Arthur Blank has spent decades building Atlanta into one of America’s premier sports cities, and the FIFA World Cup only strengthened that reputation. Following the conclusion of Atlanta’s role as one of the tournament’s host cities, the Falcons owner took time to reflect on what he described as a landmark moment for both the city and the sport of soccer.
Atlanta played a prominent role throughout the competition, hosting eight matches, including one semifinal. The success of those events has prompted conversations about the city’s future involvement in international soccer and whether the United States could pursue another opportunity to host the World Cup in 2038.
Blank, who has been instrumental in Atlanta’s rise as a soccer destination, addressed the possibility during a media availability session shortly after the city’s final World Cup match. His response was both optimistic and humorous.
Asked about the prospect of participating in a future World Cup bid, Blank delivered a memorable answer that quickly captured attention: “I’d love to be part of that. I’ll be 120 by then.” The lighthearted comment underscored both his enthusiasm for the sport and his willingness to laugh at the realities of time.
1. Atlanta’s Growing Soccer Legacy
Atlanta’s emergence as a soccer hub did not happen overnight. For years, Blank has invested heavily in infrastructure and organizations designed to elevate the sport throughout the region.
Mercedes-Benz Stadium has become one of the world’s premier venues, regularly hosting major sporting events while serving as home to both the Falcons and Atlanta United. Since entering Major League Soccer, Atlanta United has consistently ranked among the league’s attendance leaders and helped cultivate a passionate fan base.
Blank’s commitment extends beyond professional teams. Earlier this year, the Arthur M. Blank U.S. Soccer National Training Center officially opened, providing a state-of-the-art facility intended to support the growth of American soccer for years to come.
His ownership group is also preparing to launch a National Women’s Soccer League expansion franchise, further demonstrating a long-term commitment to the sport at multiple levels. Taken together, those investments have positioned Atlanta as one of the country’s most influential soccer markets.
2. A Successful World Cup Experience
The recent FIFA World Cup provided Atlanta with an opportunity to showcase its capabilities on a global stage. Hosting eight matches, including a semifinal, placed the city among the tournament’s busiest and most visible destinations.
According to Blank, the experience exceeded expectations. He noted that Mercedes-Benz Stadium ranked first among the 16 North American venues involved in the competition, an achievement that reflects years of planning and investment.
City leaders have widely praised the economic and cultural impact of the tournament. The influx of visitors generated significant activity throughout the region while exposing millions of international viewers to Atlanta’s growing prominence within the sports landscape.
Blank described the event as one of the highlights of his career, emphasizing the collaborative effort required to successfully host an undertaking of such magnitude. For a city that has consistently sought major events, the World Cup represented another important milestone.
3. Looking Toward 2038
While no formal plans currently exist for a United States bid to host the 2038 World Cup, discussions have already begun in some circles. White House World Cup Task Force Executive Director Andrew Giuliani recently acknowledged interest in the possibility while emphasizing the importance of completing the current tournament first.
Blank’s comments suggest that Atlanta would welcome another opportunity should the United States pursue a future bid. FIFA President Gianni Infantino has reportedly expressed interest in strengthening the organization’s relationship with the city, potentially opening the door for future collaborations.
Of course, Blank’s joke about turning 120 by 2038 served as a reminder of the timeline involved. At 83 years old, the entrepreneur remains actively engaged across numerous ventures, but he acknowledged the humor in imagining himself participating in another World Cup planning process more than a decade from now.
Even so, his remarks highlighted a broader truth: Atlanta’s ambitions within the soccer world are unlikely to diminish anytime soon. Whether or not Blank is personally involved in a future bid, the foundation he has helped establish appears positioned to keep the city at the forefront of the sport for many years to come.