Business and government leaders highlight the region’s global connections and momentum as the world’s biggest sporting event approaches.
With 100 days to go until FIFA World Cup 2026, leaders from across Georgia and metro Atlanta stepped onto the global stage. The Metro Atlanta Chamber invited 120 leaders from the region’s business community, alongside state and city leadership, to ring the Opening Bell at the New York Stock Exchange, marking a milestone for both Georgia and the tournament. Participating in the moment were Georgia Governor Brian Kemp; First Lady Marty Kemp; Georgia Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones; Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens; Katie Kirkpatrick, president and CEO of the Metro Atlanta Chamber; Dan Corso, president of the Atlanta Sports Council; and members of the business community.
The moment was more than ceremonial. Atlanta’s connection to the New York Stock Exchange runs deeper than the ringing of the bell. Intercontinental Exchange, headquartered in Atlanta, owns and operates the exchange, creating a direct link between the region and one of the world’s most influential financial centers. It is a reminder that Atlanta’s reach extends far beyond its skyline, and that connection to global markets helped shape the conversations that followed.
While in New York, leaders took center stage in discussions about the region’s future and its growing international presence. Metro Atlanta Chamber President and CEO Katie Kirkpatrick moderated a panel on the global impact of FIFA World Cup 2026, bringing together Governor Brian Kemp; Mayor Andre Dickens; and Atlanta Sports Council President Dan Corso to discuss what hosting the event means for the city and the state. The conversation highlighted how global sporting events can accelerate international visibility and economic opportunity.
A second panel broadened the conversation around economic development and the momentum building across the region. Leaders from business, technology, and global sport — including Pat Wilson, commissioner of the Georgia Department of Economic Development; JT Batson, CEO and secretary general of the United States Soccer Federation; Scott Herren, executive advisor at Cisco; and Seamus Smith, group president of global enterprise growth at FIS — discussed why Atlanta continues to rise on international investment and expansion shortlists.
Those conversations echoed what many companies already know. Atlanta offers global connectivity through Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, one of the busiest airports in the world. The region’s workforce is diverse, skilled, and ready to meet the demands of fast-growing industries. Combined with a pro-business climate and strong collaboration between government and the private sector, metro Atlanta continues to show why it is a global hub for business. And soon, the world will see it firsthand again. This is another opportunity for metro Atlanta to take the global stage, building on its legacy from the 1996 Olympics.
Atlanta will host eight matches, including a semifinal, during the FIFA World Cup 2026, bringing fans, businesses, and global attention to the city. As the 100-day countdown continues, moments like the one at the New York Stock Exchange highlight what lies ahead: a region built on strong public and private partnerships, connected to global markets, and ready to welcome the world.
