Southern Company Champions 2026 FIFA World Cup as Host City Supporter

For the first time in history, Southern Company will serve as one of four Host City Supporters representing the City of Atlanta during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The announcement was made during a June 11 community briefing by the Atlanta World Cup Host Committee marking one year until the start of the world’s largest international soccer competition. 

Southern Company joins three other premier Atlanta-based companies in the first-of-its-kind Host City Supporter program, which allows Supporters to use city-specific marketing materials, as well as activate marketing efforts within local FIFA Fan Festivals, and additional match-related community opportunities.

Operating companies Georgia Power and Atlanta Gas Light will share the Host City Supporter designation. 

"We're proud at Southern Company, Georgia Power and Atlanta Gas Light to support the 2026 FIFA World Cup here in our hometown," said Chris Womack, chairman, president and CEO of Southern Company. "We've been reliably powering the Atlanta community and the state of Georgia for more than a century and have seen firsthand the positive impact access to professional sports has on the athletes of today and how it helps shape the leaders of tomorrow. The World Cup brings together different countries, team pride and incredible athleticism - we're excited to be a part of this international competition. We're ready to once again introduce the world to the city we love and host an event on the world stage."

Being a Host City Supporter further underscores Southern Company’s intrinsic ties to Atlanta, celebrates the passion of sports fans around the world and showcases the unique virtues and culture of the communities the company is privileged to serve. The company believes that sports and civic touchstones can inspire, foster opportunity and bring people together. That is why, among the many things Southern Company and its subsidiaries support include, serving as a Proud Partner of the TOUR Championship at East Lake Golf Club, presenting sponsor of the Georgia Aquarium, an Official Partner of the College Football Hall of Fame, and sponsor of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater's Annual DC Gala.

“There is more to the game than the scoreboard,” said Trey Kilpatrick, senior vice president of external affairs for Georgia Power. “Events like the World Cup allow you to put dollars back into the community to help transform the local communities we are privileged to serve. We are a citizen wherever we serve, and sports are a thread through each community. Growing this state, making these communities better, making them stronger and thriving is our purpose.” 

The Home Depot, Cox Enterprises and Georgia-Pacific will also serve as Host City Supporters.