Countdown to World Cup 2026: Inside Atlanta’s Host City Prep

In this episode of The Authoricast, we sit down with Georgia O’Donahue, Chief Operating Officer of the Atlanta World Cup Host Committee, to talk about what it takes to bring the world’s biggest sporting event to Atlanta in 2026. An Atlanta native, Georgia shares her pride in showcasing her hometown and explains the years-long process of bidding and planning for the World Cup.

She highlights why Atlanta is uniquely positioned to host, with its walkable downtown, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, and Centennial Olympic Park, and she reflects on how the city has grown since the 1996 Olympics. Georgia also offers a behind-the-scenes look at preparing for eight matches in 30 days and previews what fans can expect, from Fan Fest to watch parties across the metro.