For Colin Smith, FIFA’s chief of tournaments and events, actually being on the ground at Mercedes-Benz Stadium gave him a clearer picture of what Atlanta can offer.
“It’s just reinforced the compact footprint, especially around the stadium. With the locations next to the stadium, obviously the convention center as well,” said Smith.
Atlanta hopes to be one of 16 cities in North America to host World Cup matches in 2026. Smith and other officials from soccer’s governing body were in town Friday for a visit. The continent hasn’t hosted a World Cup since 1994.
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