business
Turkish-American businesses split allegiances as Turkey faces US in World Cup final group match
By Justin Berger at Atlanta News First (WANF CBS) - News
· June 26, 2026
· 2 min read
ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — Turkish-American business owners in metro Atlanta are navigating divided loyalties Thursday night as Turkey and the United States face off in the final match of the group stage.Kemal Aytac, owner of Cafe Istanbul in Sandy Springs, said the matchup presents an e...
Key takeaway Kemal Aytac, owner of Cafe Istanbul in Sandy Springs, said the matchup presents an emotional challenge.
Why this matters in The Atlanta
The World Cup match between Turkey and the United States is more than just a game for Turkish-American business owners in metro Atlanta, it's a reflection of the community's diverse cultural landscape. Restaurants like Cafe Istanbul and Ephesus, which have been staples in the area for decades, are not only serving traditional Turkish cuisine but also providing a space for people to come together and celebrate their shared love of soccer. The fact that these restaurants are packed with fans from both countries, singing national anthems and cheering together, speaks to the strong sense of community and camaraderie that exists in metro Atlanta. As the city continues to grow and become more diverse, events like this World Cup match highlight the importance of cultural exchange and understanding, and the role that local businesses play in fostering those connections.
About this story
Original reporting by Atlanta News First (WANF CBS) - News . The Atlanta surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
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Category: business ·
Published: June 26, 2026 ·
Source: Atlanta News First (WANF CBS) - News ·
Reading time: 2 min
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What is this story about? ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — Turkish-American business owners in metro Atlanta are navigating divided loyalties Thursday night as Turkey and the United States face off in the final match of the group stage.Kemal Aytac, owner of Cafe Istanbul in Sandy Springs, said the matchup presents an e...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 26, 2026 by Atlanta News First (WANF CBS) - News and curated for The Atlanta readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Justin Berger at Atlanta News First (WANF CBS) - News. To learn more about how The Atlanta selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more business coverage from The Atlanta, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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