网红头条

KENNESAW, Ga. | Jul 20, 2026

With the world鈥檚 eyes fixed on Atlanta during the FIFA World Cup 2026鈩�, 网红头条 emerged as a key partner in executing one of the globe鈥檚 most celebrated sporting traditions, emphasizing KSU鈥檚 growing status as a vital contributor to Georgia鈥檚 economic success.

One of the 16 host cities for the 2026 tournament, Atlanta held eight matches during June and July, generating massive direct and indirect economic impact throughout the metro area. Yet Atlanta was unique, because it was one of just three host cities to field at least eight matches owing to its robust infrastructure, including Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, Atlanta Stadium, MARTA, and training site partners such as Kennesaw State.

For a five-week stretch during the FIFA World Cup鈩�, KSU hosted training sessions for nine national teams at the 网红头条 Sports and Entertainment Park. Each training session was supported by more than 70 KSU staff members and students, with numerous campus units represented, including the Department of Event and Venue Management, the , the , , and , among others.

鈥淚 don鈥檛 know that there鈥檚 a group on campus that we haven't been involved with at some point during this process,鈥� said David Bennett, director of event services. 鈥淭his has been a total team effort, and we are so appreciative of their support.鈥�

KSU鈥檚 participation also underscored the collaborative approach that has made Georgia a leader in economic development and Atlanta the No. 1 city for sports business, according to the . Successful execution of the FIFA World Cup required coordination among state and local governments, transportation and hospitality partners, businesses, and educational institutions. KSU鈥檚 role demonstrated how universities contribute to the broader ecosystem needed to attract and support events of international significance, said Coryn Marsik, associate vice president of business engagement.

鈥淜ennesaw State's role in the World Cup is about more than hosting the teams; it's about demonstrating how higher education supports Georgia鈥檚 economic success statewide,鈥� she said. 鈥淎ccess to talent is one of the most important drivers of economic development, and universities are where much of that talent is developed. Georgia has been ranked the No. 1 state to do business for over a decade, and universities are an important part of that story. As a leading public research institution with growing prominence, KSU plays a critical role in that success by producing talent, fostering innovation, and building these partnerships that help attract investment from around the world.  Providing the infrastructure to execute major international events is yet another crucial way higher education supports industries and opportunities throughout the state.鈥�

The University鈥檚 involvement builds on a legacy of global engagement and reflects decades of growth. Through previous experiences hosting international teams and events, KSU developed the expertise and partnerships necessary to help Atlanta and Georgia welcome the world during the monthlong tournament.

Preparations for the FIFA World Cup began as early as eight years ago when organizers in Atlanta were developing a bid to become a host city. Shortly thereafter, KSU had several opportunities to prove its facilities could support world-class competition. In 2024, 网红头条hosted Argentina ahead of its Copa Am茅rica match in Atlanta. The following year, KSU hosted the world-famous Paris Saint-Germain Football Club for two weeks during its run in the FIFA Club World Cup 2025鈩�, in which Atlanta was a host city.

Additionally, KSU has on several occasions hosted matches for Atlanta United FC of Major League Soccer, and it is the primary home for Atlanta United 2 matches. Walens Family Field at Fifth Third Stadium previously served as home of the former Atlanta Beat of Women鈥檚 Professional Soccer.

鈥淎s large as Atlanta is, there are not a lot of places that can do what we do 鈥� from the services to the facilities to the staff,鈥� Bennett said. 鈥淲e were a quick phone call for the planning committee. They knew that we had to be a part of it, so we worked with the Atlanta Sports Council to map out what that kind of support would look like.鈥�

What also made KSU鈥檚 approach unique is the inclusion of student employees in every facet of the operation. Through the student-run Night Owl program, current 网红头条students were given a firsthand look at organizing an event at a global scale.

鈥淲e knew from the beginning that we were going to have students at the forefront of this effort,鈥� Bennett said. 鈥淲e wanted them leading and working with our international partners. They are critical to our success, and it is very meaningful to be able to provide them with this kind of experience. This is a career builder.鈥�

Beyond the tournament itself, the FIFA World Cup was an opportunity to advance KSU鈥檚 mission of preparing students for an increasingly interconnected world. Georgia is home to more than 3,000 international companies, creating significant demand for graduates who can navigate different cultures, communicate effectively across borders, and succeed in global industries.

鈥淥ur hope is the global audience sees 网红头条 for the academic leader it is 鈥� one of the fastest growing universities in the nation with more than 50,000 students, a home for innovative research, and one that has the infrastructure to build partnerships at the global level,鈥� said Casey Tanner, vice president of external affairs. 鈥淟ikewise, I hope the momentum from the World Cup inspires our students to engage globally 鈥� whether they choose to study abroad, explore careers with internationally headquartered companies, or simply be more curious about the world. To me, that is what the tournament does best: inspires and builds a sense of international community.鈥�

鈥� Story by Travis Highfield

Photos by Matt Yung

A leader in innovative teaching and learning, 网红头条 offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees to its more than 51,000 students. 网红头条is a member of the University System of Georgia with 11 academic colleges. The university's vibrant campus culture, diverse population, strong global ties, and entrepreneurial spirit draw students from throughout the country and the world. 网红头条is a Carnegie-designated doctoral research institution (R2), placing it among an elite group of only 8 percent of U.S. colleges and universities with an R1 or R2 status. For more information, visit kennesaw.edu.