil and human rights within the scope of municipal authority.

Through our Office of International and Immigrant Affairs, we are actively coordinating with consulates representing participating countries to ensure clear communication, cultural competency and support for international visitors. Our responsibility is to ensure that local operations, City services and public-facing engagement reflect these values. That includes ensuring residents and visitors feel safe engaging with City services, reporting issues and participating in public life without fear.

Infrastructure & Transportation Investments

The City of Atlanta is making targeted, strategic investments to strengthen mobility, accessibility and safety as it prepares for the demands of a global event. Central to this effort is a $120 million Transportation Infrastructure Bond, which is supporting a range of improvements across the city, including street resurfacing, roadway upgrades, expanded sidewalks and ADA enhancements. Signal improvements and traffic flow optimization are also underway, alongside the installation of new street lighting and multimodal infrastructure designed to support pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers alike.

These investments are further reinforced through coordination with MARTA to ensure efficient regional connectivity and reliable transit access throughout the city. These investments are further reinforced through real-time traffic operations and coordinated planning with MARTA, Georgia Department of Transportation, and Georgia World Congress Center Police to ensure efficient regional mobility, incident management, and reliable transit access throughout the city.

Signage, Wayfinding & Smart Technology

Atlanta is also enhancing the way residents and visitors navigate the city through expanded signage and smart technology. The IKE Smart City program continues to grow, with 220 locations planned citywide and 141 already live. These digital kiosks provide real-time information, wayfinding support, and public messaging, helping users move through the city with clarity and confidence. Complementing this effort are targeted street activations that improve pedestrian and multimodal connectivity, alongside wayfinding systems designed to guide movement across key corridors and high-traffic areas.

Department of Public Works (DPW) Readiness

The Department of Public Works has reached a high level of operational readiness, with systems in place to maintain daily right-of-way cleanliness and ensure the city remains presentable and functional during peak activity. This effort is supported by strategic deployment of DPW resources and staffing partnerships that incorporate community workforce participation, expanding capacity while maintaining core service delivery.

The City is working in partnership with volunteers and external stakeholders to support citywide beautification and readiness efforts, reinforcing a shared commitment to ensuring Atlanta presents itself at its best on the global stage.

In addition to operational readiness, the City is advancing initiatives like Showcase Atlanta to ensure the World Cup delivers meaningful economic and community impact. This work is designed to connect residents, small businesses and neighborhoods to the opportunities generated by this global event.

Residents and visitors are encouraged to utilize ATL311 and follow official City of Atlanta communication channels and atl.direct/fifa for updates as Atlanta prepares to welcome the world.

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For more information about the City of Atlanta, please visit www.atlantaga.gov or watch City Channel 26. Follow the City of Atlanta on Facebook and Twitter @CityofAtlanta.