Atlanta hosts World Cup pep rally as tournament prep winds down

The mayor of Atlanta posing with kids.
Inside the CT Martin Recreation Center on Atlanta’s west side on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, city leaders invited the community to celebrate the upcoming World Cup. Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium will host its first match on June 15.

(Marlon Hyde/WABE)

Sneakers squeak as kids run around, kicking soccer balls, like 9-year-old Brave Lambert.

“My favorite part about today is soccer because it’s a fun activity and a good sport for me,” said Lambert.

Inside the CT Martin Recreation Center on Atlanta’s west side on Tuesday, city leaders invited the community to celebrate the upcoming World Cup. Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium will host its first match on June 15.