ATLANTA –  As the FIFA Club World Cup prepares to make its U.S. debut this weekend, more than 800 volunteers in Atlanta are stepping into their roles to help welcome the international tournament to Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

What we know:

Atlanta is one of 11 U.S. cities selected to host matches in the prestigious event, which will feature 32 soccer clubs from across the globe. In the days leading up to kickoff, volunteers gathered on Georgia Tech’s campus to receive their official uniforms and assignments, creating an atmosphere of excitement and purpose.

Volunteers will play a crucial role throughout the tournament, assisting fans, guiding teams and officials, and managing on-field ceremonies. For many, the opportunity offers not just a front-row seat to the action, but a chance to contribute to a major international moment in their own city.

One volunteer, Calhoun, will work on the ceremonies team—directly on the field during matches. For him and others, the experience is more than just a task—it’s a thrill to be part of something so globally significant.

What they’re saying:

Another volunteer, Craig Collins, knows that significance well. He first stepped up during the 1994 FIFA World Cup and answered the call again this year. His commitment earned him a special honor: recognition as FIFA’s one millionth volunteer and a personal meeting with FIFA President Gianni Infantino.

Collins recalled turning to see Infantino calling his name. “I put out my hand. I said, ‘Ciao Gianni. Yeah, good to meet you.’”

For longtime residents and newcomers alike, the tournament represents a moment of pride and opportunity. Collins reflected on the impact: “People who are not that familiar with FIFA may not really understand the avalanche that’s going to come to this city.”

For those volunteering, it’s a chance to help showcase Atlanta on the international stage—one handshake, one smile, and one perfectly timed assist at a time.

“Raise your hand, get involved,” said Collins. “It’s worth it.”

What’s next:

Mercedes-Benz Stadium will host six matches during the Club World Cup, including three group-stage games, two round-of-16 matches, and one quarterfinal. The tournament is being seen as a valuable dress rehearsal for the FIFA World Cup, which arrives in Atlanta next year.

Cities from coast to coast are witnessing growing resistance, as demonstrators rally against mass deportations, federal crackdowns, and President Donald Trump’s decision to deploy National Guard troops.

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How it all started

Last Friday in Los Angeles, ICE launched widespread raids to cuff “illegal aliens,” and in response, protesters poured into the streets. Clashes with law enforcement escalated throughout the weekend, prompting Governor Gavin Newsom to request that Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth withdraw military orders. 

Despite this, more demonstrations are planned, including large-scale “No Kings” protests coinciding with Trump’s planned military parade in Washington this Saturday.

In Austin, a march that started at the Texas State Capitol turned violent near the J.J. Pickle Federal Building, where ICE has an office. Protesters threw rocks and bottles; police responded with pepper spray and tear gas. Four officers were injured and 12 people arrested. 

“Change will only happen when we keep putting pressure on the people in power,” one protester told KEYE.

Dallas also saw a fiery protest on a city bridge Monday night. While officers initially allowed the assembly, it was later declared “unlawful” as tensions rose. Police used pepper spray and smoke to disperse the crowd. 

“Peaceful protesting is legal,” Gov. Greg Abbott posted on X. “But once you cross the line, you will be arrested.”

In Seattle, about 50 people gathered outside the immigration court on Tuesday, chanting, “Free Them All” and blocking entryways with scooters. “We’re here to show that we’re opposed to ICE in our community,” said Mathieu Chabaud from the University of Washington.

Santa Ana, California, saw heavy damage downtown, with broken glass, graffiti, and a heavy National Guard presence. Workers scrubbed the Civic Centre clean Tuesday morning.

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Boston residents rallied in City Hall Plaza to demand the release of SEIU leader David Huerta. “An immigrant doesn’t stand between an American worker and a good job, a billionaire does,” said Chrissy Lynch. 

Mayor Michelle Wu added, “Secret police do not make communities safer.”

From Washington, D.C., where Rep. Pramila Jayapal joined union protests, to New York City, San Francisco, and Chicago, the message is clear: “We want full rights for all immigrants… and to get the military out of L.A,” one told CBS New York.