Photos: The FIFA World Cup and Atlanta's unsheltered community

FIFA World Cup Atlanta stadium employees walk toward a security checkpoint outside of the stadium before the start of a match between Spain and Saudi Arabia in Atlanta, Georgia, June 15 2026. (Photo by Alyssa Pointer for ACPC)

As people from far and wide come to Atlanta to watch the 2026 FIFA World Cup, local organizers have raised questions about the city’s readiness to handle the influx of visitors while ensuring the city’s at-risk residents are cared for.

David, 57, is one of those residents. He said he has faced intermittent bouts of homelessness over the past three years.

Last year, the city launched its Atlanta Rising plan to end unsheltered homelessness for 400 unhoused residents ahead of the World Cup. Partners for Home, the nonprofit charged with carrying out the city’s homelessness initiatives, claims to have housed over 400 unsheltered residents.

On Friday morning, David washed his clothes with a bar of soap beside Atlanta Rescue Fire Station 1 before heading to a nearby church for breakfast.

Meanwhile, the mood in Centennial Park was convivial. For most of the year, the park’s benches offer a small respite to unsheltered residents. But through July 15, the park has been transformed into the site of the city’s FIFA World Cup Fan Festival, replete with concerts from Atlanta performers, including Ludacris, CeeLo Green and Killer Mike.

Atlanta will continue to host World Cup matches over the next month, culminating in a semifinals match on July 15.