As Atlanta prepares to host the FIFA World Cup, former Atlanta United player Greg Garza credits the city’s diversity as a major strength.
ATLANTA — As the FIFA World Cup kicks off at Mercedes-Benz Stadium this month, former Atlanta United defender Greg Garza says the city is uniquely positioned to show the world what it’s made of.
“Atlanta has become a melting pot,” Garza said. “Why not make every community in the United States a gathering place for this incredible tournament?”
Mercedes-Benz Stadium, temporarily renamed Atlanta Stadium for the tournament, will host eight games, including the semifinals. The venue opens with Spain facing Cabo Verde in the first match.
In an interview on streaming news broadcast 11Alive, Garza said Atlanta’s diversity makes it an ideal World Cup host. He pointed to the Venezuelan community in Alpharetta, the Colombian community in Cumming and the mix of cultures in Midtown and Downtown as evidence of the city being built today.
“One of the most beautiful things about playing for Atlanta United is seeing so many different flags around the stadium,” Garza said. I think that will be further reinforced in this incredible tournament.
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Despite reports of hotels and vacation rentals not meeting booking expectations, Garza expects an influx of visitors leading up to game day. He encouraged local businesses, especially bars and restaurants along Buford Highway and throughout metro Atlanta, to seize the moment.
“I wish every game would be on every TV,” Garza said. “You can go down Buford Highway and have whatever food you want, but I’m sure every TV will have all kinds of games.”
On the field, Garza singled out France as his favorites to win the tournament, citing the club’s depth and Paris Saint-Germain’s back-to-back Champions League success as indicators of a dominant squad.
Garza estimates that the US Men’s National Team can advance to the quarterfinals or semifinals with the support of the home crowd.
“One thing for me, as a former U.S. men’s national team player, is seeing how well our national team is doing,” Garza said.
For a star to watch, Garza singled out Barcelona teenager Lamine Yamal of Spain, who could make his World Cup debut in Atlanta’s opener. He also highlighted Gil Mora, a teenager from the Mexican national team who plays for Club Tijuana.
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Garza said the tournament offers more than just soccer for young fans new to the sport.
“There is no other sport like football that can unite so many countries,” he said. “It doesn’t matter what religion, what race, what color, what belief.”
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