Atlanta Businesses Prepare for Economic Impact of 2026 FIFA World Cup
Atlanta small business owners are making significant investments in products, staffing, and marketing in anticipation of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The city is slated to host eight matches from June 15 through July 15, with the Metro Atlanta Chamber estimating over 520,000 spectators across all games. While some entrepreneurs project substantial revenue gains from international visitors, others express concerns about equitable distribution of the economic benefits. Efforts include bakery owner Cyrei Daniel seeking grants for storefront improvements and advocating for small business support, and Ona Utuama launching both a specialized eyewear line and a direct primary care clinic tailored for international visitors. These businesses aim to capitalize on the influx of tourists, with projections of tens of thousands in revenue, highlighting the proactive strategies being adopted.
Atlanta-based small businesses are preparing for the economic impact of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with some entrepreneurs investing thousands in new products, staffing, and marketing. The city is scheduled to host eight World Cup matches, running from June 15 through July 15. The Metro Atlanta Chamber estimates approximately 65,000 spectators per match, totaling at least 520,000 people expected across all eight games.
Cyrei Daniel, owner of Sweet Me Good bakery located on Edgewood Avenue in Atlanta's Sweet Auburn corridor, has actively sought to benefit from the tournament. Her bakery is situated one block from the King Center and on a streetcar line leading downtown. Daniel applied for and received two grants for storefront improvements and marketing. She also attended city council meetings to advocate for city support for small businesses during the games.
Ona Utuama, who owns the eyewear brand Tribal Eyes, has also developed specific strategies. Her brand, carried in Nordstrom and Bloomingdale's, has created flag-printed sunglasses representing competing countries. Utuama plans to vend near Mercedes-Benz Stadium during the first qualifier round, from June 15 through June 27.
In addition to her eyewear business, Utuama established CollabMD Direct Primary Care. This cash-pay clinic is designed for international visitors who may not have American insurance. The clinic distributes QR codes through hotels, Airbnbs, taxi drivers, and Uber hosts, directing visitors to same-day appointments and telemedicine options available in multiple languages. Its World Cup page offers language selection, IV hydration services, and continuous same-day appointment availability throughout the summer. Utuama projects revenues between $50,000 and $90,000 from the tournament through her two ventures. She has approached entities like the Marriott Marquis and submitted a capability statement to Hartsfield-Jackson airport regarding her clinic's services.
Brian Lee, whose company Scratch Food Group produces plant-based food products sold at Walmart, also began planning for the World Cup in late 2024, seeing it as an opportunity to introduce his brand to a wider audience.
According to Business Insider, these efforts reflect the varying approaches and expectations among Atlanta's small business community regarding the potential economic benefits of the upcoming global event.
