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100 days until FIFA World Cup begins
Tuesday marks 100 days until the opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup and 104 days until the first match kicks off in Atlanta.
The countdown clock is ticking. Today marks 100 days until the first match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and preparations are entering what officials call the final stretch.
What we know:
Inside the Westin Peachtree Plaza hotel in downtown Atlanta, FIFA officials and top international soccer leaders gathered this week for what they described as a critical meeting before the first whistle blows.
With 100 days to go, anticipation is turning into action as organizers shift their focus to execution.
What they're saying:
"This is really the final stretch of our preparations for the FIFA World Cup," said Heimo Schirgi, FIFA’s chief event operations officer. "Over the next couple of days, we are finalizing their plans. It's mainly about logistics. It's about team travel."
The workshop comes amid heightened global tensions, from Mexico to the Middle East. With massive travel expected, officials said they are preparing for every scenario.
"We are obviously closely monitoring the situation, we take it very seriously and with 100 days to go, there is still some time. Obviously we need to let it play its course," Schirgi said.
Technology is also expected to play a defining role in this year’s tournament.
FIFA leaders previewed innovations including enhanced officiating systems, advanced match analysis tools known as "Football AI Pro," and referee body cameras designed to offer fans new angles and insights.
"I’m quite certain that there will be highlight clips either for media partner or social media," said Sebastian Runge, FIFA’s head of technology and data.
Atlanta’s time on the global stage begins in 104 days with the first of eight matches scheduled in the city.
With just over three months to go, FIFA officials made clear they are pleased with the host city.
"Southern hospitality is not just a myth, but I got to experience it firsthand. And, you know, everybody is excited in Atlanta for the World Cup. And Atlanta shows up, like not many other cities do," Schirgi said.
Representatives from 40 of the qualified nations competing this year are in Atlanta for the workshop, which runs through Wednesday.
What's next:
The 2026 FIFA World Cup officially begins on June 11 with an opening match in Mexico City featuring Mexico and South Africa. Atlanta’s first match is scheduled for June 15, when Spain faces Cape Verde.
The Source: Information in this article came from FIFA. FOX 5 has a team at the event.