Atlanta, GA
Nonprofit bringing injured Palestinian children to metro Atlanta halted by new refugee policies
The Trump administration is restricting the number of refugees admitted annually to the United States from 125,000 to 7,500 — mostly white South Africans.
It’s a dramatic drop that changes America’s traditional role as a haven for people fleeing war and persecution.
The decision is affecting Palestinian families from the Gaza Strip, including one that recently traveled to metro Atlanta to care for a 12-year-old boy who lost his legs during the Israel-Hamas war. Heal Palestine, the nonprofit that’s helping the boy, asked CBS News Atlanta not to use the family’s last name due to safety concerns.
After almost two years of waiting for permission to travel to the United States for emergency medical treatment, Yassin and his family received a warm welcome over the summer at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
“I look and see them and say, ‘I’m good,” Fadwa says.
The mother and son traveled from the Gaza Strip to Atlanta with the help of Heal Palestine, which was founded in 2024 to deliver urgent relief to Palestinian children and families.
“He had surgery here in Atlanta with good doctors and good teams, and now he have therapy,” Fadwa said.
Heal Palestine Atlanta volunteer Ghada Elnajjar said that Yassin was hit by an air strike and lost both legs, which had been amputated without anesthesia.
“When a family like Fadwa’s is evacuated and a child like Yassin is seeking help in the United States, there are communities that come together and help support the child,” Elnajjar said.
The U.S. organization is helping 63 Palestinian children across the country. Several, including Yassin, are in metro Atlanta.
“We take the child, treat them medically and mentally, so we provide mental health wellness, and continue to provide their education through online resources,” Elnajjar said.
The family lived in Khan Younis, a city in southern Gaza that saw heavy shelling during the Israel-Hamas war.
Fadwa says she worked as a quantum physicist before coming to America.
“I lose my husband, I lose my house,” she said.
“As a mother, this is so difficult for Fadwa, having to be torn between finding treatment for her 12-year-old and leaving behind part of her heart in Gaza,” Elnajjar said.
Yassin, his brother, and two of his sisters are living in Alpharetta with their mother while he receives physical therapy and treatment for depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. His older brother and sister are still in Gaza, unable to travel to the United States because of visa restrictions.
“I’m cooking Palestinian food. I’m talking about Palestine. That’s my country. And if the war destroys everything, I still love this country,” Fadwa said.
A home she loves and hopes to return to once Yassin heals.
Heal Palestine also provides food, water, and supplies for people who are still living in the Gaza Strip and are still working to evacuate more injured children.
You can learn more about the organization here.
ATLANTA – In addition to the larger watch parties in metro Atlanta, there are also several other watch parties happening in the area.
World Cup Atlanta fan festival and local watch party guide
Atlanta
The CTR World Cup Watch Parties
The CTR (The Center), located just steps from Mercedes-Benz Stadium, is serving as one of Atlanta’s central gathering places during the FIFA World Cup. Fans can watch matches throughout the tournament while also exploring official FIFA merchandise, local food and vendors, cultural exhibits and interactive experiences celebrating Atlanta’s arts and entertainment scene.
- When: Beginning June 12-13 and continuing throughout the FIFA World Cup
- Where: The CTR, Downtown Atlanta
- What: FIFA World Cup watch parties, official FIFA merchandise sales, ATL House hospitality events, ATL Culture House art exhibits and performances, and the ATL Experience marketplace featuring local businesses, food, music and culture. The venue also serves as the official headquarters for Atlanta’s World Cup volunteers.
- Cost: Varies by event; food, beverages and merchandise available for purchase.
Stadium Midtown
Midtown Atlanta’s 1105 West Peachtree is transforming an entire city block into a soccer-themed destination with Stadium Midtown, a six-week watch party experience celebrating the world’s biggest soccer tournament. Fans can catch matches throughout the day, enjoy internationally-inspired food and drinks, and participate in a passport program that rewards visitors for exploring multiple venues.
- When: June 11–July 19
- Where: 1105 West Peachtree, Midtown Atlanta
- What: Live match viewings, themed food and beverage specials, a Stadium Midtown passport challenge and tournament-inspired experiences across three participating restaurants. The Office Bar represents Spain with Spanish-inspired dishes and cocktails, Emilio’s Tacos & Tequila celebrates Mexico with traditional favorites and margaritas, and McCray’s Tavern showcases Moroccan-inspired menu items. Beginning June 28, guests can collect passport stamps at participating locations and unlock rewards by visiting multiple venues and trying special menu offerings.
- Cost: Free to attend; food and beverages available for purchase.
Underground Atlanta World Cup Watch Parties
Underground Atlanta is transforming Upper Alabama into a soccer-focused fan zone ahead of the FIFA World Cup, complete with giant video screens, stadium-style seating, a futsal pitch and a packed schedule of events. As an official FIFA Watch Party venue, the historic downtown district plans to host match viewings alongside soccer, arts, culture and community programming throughout the tournament.
- When: Beginning June 12 and continuing throughout the FIFA World Cup
- Where: Upper Alabama at Underground Atlanta, Downtown Atlanta
- What: Official FIFA Watch Parties on large-format screens, a new futsal pitch, outdoor games, food trucks, local vendor markets, live performances and family-friendly soccer activities. Visitors can also enjoy the 5 Points Cup 3v3 Street Futsal Tournament, art installations, cultural experiences and appearances by local performers and community groups. The newly refreshed space features artificial turf, overhead shade structures, a performance stage, modular stadium seating and expanded gathering areas designed for fans.
- Cost: Most watch parties and public activations are expected to be free. Food, beverages and merchandise available for purchase.
Cooks & Soldiers Spain Match Viewing
Cooks & Soldiers, a Basque-inspired restaurant in West Midtown near the Bellyard Hotel, is celebrating Spain’s World Cup matches with special food offerings and live screenings. The restaurant’s menu highlights Spanish flavors and is an ideal gathering spot for fans looking to watch the action while enjoying shareable dishes and chef-driven cuisine.
- When: June 15 and June 21
- Where: Cooks & Soldiers, West Midtown
- What: Live screenings of Spain’s noon matches, plus special menu items including blue crab croquetas, bocadillo mixto, jamón croquetas and hanger steak with crispy potato rosti. Groups can also enjoy a 32-ounce Angus bone-in ribeye served with chimichurri and piquillo peppers.
- Cost: Food and beverages available for purchase.
Daily Chew South Africa Block Parties
Daily Chew will transform its Atlanta neighborhood into a South Africa soccer headquarters with two community block parties celebrating the national team’s World Cup matches. Fans can enjoy giant match screenings, live DJs, a South African-inspired menu, outdoor braais, specialty cocktails and a festive atmosphere designed to bring supporters together.
- When: June 11 and June 18
- Where: Daily Chew, Atlanta
- Games:June 11: South Africa vs. Mexico — Doors open 1:30 p.m.; kickoff at 3 p.m.June 18: South Africa vs. Czechia — Doors open 11 a.m.; kickoff at noon
- June 11: South Africa vs. Mexico — Doors open 1:30 p.m.; kickoff at 3 p.m.
- June 18: South Africa vs. Czechia — Doors open 11 a.m.; kickoff at noon
- What: Indoor and outdoor viewing areas, live DJ performances, South African food and drinks, live braai barbecue and community block party atmosphere.
- Cost: Free admission; reservations encouraged.
Madre Selva Summer of Fútbol Series
Throughout the tournament, Madre Selva’s patio will serve as a soccer viewing destination with outdoor match screenings, themed cocktails, live music and food specials inspired by participating nations.
- When: June 11–July 19
- Where: Madre Selva, Uptown Atlanta
- What: Outdoor match viewing, themed cocktails, Latin American beers, live music, giveaways and rotating country-inspired food specials.
- Cost: Food and beverages available for purchase.
Off The Wall FIFA World Cup Screenings
Atlanta’s largest outdoor screen will showcase FIFA World Cup action and tournament-themed programming at 725 Ponce. The free events invite fans to gather under the stars along the Atlanta Beltline for match viewing and special presentations projected onto the side of an eight-story building.
- When: June 12–13 at 9 p.m.
- Where: Off The Wall @ 725 Ponce, Atlanta Beltline
- Games:June 12: USA vs. Paraguay live on the largest screen in the SouthJune 13: Presentation of the official FIFA World Cup 2026 Atlanta poster by José Hadathy
- June 12: USA vs. Paraguay live on the largest screen in the South
- June 13: Presentation of the official FIFA World Cup 2026 Atlanta poster by José Hadathy
- What: Outdoor viewing with lawn chairs, picnic blankets and Beltline access.
- Cost: Free.
Final Match Watch Party at Uptown Atlanta
Black Restaurant Week and Latin Restaurant Week will team up for a championship match celebration featuring food, drinks and live entertainment.
- When: July 19 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
- Where: Uptown Atlanta Atrium
- What: Final match viewing, food village, coordinated bar service, live DJ and offerings from local restaurants and beverage partners.
- Cost: Ticketed event.
Taffer’s Tavern World Cup Viewing Parties
Taffer’s Tavern will host World Cup viewing parties throughout the tournament at its Midtown Atlanta and Alpharetta locations. Fans can watch matches on big screens while enjoying game-day food specials, cocktails and a lively soccer atmosphere.
- When: June 15, 18, 21, 24 and 27Where: Taffer’s Tavern, Midtown Atlanta and Alpharetta
- Games:June 15: Spain vs. Cabo Verde — NoonJune 18: Czechia vs. South Africa — NoonJune 21: Spain vs. Saudi Arabia — NoonJune 24: Morocco vs. Haiti — 6 p.m.June 27: Congo DR vs. Uzbekistan — 7:30 p.m.
- June 15: Spain vs. Cabo Verde — Noon
- June 18: Czechia vs. South Africa — Noon
- June 21: Spain vs. Saudi Arabia — Noon
- June 24: Morocco vs. Haiti — 6 p.m.
- June 27: Congo DR vs. Uzbekistan — 7:30 p.m.
- What: Big-screen match viewing, specialty cocktails and game-day menu favorites.
- Cost: Food and beverages available for purchase.
Topgolf Summer of Soccer
Topgolf is celebrating the international soccer tournament with match screenings, soccer-themed games, limited-time food and drink specials, and premium game-day experiences. Fans can watch every tournament match while enjoying interactive activities and tournament-inspired menu offerings.
- When: June 11–July 19
- Where: Topgolf Atlanta-area locations
- What: Live broadcasts of every tournament match, soccer-themed Shot Shuffle gameplay, country flags and soccer-ball tracers on screens, select locations featuring full-size soccer goals in the outfield, premium game-day suites and special viewing packages.
- Featured Menu Items: Breakaway Breeze cocktail, The Global Cup customizable cocktail, Peach Buzz summer cocktail, poppi® n’ cream drink, Tito’s Frozen Lemonade, Piña Coladas and Frozen Casamigos Margaritas, The Fairway Feast featuring wings, sliders and fries for groups
- Cost: Free to attend; game play, food and beverages available for purchase. Summer Fun Passes and premium game-day packages are also available.
Twin Peaks Soccer Watch Parties
Twin Peaks is turning every tournament match into a fan experience with wall-to-wall TVs, soccer-themed giveaways, food specials and drink promotions throughout the competition. Fans can also enter the “Go for Goal Giveaway” sweepstakes for a chance to win soccer-themed experiences tied to select U.S. host cities.
- When: Throughout the tournament, June 11–July 19
- Where: Participating Twin Peaks locations
- What: Match viewing on large-screen TVs, sweepstakes entries, daily giveaway codes, Smash Burger Sliders, Triple Play dip samplers, spicy margaritas, Michelob ULTRA specials and customizable beer buckets.
- Cost: Free to attend; food and beverages available for purchase.
Decatur
The Iberian Pig Match-Day Viewing
The Iberian Pig in Decatur is celebrating Spain’s World Cup matches with special noon watch parties and a game-day menu inspired by Spanish cuisine. Located just steps from the Decatur MARTA station, the restaurant offers an easy gathering spot for fans before and after the action.
- When: June 15 and June 21
- Where: The Iberian Pig, Decatur
- What: Live screenings of Spain’s matches, plus a special menu featuring Huevos Rotos with crispy potatoes, garlic shrimp and sunny eggs, Bocadillo de Tortilla with Spanish omelet and pimentón aioli, and other Spanish-inspired dishes. Fans can also enjoy the nearby Decatur WatchFest, featuring big-screen match viewings, live music and festivities throughout Decatur Square.
- Cost: Free to attend; food and beverages available for purchase.
Dunwoody
CT Cantina & CT Reforma World Cup Watch Parties
CT Cantina & Taqueria and CT Reforma will host World Cup watch parties throughout the tournament at locations in Dunwoody, Alpharetta, Fayetteville and Buckhead. Additional television screens will be added throughout each restaurant to ensure fans can watch from anywhere in the venue, while match-day food and drink specials will be available during featured games.
- When: Select dates from June 11–July 15, 2026
- Where: CT Cantina & Taqueria (Dunwoody, Alpharetta and Fayetteville) and CT Reforma (Buckhead)
- What: Live match screenings, $20 appetizer platters featuring tostadas, empanadas, chips, guacamole and salsa, plus $5 draft beers and souvenir World Cup glass specials.
- Games:June 11: Mexico vs. South Africa (3–6 p.m.)June 12: Canada vs. UEFAA (3–6 p.m.); USA vs. Paraguay (9–11 p.m.)June 15: Spain vs. Cabo Verde and other matches (Noon–11 p.m.)June 18: South Africa vs. UEFAA, Canada vs. Qatar and more (Noon–11 p.m.)June 19: USA vs. Australia and other matches (3–11 p.m.)June 21: Spain vs. Saudi Arabia and other matches (Noon–11 p.m.)June 27: Multiple group-stage matches (5–11 p.m.)
- June 11: Mexico vs. South Africa (3–6 p.m.)
- June 12: Canada vs. UEFAA (3–6 p.m.); USA vs. Paraguay (9–11 p.m.)
- June 15: Spain vs. Cabo Verde and other matches (Noon–11 p.m.)
- June 18: South Africa vs. UEFAA, Canada vs. Qatar and more (Noon–11 p.m.)
- June 19: USA vs. Australia and other matches (3–11 p.m.)
- June 21: Spain vs. Saudi Arabia and other matches (Noon–11 p.m.)
- June 27: Multiple group-stage matches (5–11 p.m.)
- Cost: Free admission; food and beverages available for purchase.
East Cobb County
Round Trip Brewing East Cobb Soccer Viewing
Round Trip Brewing East Cobb is hosting match-day gatherings throughout the tournament, giving fans a casual place to watch games with friends and family. Many matches will be shown both inside the brewery and outdoors in The Avenue East Cobb Plaza.
- When: Throughout the tournament, June 11–July 19
- Where: Round Trip Brewing East Cobb and The Avenue East Cobb PlazaWhat: Live match screenings, outdoor viewing opportunities and a community-focused atmosphere for soccer fans.
- Cost: Free to attend; food and beverages available for purchase.
Marietta
Two Birds Loves Soccer
Two Birds Taphouse is celebrating the World Cup with match screenings, country-inspired food specials and themed drinks throughout the tournament. The Marietta venue will serve as a gathering spot for fans looking for a lively atmosphere on match days.
- When: June 11–July 19
- Where: Two Birds Taphouse, Marietta
- What: Live match screenings, themed food specials and drinks inspired by countries competing in the tournament.
- Cost: Food and beverages available for purchase.
Peachtree City
Peachtree City World Cup Watch Parties
Peachtree City will host a series of free World Cup watch parties at Drake Field featuring live match screenings, food vendors and soccer activities for fans of all ages.
- When: June 12, June 17 and June 26Where: Drake Field, Peachtree City
- Games:June 12: United States vs. Paraguay — 9 p.m.June 17: England vs. Croatia — 4 p.m.June 26: Norway vs. France — 3 p.m.
- June 12: United States vs. Paraguay — 9 p.m.
- June 17: England vs. Croatia — 4 p.m.
- June 26: Norway vs. France — 3 p.m.
- What: Food vendors, soccer-themed activities and community watch party atmosphere.
- Cost: Free.
Town at Trilith
Soccer on the Lawn at Trilith
The Town at Trilith is kicking off the world’s biggest soccer tournament with a free community celebration and outdoor watch party for Team USA’s opening match against Paraguay. Fans can enjoy family-friendly activities, giveaways and soccer-themed experiences before gathering on The Lawn at Trilith LIVE to watch the match on a giant outdoor screen.
- When: Kickoff Celebration on June 12; “Soccer on the Lawn” watch parties continue June 12-19
- Where: The Lawn at Trilith LIVE, 175 Trilith Parkway, Fayetteville
- What: Pre-match festivities begin at 6 p.m. on June 12, followed by Team USA’s match against Paraguay at 9 p.m. The weeklong “Soccer on the Lawn” series will feature free outdoor match viewings, comfortable seating, convenient parking and easy access to Trilith’s restaurants and shops. Located just minutes from the Arthur M. Blank U.S. Soccer National Training Center, the venue offers fans a chance to cheer on Team USA near where the national team prepared for the tournament.
- Cost: Free. Open to the public.
ATLANTA, Ga. — Cities across North America are gearing up for the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with Atlanta set to become a major hub for matches and fan events.
Even for people without tickets to games inside the stadium, Atlanta is preparing to celebrate across the city.
8 years ago in June of 2018, FIFA made the official announcement that the 2026 FIFA World Cup would be coming to North America.
“This has been quite a prep, we’ve been at this for over a year now. So now seeing it all finally come together it’s very exciting and terrifying at the same time,” says Atilla Meijs, Atlanta FIFA FanFestival Executive Producer.
Now, at Centennial Olympic Park, crews are putting finishing touches on a large fan fest that is expected to draw about 15,000 people per day.
The fan fest will include multiple areas for watching matches, including a 40-foot Jumbotron that organizers are promoting as a key place in North America to watch the opening stretch of games on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
““We’ve got soccer communities that are gonna come play on our pitch, we’ve got podcasts, we’ve got stuff for kids going on like face panting I think we have folks selling honey we have a tattoo shop on certain days. So I really encourage everybody to check online for our daily programming, everyday we’ll have a new set,” Meijs says.
With the Spanish National Team currently in Chattanooga preparing for their first two games in Atlanta. there‘s already Chattanoogans in Atlanta
Spain’s National Team practicing at Baylor in Chattanooga. Image: WTVC
“I saw people from Chattanooga even coming over here. There was a mom with her son, they drove for an hour and a half just to look through the gates to see how the FIFA store was They’re so excited if you’re a soccer fan, you gotta be here,” Meijs says.
Atlanta’s first match is scheduled for next week, when Spain plays Cabo Verde at noon on Monday. The stadium is about 0.5 miles from Centennial Olympic Park.
“There’s a lot of excitement about this event. This is the best place to watch the match,” Meijs says.
For viewers who aren’t traveling to Atlanta, the World Cup will also be available to watch on Fox Chattanooga.
Atlanta, GA
Atlanta Dream hold off Chicago Sky 82-75, Rhyne Howard becomes youngest player to hit rare WNBA milestone
The Atlanta Dream beat the Chicago Sky 82-75 Tuesday night, pulling away in the fourth quarter to move to 3-1 in Commissioner’s Cup play.
Atlanta outscored Chicago 25-17 in the fourth to put the game away after the Sky had cut it to one point midway through the third quarter. Jordin Canada, Allisha Gray and Rhyne Howard each made key plays down the stretch to secure the win.
Howard became the youngest player in WNBA history to reach 2,500 career points, 500 rebounds, 500 assists, 200 steals and 100 blocks, finishing with 17 points and five assists.
Angel Reese added 17 points and 17 rebounds, her second straight 17-rebound game, the first time any player in Atlanta Dream history has done that back-to-back. It was also her eighth double-double of the season and the 57th of her career, the most double-doubles in WNBA history through 75 games.
Naz Hillmon chipped in a season-high 16 points on 50% shooting, knocking down three 3-pointers, while Allisha Gray added 14 points and three steals off the bench.
Atlanta led after the first quarter, 18-17, then fell behind by as many as three in the second half before pulling away in the fourth quarter. Canada controlled the floor all night, finishing with 14 points and six assists.
Natasha Cloud led Chicago with 18 points off the bench, and Skylar Diggins added 17. But the Sky couldn’t stop Atlanta’s second-half surge.
With the Dream’s third Commissioner Cup win, they have raised $10,000 for The King Center, their designated charity for the competition.
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