In April, more than 100 organizations issued a travel advisory for the United States ahead of the 2026 World Cup. In this advisory, organizations like the Council for Global Equality and the American Civil Liberties Union warned fans, players, journalists, and other visitors traveling to the U.S. about the “deteriorating human rights situation” in the country.
“[T]hose from immigrant communities, racial and ethnic minority groups, and LGBTQ+ individuals have been and continue to be disproportionately targeted and affected by the [Trump] administration’s policies,” the advisory reads, “and, as such, are most vulnerable to serious harm when traveling to and/or within the United States.”
Related story: Advocacy groups issue US travel advisory ahead of World Cup
Pride House is an international organization working to make sure this year’s World Cup is safe for LGBTQ+ fans. The group partners with local organizations during large-scale international sporting events to create venues for LGBTQ+ visitors to watch games and learn more about LGBTQ+ issues in sport.
Ahead of the World Cup’s arrival in Atlanta this summer, All Stripes is partnering with Pride House to welcome LGBTQ+ visitors and locals alike to enjoy the matches. All Stripes is the LGBTQ+ supporter group for Atlanta United, the city’s Major League Soccer team.
“Having this international tournament right here at home is an incredible milestone for Atlanta,” Melanie Koerting, the President of All Stripes, told Georgia Voice, “and we are ready to show visiting fans that same supportive, rowdy experience they’d find at any of our local matches.”
Koerting said the partnership with Pride House was a “natural crossover” for the group because of the year-round (or rather, season-round) work it does to make soccer accessible and safe for LGBTQ+ fans.
“If you’ve ever been to an Atlanta United match and seen those big rainbow flags flying, that’s us in the supporters’ section letting folks know they’re not alone,” she said. “The Atlanta United front office is fantastic about coordinating closely with our team to address any safety concerns.”
Because Atlanta United won’t have an official presence at the World cup matches, Koerting said there are limitations to the safety All Stripes can offer inside and around Mercedes-Benz Stadium. However, she said the group has connected with event organizers and is “highly confident” the environment in the stadium will be safe and inclusive.
“To be safe, our tables will be stocked with embassy and emergency contact information for international visitors should any issues arise,” she said. “We are so excited to show true southern hospitality through our work with Pride House.”
For soccer fans without tickets to the matches, All Stripes and Pride House will host events and watch parties, working with Decatur WatchFest, The Works, and Lore. A full calendar of events is set to debut soon at pridehouseunited2026.com/atlanta, and updates will be shared on Instagram @pridehouseatl. More information about All Stripes can be found on Facebook and Instagram.
Atlanta will host eight World Cup matches at Mercedes-Benz Stadium from June 15 to July 15. The schedule includes matches between Morocco and Haiti, Spain and Cabo Verde, and Spain and Saudi Arabia.
Related story: City of Atlanta announces Human Rights Legacy Initiatives ahead of FIFA World Cup
