Atlanta's 2026 FIFA World Cup sparks protests and community celebrations

On March 24, 2026, activists and public officials gathered at Atlanta City Hall to protest Home Depot’s sponsorship of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, accusing the retailer of cooperating with ICE and engaging in sports‑washing. The Defrost the Home Depot coalition, represented by Michael Collins of Play Fair ATL, demanded that the Atlanta‑based company publicly oppose immigration enforcement on its property. Home Depot, founded by Bernie Marcus and Arthur Blank, has a long history of sponsoring major Atlanta events.

Meanwhile, Clayton County, Georgia, organized a series of free public watch parties and cultural festivals throughout June and July 2026 to celebrate the tournament. Events such as the Riverdale Global Soccer & Juneteenth Celebration, a Caribbean‑themed watch party, and the Mega WatchFest on July 15 offered music, food, and family‑friendly activities, highlighting the region’s diverse community engagement with the World Cup.