Atlanta Police and Cobb Sheriff's Office Deploy Mounted Patrols for World Cup

Horses and riders will patrol around Centennial Olympic Park, Georgia World Congress Center, and Mercedes-Benz Stadium

Mar. 27, 2026 at 10:26am

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The Atlanta Police Department and Cobb County Sheriff's Office are deploying mounted patrol units to handle crowds and medical emergencies during the upcoming FIFA World Cup. The horses and riders will primarily patrol around Centennial Olympic Park, the Georgia World Congress Center, and Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mounted patrol units from Savannah and Memphis, Tennessee will also join the effort for certain games.

Why it matters

Mounted police units provide a unique crowd control and security presence during major events. The horses and officers are specially trained to remain calm and composed in loud, unpredictable environments, making them well-suited for managing large crowds at the World Cup matches.

The details

The officers and their horses will wear specialized equipment to ensure the animals' safety and comfort, including thick rubber horseshoes for better traction and shock absorption. A veterinarian will also be on standby to monitor the horses' health and prevent overheating. To prepare the horses for the crowds, the officers conduct desensitization training using speakers, sirens, inflatable tube men, and other loud and disruptive stimuli.

  • The mounted patrols will be deployed during the 2026 FIFA World Cup matches in Atlanta.

The players

Atlanta Police Department

The local law enforcement agency responsible for providing security and crowd control for the World Cup matches in Atlanta.

Cobb County Sheriff's Office

The law enforcement agency for Cobb County, Georgia, which is also contributing mounted patrol units to assist with the World Cup security efforts.

Savannah Police Department

The local law enforcement agency for Savannah, Georgia, which is sending mounted patrol units to support the World Cup security in Atlanta.

Memphis Police Department

The local law enforcement agency for Memphis, Tennessee, which is also contributing mounted patrol units to the World Cup security efforts in Atlanta.

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The takeaway

The deployment of highly trained mounted police units demonstrates the extensive planning and coordination required to ensure the safety and security of the FIFA World Cup matches in Atlanta. The specialized skills and equipment of these officers and their horses will be crucial in managing the large crowds expected at the high-profile events.