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Atlanta, USA, 2026 World Cup City Guide
Everything you need to know about visiting Atlanta for the 2026 World Cup 🌳
✒️ By the worldcup-travel.com team | 📅 Updated 11 June 2025
Hey Y’all! If you’re ready to plan your trip to Atlanta for the 2026 World Cup, we are here to help. We’ll provide all the information about travel to and from the city, between host cities, as well as to and from the Mercedez-Benz Stadium (which is officially called “Atlanta Stadium” by FIFA). We’re also here to help with hotel accommodations, car and house rentals, public transportation in and around the city, and much more.
Learn more about visiting Atlanta for the World Cup
Soccer with a side of chicken and biscuits for the 2026 World Cup in Atlanta
Atlanta, Georgia, has a super passionate sports culture, and soccer has become a huge part of it over the last several years. When Atlanta United FC launched in 2017, the city instantly embraced the team – they set attendance records for Major League Soccer (MLS) games and created one of the most electric atmospheres in American soccer. Atlanta fans are known for being loud, loyal, and proud, and they treat soccer with the same energy they bring to football, basketball, and baseball. This bodes well for the 2026 World Cup, which is set to host eight matches in Atlanta.
As a visitor, you’ll find a dynamic mix of culture, history, and entertainment. History buffs can visit Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s childhood home, while families can enjoy the Georgia Aquarium – one of the largest aquariums in the world – and the Coca Cola museum, which gives you insight into the most popular soft drink in the world. There are also beautiful green spaces to explore and the Atlanta BeltLine, with its vibrant street art, is not to be missed.
But – let’s be real – it’s the food scene in Atlanta that makes this city special. Atlanta’s culinary offerings are a delicious blend of Southern comfort, global influences, and cutting-edge culinary creativity. You’ll find everything from classic Southern dishes like fried chicken, biscuits, and collard greens to innovative fusion cuisine that brings together flavors from around the world. The city has a strong farm-to-table culture, with many restaurants highlighting local, seasonal ingredients. Atlanta is also known for its barbecue (especially pulled pork), and the city’s food trucks offer a diverse range of bites. Our expert tip is to eat everything, and lots of it.
Atlanta 2026 World Cup FAQs
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Atlanta Stadium (Mercedez-Benz Stadium) is located in Downtown Atlanta.
It's situated near major attractions like Centennial Olympic Park, the Georgia Aquarium, and the CNN Center, making it easily accessible for visitors by public transportation or even by foot!
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MLS: Atlanta United FC – They consistently count high attendance to their MLS home games, setting numerous attendance records. These locals really like their soccer!
NWSL: Atlanta has no women’s pro team in the NWSL, despite talks over the years about launching one as part of league expansions.
USL: Apotheos FC, East Atlanta Dutch Lions FC
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Miami (650 miles stadium-to-stadium)
Philadelphia (772 miles stadium-to-stadium)
Kansas City (794 miles stadium-to-stadium)
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Eight 2026 World Cup games in total will be played in Atlanta: Five group stage games, one Round of 32, one Round of 16, and one semi-final.
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For June and July weather in Atlanta, daytime highs usually range from 85°F to 95°F (about 29°C to 35°C), with humidity making it feel even hotter.
It’s common to get afternoon thunderstorms, but they’re usually short and can actually be refreshing. Nights stay pretty warm, too, often not dropping below 70°F (around 21°C). When planning to be outdoors, lightweight clothing, sunscreen, and staying hydrated will be key!
Which 2026 World Cup matches will be held in Atlanta?
Match 14 – Monday, June 15, 2026 – Group Stage (Group H)
Match 25 – Thursday, June 18, 2026 – Group Stage (Group A)
Match 38 – Sunday, June 21, 2026 – Group Stage (Group H)
Match 50 – Wednesday, June 24, 2026 – Group Stage (Group C)
Match 72 – Saturday, June 27, 2026 – Group Stage (Group K)
Match 80 – Wednesday, July 1, 2026 – Round of 32 (Knockout stage)
Match 95 – Tuesday, July 7, 2026 – Round of 16 (Knockout stage)
Match 102 – Wednesday, July 15, 2026 – Semifinal (Knockout stage)
Fan-Fueled Adventures in Atlanta
We spoke to football-loving locals to get their take on the 2026 World Cup host cities. Dave McLean has been going to Atlanta United games since their inaugural season, and is crossing all fingers and toes in hopes that he gets to see a World Cup game in 2026. Over to Dave:
Above: Dave (black shirt, center right) and Atlanta United fanatic friends feeling the energy at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Photo courtesy of Dave McLean.
Not a bad seat in the stadium: At this point, I’ve basically sat everywhere in the stadium and I do have a favorite section (104, thank you very much) but I’ve never had a bad seat. One thing I’ve really appreciated is the realization that they didn’t have to overcharge for food. There are a ton of in-stadium options and everything is reasonably priced. It’s an absolutely beautiful venue and when it comes alive, you can feel it shake your bones. It’s like getting caught in a big wave in the ocean and getting carried but without the fear of drowning. Everything just lifts.
Where to find local football fans: Brewhouse Pub in Little Five Points is constantly packed during games with a very soccer-knowledgeable crowd. Fantastic place – very loud, very joyous, and a staff that knows how to deal with fans so the drinks flow with regularity. That’s where you’ll find me when there’s a game happening that I care about (like on Tuesday for Champions League).
Get more in-the-know tips from Dave and other Atlanta locals on our Atlanta World Cup transport guide and Atlanta World Cup accommodation guide.
Visiting Atlanta for the 2026 World Cup
Atlanta is a fantastic host city for the 2026 World Cup with its state-of-the-art venue, Atlanta Stadium, that features a retractable roof, air conditioning, and world-class facilities – perfect to beat the summer heat. The city’s diverse culture, vibrant neighborhoods, great food scene, and rich civil rights history give visitors plenty to explore outside of the games. And Atlanta is no stranger to hosting big events – the Super Bowl was there in 2019, and will be again in 2028; two 2024 Copa América games played there, including the opening match between Argentina and Canada; and the College Football Playoff was at the stadium earlier this year. Atlanta is well-prepared to deliver an amazing 2026 World Cup.
Doing Atlanta like a local
Head to Ponce City Market for shopping, dining, and rooftop fun with stunning city views. For a funkier vibe, explore Little Five Points, full of indie shops, murals, and live music – and an unforgettable burger at The Vortex. Piedmont Park, designed by the Olmstead Brothers, is the Central Park of ATL, and the perfect place to spend a sunny day not staring at the pitch. The National Center for Civil and Human Rights is such a standout museum even the locals feel a need to hit it up repeatedly. Atlanta’s blend of historic significance and modern energy makes it a memorable city to explore, just remember one thing: Don’t even think about drinking a Pepsi in this town!
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