Complementing global countdown celebrations, FIFA hosted a three-day workshop in Atlanta focusing on technology, logistics, and fan experiences for the 2026 World Cup. Highlights included auto-offside tech, 3D scans, and referee bodycams, alongside discussions on Iran's participation amid U.S.-Iran tensions. Representatives from 40 qualifying teams toured Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off June 11 at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, with the U.S. opener two days later in Los Angeles. To mark the 100-day milestone amid festivities like New York City's Empire State Building lighting, FIFA ran a workshop at the Westin Peachtree Plaza in Atlanta, attracting media and reps from 40 qualifying teams.
Chief Operations Officer Heimo Schirgi kicked off the event: “Today we are celebrating 100 days to go, so this is part of our final preparations.” Sessions covered technology, logistics, and fan experiences, capped by tours of Mercedes-Benz Stadium, set for semifinals. Atlanta, marking 30 years since the 1996 Olympics, is a rising soccer hub with a new NWSL team.
FIFA football technology head Sebastian Runge detailed innovations: auto-offside tech for higher accuracy, 3D player scans for all 48 teams, referee bodycams, and Football AI Pro merging data with video for precise analysis. Schirgi welcomed surging media and ticket demand as “a great situation to be in.”
Geopolitical issues loomed, especially Iran—the first qualifier absent here amid U.S./Israeli strikes and retaliation. Federation president Mehdi Taj told Varzesh3: “What is certain is that after this attack, we cannot be expected to look forward to the World Cup with hope.” Iran's group fixtures: New Zealand (Los Angeles, June 15), Belgium (Los Angeles, June 21), Egypt (Seattle, June 26), and possible U.S. matchup in Dallas (July 3).
President Donald Trump told POLITICO: “I really don’t care” about Iran's involvement, calling it “a very badly defeated country... running on fumes.” Schirgi responded: “We are taking it seriously... we are going to let it take its course. There are all sorts of things to consider.” Past visa denials for Iranians at the Washington draw highlight Trump's travel ban complications.
