“What Makes Atlanta a World Cup City?” is a video series by WABE’s Julien Virgin that explores the history, infrastructure and vision that positioned Atlanta to host 8 matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Through interviews with civic leaders, historians, and the community, this series traces the city’s evolution and examines the people, decisions, and moments that prepared Atlanta to welcome the world.
This series is in partnership with WABE and The Great Game Lab at Arizona State University in collaboration with the Us@250 Initiative at New America, made possible by the support of the Carnegie Corporation of New York.
Episode 1: What Makes Atlanta a World Cup City?
The World Cup is coming to Atlanta — but the story starts decades earlier. From Atlanta’s roots as a railroad hub to its rise as a global city, this journey positioned the city to host one of the world’s biggest sporting events.
Episode 2: The Global Foundation
In Episode 2 of “What Makes Atlanta a World Cup City,” WABE’s Julien Virgin explores the vision and leadership that helped transform Atlanta into a global destination. Long before the 2026 FIFA World Cup, city planners and officials were attracting professional sports teams, expanding their global reach, and laying the groundwork for hosting not only the nation but the world. From the arrival of the Atlanta Chiefs — the city’s first professional soccer team — in the 1960s to a bold Olympic bid that changed the city’s trajectory, this episode traces how Atlanta positioned itself on the world stage.
Episode 3: Atlanta Takes the World Stage
In Episode 3 of “What Makes Atlanta a World Cup City,” WABE’s Julien Virgin examines how the Olympics transformed Atlanta into a global sports and business destination — laying the foundation for the city to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
From infrastructure growth and Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, to major sporting events and civic partnerships, this episode explores how Atlanta built a reputation as one of the premier event destinations in the United States.
Episode 4: The City United
Soccer has become woven into Atlanta’s identity. In Episode 4 of “What Makes Atlanta a World Cup City?” — Julien Virgin explores how Atlanta United’s rapid success, grassroots soccer initiatives, and growing international profile helped transform the city into one of North America’s premier soccer destinations. As Atlanta prepares to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup, this episode examines the culture, community, and passion that fueled the city’s rise around the world’s game.
Who We Talked To
Shirley Franklin
Atlanta Mayor from 2002 – 2010
Paul Crater
VP of Collections and Research at Atlanta History Center
Dan Corso
President of Atlanta Sports Council
Kaseem Ladipo
Executive Director of Soccer in the Streets
Tim Zulawski
President, AMB Sports and Entertainment
Sara Kate Noftsinger
Chief Business Officer, Atlanta United
Meet Julien Virgin
I’m a multimedia journalist and digital content strategist focused on telling stories that reach people where they are online, on their phones, and in their communities.
At WABE, I lead our social video strategy, producing creative, impactful content for TikTok, Instagram, YouTube Shorts, and beyond.
With a background in both editorial reporting and visual storytelling, I help bridge traditional journalism and digital innovation. I collaborate across the newsroom to amplify our coverage, grow our digital presence, and build deeper connections with our audience.
From concept to camera to final cut, I bring an audience-first mindset and a passion for high-quality, community-centered storytelling.
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