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The wait is nearly over. After months of anticipation, the 2010 FIFA World Cup kicks off
tomorrow at Soccer City Stadium in Johannesburg, South Africa. Ten venues in nine cities will
form soccer's biggest stage as 32 teams compete in Africa for the first time in the tournament's
80-year history.
Though it's a 16-hour Delta flight away, the Cup's ripples have reached Atlanta. Local restaurants, from Irish pubs to Mexican cantinas, are preparing to host eager fans, and soccer aficionados are using the month-long mania to promote Atlanta as a soccer city in its in own right.
America has been slow to learn this international language, but the sport's potential is hitting home this year. As one of 18 cities in the U.S. bid to host the World Cup in 2018 or 2022, Atlanta stands to gain matches that would draw hundreds of millions of dollars in economic impact to the city. CNN's hometown also has a chance to host the event's International Broadcast Center, piling on millions more.
But the wave of enthusiasm isn't all about money. Yes, soccer has a long way to go in a region and nation where a "football" (the worldwide term for soccer) is an oblong brown pigskin that only periodically touches players' feet. As the U.S. population better reflects the world, though, the world's favorite sport is naturally gaining ground. Last July, an exhibition game between top Mexican and Italian teams brought 50,000 fans to the Georgia Dome. A similar match will be held next month. And we're not just spectators: at least 100,000 people play in leagues run by the Georgia State Soccer Association.
In this special report, GlobalAtlanta has used its typical reporting approach: presenting global issues in view of their local impact, traveling to South Africa to observe World Cup preparations and examining how football fever is taking root in our own backyard. So don your jersey, grab a vuvuzela, lace up your cleats and use our guide and coverage to enjoy the epidemic.
Though it's a 16-hour Delta flight away, the Cup's ripples have reached Atlanta. Local restaurants, from Irish pubs to Mexican cantinas, are preparing to host eager fans, and soccer aficionados are using the month-long mania to promote Atlanta as a soccer city in its in own right.
America has been slow to learn this international language, but the sport's potential is hitting home this year. As one of 18 cities in the U.S. bid to host the World Cup in 2018 or 2022, Atlanta stands to gain matches that would draw hundreds of millions of dollars in economic impact to the city. CNN's hometown also has a chance to host the event's International Broadcast Center, piling on millions more.
But the wave of enthusiasm isn't all about money. Yes, soccer has a long way to go in a region and nation where a "football" (the worldwide term for soccer) is an oblong brown pigskin that only periodically touches players' feet. As the U.S. population better reflects the world, though, the world's favorite sport is naturally gaining ground. Last July, an exhibition game between top Mexican and Italian teams brought 50,000 fans to the Georgia Dome. A similar match will be held next month. And we're not just spectators: at least 100,000 people play in leagues run by the Georgia State Soccer Association.
In this special report, GlobalAtlanta has used its typical reporting approach: presenting global issues in view of their local impact, traveling to South Africa to observe World Cup preparations and examining how football fever is taking root in our own backyard. So don your jersey, grab a vuvuzela, lace up your cleats and use our guide and coverage to enjoy the epidemic.
Football Fever in Atlanta
Soccer Challenge Pits Mexican, English Teams
Atlanta's 'Mini World Cup' on Track for Kickoff
Delta Starts Second Johannesburg Flight
From South African Chamber: A Summer of Soccer
Brazil Seeks Delta Flights for World Cup, Olympics
World Cup Focus of Africa Day Celebration
Atlanta Makes Final 18 for U.S. World Cup Bid
Breakthrough for U.S. Soccer Fuels Hope in Atlanta
Local Firm Selling Russia's Bid for World Cup
Football, Futbol or Soccer? The Debate Rages
Events
Local tournaments, charity fundraisers, receptions and more.
Eat, Sleep, Watch
Catch all the action at these Atlanta restaurants.
South Africa in Photos
View stadiums, factories and more the GlobalAtlanta Facebook page.
FIFA World Cup 2010 Poll
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