Four years ago this month, Atlanta was named one of 16 cities across Canada, Mexico and the U.S. that would host 2026 FIFA World Cup games.

Why it matters: After years of meetings, readiness exercises, drills, planning and training, all eyes will soon be on Atlanta when it hosts the first of eight matches that will be played at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

• "This is a big moment for our city to be right here on the precipice of the FIFA World Cup 2026," said Mayor Andre Dickens. "It's officially here, y'all."

Driving the news: The city held a pep rally Tuesday to kick off the games, which are expected to attract hundreds of thousands of people to Atlanta through mid-July.

• The first match in Atlanta will be at noon Monday, June 15, between Spain and Cabo Verde.

By the numbers: Dickens said Atlanta has trained more than 400 city employees to help welcome visitors from around the world.

• By next week, Atlanta Department of Transportation crews will have paved more than two dozen miles of roads, re-striped 200 intersections, installed 150 new streetlights and repaired 14 miles of sidewalks, the mayor said.

Zoom in: While the city and other stakeholders are encouraging people to use MARTA, passenger safety has been called into question after 66-year-old Margaret Swan was stabbed to death on May 30 at the Oakland City station and a 17-year-old boy was shot Friday at the Midtown station.

• The suspects in both incidents were arrested and face state and federal charges, and the Trump administration is investigating the agency.
• "This is go time, so MARTA is going to step up big, I think, to make sure that they meet the moment," Dickens said.

State of play: MARTA said Tuesday through a spokesperson that its officers are working 10- and 12-hour shifts six days a week, and are patrolling stations, buses, bus transfer hubs, parking lots and trains.

• Officers from Denver's transit agency will also be in town to help MARTA police, and sworn MARTA officers who usually work behind a desk have been reassigned to patrol duties.

What's next: Dickens and Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum will hold a press conference at 1pm Wednesday to discuss public safety preparations for the World Cup.

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The World Cup is almost here, and some cities are more prepared than others as organizers enter the final stretch.

Why it matters: The 11 U.S. cities will host 78 matches of the tournament's historic 104-game slate, making the tournament a global showcase and a massive stress test for transit, security, tourism and infrastructure.

Driving the news: Axios reporters across host cities looked to see who's nailing the prep, who's racing the clock and how each city is building the fan experience ahead of the June 11 kickoff. Here's what we found:

🫆 Security

U.S. host cities received $846 million through a new FIFA World Cup Grant Program, plus separate federal funding for drone security and other public service needs.

Context: The FEMA grant can fund increased police and emergency response at venues, hotels and transportation hubs, as well as staff background checks and cybersecurity defenses.

Zoom in: Atlanta is modeling its setup on the city's 2019 Super Bowl, with a secured stadium perimeter and aerial patrols. A federal official said fans should expect a similar presence.

• Boston-based Jane Doe Inc. is working with other advocacy groups, law enforcement and local officials to monitor and prevent human trafficking, sexual assault and domestic violence incidents during the event.

📣 Fanfare

Each city is transforming public spaces into public fan celebrations, using newly relaxed FIFA guidelines to customize their fan festivals.

Zoom in: Philadelphia is the only U.S. host city operating a fan festival throughout the tournament's 39-day run. Dallas' and Houston's festivals will have five "rest" days.

Cities like Seattle and San Francisco have bypassed central hubs, opting instead for official fan zones across neighborhoods.

• Meanwhile, Los Angeles is breaking from the free model, requiring a $10 ticketed entry.

Go deeper

Big Trees Forest Preserve! This hidden gem along Roswell Road next to the county's North Fulton Service Center is easy to miss if you're not familiar with Sandy Springs.

• Congrats to Gina P., Justin S., Ashley P., Shannon C., Kevin H. and Christine N. for guessing correctly!

🚉 The Swiss manufacturer of a new fleet of MARTA trains has a history of troubled rollouts plagued by mechanical issues and delays, the AJC found.

• Last week, MARTA announced it would postpone the first ride event for its new CQ400 railcars that was scheduled for Thursday.

💲 Records show that several consultants hired to boost Dickens' Neighborhood Reinvestment Initiative publicly advocated for it without disclosing that they were being paid by the city, Atlanta Community Press Collective reported.

⏸️ A community council in DeKalb has denied a request to put a liquor store in the area after residents pushed back. (WSB)

• "Twenty-two liquor stores in a four-mile radius, that's more than enough," John McMillion, who opposed the move, told the news outlet.

🖤 Members of the Divine Nine swept through Downtown Atlanta recently to represent their Greek letters and celebrate Black HBCU culture. (CapitalB)

🤔 The Fulton County Sheriff's Office said one person was arrested and another is at large after the two people tried to break into the jail. (WSB)