Atlanta's FIFA World Cup Host Committee rings NYSE opening bell

Irene Wright, USA TODAYMon, March 2, 2026 at 5:31 PM UTC

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In just 104 days, the eyes of the world will be on Atlanta and Mercedes-Benz stadium.

The FIFA 2026 World Cup will kick off on June 11 in Mexico City, Mexico, and the first match held in Atlanta will take place on Monday, June 15.

The city has been preparing for tens of thousands of soccer fans from around the world to arrive, with updates to MARTA, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and wide swaths of the hospitality sector.

To help ring in the final days of preparation, the Atlanta World Cup Host Committee was invited to the New York Stock Exchange Monday.

Mayor Dickens and Governor Kemp ring the bell

Just before 9:30 a.m. E.T., members of Atlanta's World Cup Host Committee climbed the stairs to the bell of the New York Stock Exchange.

As official trading opened, Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens and Georgia Governor Brian Kemp rang the bell together to cheers on the trading floor.

Chants of "ATL, ATL, ATL" started shortly after, with Dickens joining in the chant and Kemp clapping along.

"Marty and I were honored to ring the bell this morning alongside Mayor Dickens at the New York Stock Exchange," Gov. Kemp said in a post on X. "100 days to go!"

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The two leaders were joined by other Georgia representatives and members of the committee, including Lt. Gov. Burt Jones.

"This is more than just soccer — it's jobs, tourism, and a global spotlight. Georgia is built for this moment," Jones said in a video with committee member Dan Corso, president of the Atlanta Sports Council.

They were also joined by Katie Kirkpatrick, the President and CEO of the Metro Atlanta Chamber.

"The South has something to say," the Chamber said in a post. "Atlanta's newest moment in the spotlight is here, and we're ready to shine."

Other members of the host committee include the Atlanta Sports Council, the Atlanta Convention and Visitors Bureau, Atlanta United FC, Resurgens, the State of Georgia, the Georgia World Congress Center Authority, Mercedes-Benz Stadium and the Metro Atlanta Chamber.

Atlanta World Cup match schedule

Atlanta will be host to eight matches over the month-long tournament, including five group stage matches, one Round of 32 match, one Round of 16 match and a semifinal match.

Monday, June 15 — Spain vs Cabo Verde, Group H

Thursday, June 18 — South Africa vs DEN/MKD/CZE/IRL, Group A

Sunday, June 21 — Spain vs Saudi Arabia, Group H

Wednesday, June 24 — Morocco vs Haiti

Saturday, June 27 — Uzbekistan vs COD/JAM/NCL, Group K

Wednesday, July 1 — Group L winners vs third place from Group E/H/I/J/K

Tuesday, July 7 — Match 86 winners vs Match 88 winners

Wednesday, July 15 — tournament semifinal, teams TBD

Irene Wright is the Atlanta Connect reporter with USA Today’s Deep South Connect team. Find her on X @IreneEWright or email her at ismith@usatodayco.com.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Who rang the opening stock exchange bell today? Atlanta represents

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