Footwork
The world’s game is coming to Atlanta—and Emory is ready to play.
As Atlanta prepares to take center stage as a host city for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Emory University is showing some fancy footwork of its own, delivering exhibitions, programs, events and experiences that showcase Atlanta’s rich soccer history and world-renowned hospitality.
The first step is Footwork, a bold new exhibition opening at the Schatten Gallery in Woodruff Library in February 2026.
Presented by Emory Libraries, the Michael C. Carlos Museum, and Emory Center for Digital Scholarship, Footwork covers the full pitch of soccer, culture, and identity. Drawing on Emory’s academic expertise, rich collections, and global partnerships (think sneaker culture influencers and community collaborators), the exhibition explores Atlanta’s interconnected stories of soccer, civil rights, and globalism from 1968 to today—helping you to understand how your regional identity, your team, and even your sneakers express who you are.
Footwork is more than just an exhibition—it’s a celebration of sport, style, scholarship, and the spirit of a city ready to welcome the world.
Emory is also joining forces across its campuses and with civic leaders, government agencies, industries, and nonprofits to develop a dynamic lineup of programs that celebrate soccer’s power to unite. From Atlanta’s professional soccer roots in the 1960s to its current status as a global hub of the game, Atlanta provides the perfect backdrop for these community-centered experiences. Designed to foster student growth, create meaningful connections across our communities, and generate lasting value for partners citywide, these initiatives aim to elevate the 2026 World Cup for everyone involved, including those visiting the city for the first time.