Soccer fever has officially taken over downtown Atlanta — and it’s about more than goals on the scoreboard. The National Center for Civil and Human Rights has opened “The People’s Game: Soccer and Human Rights,” a landmark exhibition that celebrates how the world’s most beloved sport brings people together, sparks change, and builds community. Opened on June 20 and on view for a full year, the show arrives just as Atlanta gets ready to welcome the world for FIFA World Cup 2026, making it a must-visit for fans and families alike.
The immersive exhibition — presented with support from Gallagher and the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation in partnership with Atlanta United — connects legendary names like Pelé, Megan Rapinoe, Didier Drogba, and Atlanta United to powerful stories of dignity and belonging, from anti-apartheid activists in South Africa to democracy movements in Brazil and Côte d’Ivoire. Visitors step into an “Audio Dome” filled with voices of players, supporters, activists, and refugees from around the globe, explore global artifacts, photography, film, and even a playful new take on foosball.
Atlanta’s own soccer story shines too, with features on Soccer in the Streets, the Fugees Family in Clarkston, Georgia, and Atlanta United’s community impact — plus a dazzling display of more than 20 signed jerseys from icons including Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Pelé. To welcome international visitors, the Center also launched MIA, a free app that instantly translates exhibition content into more than 30 languages right on your phone. A year-long celebration of sport, unity, and the human spirit — only in Atlanta.
Photo: National Center for Civil and Human Rights
