Atlanta Police Train Mounted Unit for 2026 FIFA World Cup

Horses and officers prepare for crowd control and security at major soccer tournament

Mar. 26, 2026 at 10:05pm

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The Atlanta Police Department is training its mounted patrol unit to manage the large crowds expected for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Officers are working with partners from Cobb County, Savannah, and Memphis to 'bomb-proof' and desensitize the horses to loud noises and congested areas. The mounted unit will provide a high vantage point to identify and respond to security issues during the eight matches the city will host, including a semifinal.

Why it matters

As one of the host cities for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Atlanta is preparing extensively for the influx of thousands of fans. The mounted patrol unit will play a crucial role in crowd control and public safety during the high-profile tournament, which is expected to be one of the biggest events the city has ever hosted.

The details

The Atlanta Police Department's Mounted Patrol Unit is training weekly with the Cobb County Sheriff's Office, bringing riders into downtown Atlanta and practicing crowd control techniques. Officials say they expect to have roughly two dozen horses available, with additional support from agencies in Savannah and Memphis. Officers are working to 'bomb-proof' the horses, desensitizing them to loud noises and large crowds that will be present during the World Cup.

  • The training began last year as the city prepares for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
  • The eight matches Atlanta will host, including a semifinal, will take place this summer.

The players

Atlanta Police Department

The city's police force, which is leading the training and preparation efforts for the mounted patrol unit ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Cobb County Sheriff's Office

The primary partner agency for the Atlanta Police Department, providing support and training facilities for the mounted patrol unit.

Lt. Greg Lyon

A lieutenant with the Atlanta Police Department's Mounted Patrol Unit, who is overseeing the training and preparation efforts.

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What they’re saying

“We do what we call bomb-proofing, desensitizing, we get these horses accustomed to loud noises, large crowds, because you've seen probably fans at soccer games could bring marching band instruments, flags, fireworks.”

— Lt. Greg Lyon, Atlanta Police Department

“When Drifter and I are in a crowd of people, we're going into a really congested area, parking lots, we can see over the cars, we can see over everybody's head. It gives us a great vantage point to identify problems and respond to them.”

— Lt. Greg Lyon, Atlanta Police Department

“I'm optimistic that we're not going to be needing that capacity. I'm pretty hopeful that we don't have to, we're not going to have to do that, but we are training as if we are.”

— Lt. Greg Lyon, Atlanta Police Department

What’s next

The Atlanta Police Department and its partner agencies will continue their weekly training sessions to ensure the mounted patrol unit is fully prepared for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Officials will also work to coordinate with other law enforcement agencies and event organizers to finalize security plans for the tournament.

The takeaway

The Atlanta Police Department's investment in its mounted patrol unit highlights the city's commitment to public safety and crowd management for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. By leveraging the unique capabilities of horses and officers, the department aims to provide a high level of security and assistance to the thousands of fans expected to descend on Atlanta during the tournament.