Environmental activists gathered near Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta as part of a coordinated national protest targeting FIFA and its corporate sponsorship ties ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Demonstrators say the protest is aimed at raising awareness about FIFA’s partnership with Saudi oil company Aramco, which has been named an official sponsor of the upcoming global tournament.
Organizers scheduled the Atlanta demonstration to begin at 11:30 a.m., joining similar protests taking place in major cities across the country, including Los Angeles, Boston, Cleveland, and New York City. The coordinated effort reflects growing concern among environmental groups over the involvement of fossil fuel companies in major sporting events.
Protest leaders say their goal is to highlight what they describe as the environmental impact of fossil fuel production and financing, and to challenge organizations like FIFA for accepting sponsorships from companies tied to those industries. Activists argue that global sporting events have significant influence and should align with environmental sustainability efforts.
Atlanta is set to play a major role in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with Mercedes-Benz Stadium selected as one of the host venues for matches. The city’s involvement in the tournament has brought excitement for soccer fans, but it has also drawn attention from advocacy groups pushing for accountability and environmental responsibility.
As preparations continue for one of the world’s biggest sporting events, the protest underscores the growing intersection between sports, corporate partnerships, and environmental activism. With Atlanta positioned as a key host city, demonstrations like this reflect the broader global conversation surrounding sustainability and the future of major international competitions.
(Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images)
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