Mayor Andre Dickens reveals Atlanta’s bold vision for 2026 World Cup

Remember the hype of the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta? Mayor Andre Dickens does — and he’s making sure the World Cup in 2026 feels like it happens with the city, not to it. From West End to Cascade, he envisions festivals, thriving small businesses, and a celebration that reflects the whole city, bringing real opportunities to neighborhoods far beyond the stadium lights. UATL senior reporter Gavin Godfrey chats with Dickens on his vision for the major event and how it could bolster Atlanta's Black mecca status. Credits: AJC | Getty Images | Arvin Temkar, Jonathan Newton, Miguel Martinez, Abbey Cutrer, Hyosub Shin/AJC | Jeffrey Greenberg/Getty Images | Gavin Godfrey / AJC