Events, Sports

The World Cup Is Coming to Atlanta: Here Are the Dates and What to Do While It’s Here

Atlanta is about to step onto one of the biggest stages in the world.

In 2026, the FIFA World Cup will come to Atlanta, bringing international soccer, global fans, major events, and citywide energy to Mercedes-Benz Stadium, officially referred to by FIFA as Atlanta Stadium during the tournament. Atlanta will host eight World Cup matches, including group-stage games, knockout-round games, and a massive semifinal match.  

For locals, this is more than just a sports event. This is a chance for Atlanta to show the world its culture, food, music, history, hospitality, and energy.

Atlanta World Cup 2026 Match Dates

All Atlanta matches will be played at Atlanta Stadium / Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Gates are scheduled to open three hours before each match.  

Here are the official Atlanta match dates:

DateTimeMatch
June 15, 202612:00 PM ETSpain vs. Cabo Verde
June 18, 202612:00 PM ETCzechia vs. South Africa
June 21, 202612:00 PM ETSpain vs. Saudi Arabia
June 24, 20266:00 PM ETMorocco vs. Haiti
June 27, 20267:30 PM ETCongo DR vs. Uzbekistan
July 1, 202612:00 PM ETRound of 32
July 7, 202612:00 PM ETRound of 16
July 15, 20263:00 PM ETSemifinal

hat location matters. Centennial Olympic Park was built for the 1996 Summer Olympics, and now, 30 years later, it will help welcome the world back to Atlanta for another major global event.  

Fun Things to Do During World Cup Week in Atlanta

1. Watch a Match at the FIFA Fan Festival

If you want the big crowd feeling without buying stadium tickets, the Fan Festival is the move. Expect large screens, live music, local food, international flavor, and fans from all over the world gathered in the heart of downtown Atlanta.

2. Explore Centennial Olympic Park and Downtown

Since the Fan Festival is downtown, visitors can easily walk to some of Atlanta’s biggest attractions, including the Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, and the National Center for Civil and Human Rights. It is one of the easiest areas for tourists to experience a lot of the city in one trip.

3. Ride or Walk the Atlanta BeltLine

The BeltLine is one of the best ways to feel Atlanta outside of the stadium. Fans can explore public art, parks, food spots, breweries, and neighborhoods while moving through the city. The BeltLine is also promoting itself as part of the World Cup experience for visitors looking to explore beyond the stadium.  

4. Visit Atlanta’s Soccer Bars and Watch Parties

Atlanta has a strong soccer culture, and during the World Cup, local bars and restaurants will be packed with fans. Places around downtown, Midtown, Little Five Points, and the BeltLine will likely be full of watch parties, especially on match days.

5. Eat Like You’re in Atlanta

World Cup visitors should not leave Atlanta without trying the food. From Southern classics to international restaurants on Buford Highway, Atlanta’s food scene is one of the city’s strongest selling points. For locals, this is the perfect time to show guests where the real spots are.

6. Visit the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park

For anyone visiting Atlanta for the first time, the King Historic District is a must. The World Cup will bring people here for soccer, but Atlanta’s civil rights history is one of the most important parts of the city’s identity.

A Big Moment for Atlanta

The World Cup is not just coming to Atlanta for one game. It is bringing eight matches, thousands of fans, international attention, and a semifinal that will put the city in front of the world.

For local businesses, restaurants, creators, hotels, artists, and community leaders, this is a major opportunity. People will not just be watching soccer. They will be looking for places to eat, things to do, stories to experience, and reasons to remember Atlanta.

From June 15 to July 15, 2026, the world will be in our city.

Atlanta should be ready.

Here are the sources used for the World Cup Atlanta blog article:

  1. FIFA
  2. Atlanta FIFA World Cup 26 Host Committee
  3. Atlanta FIFA World Cup 26 Fan Festival
    • Used for information about the FIFA Fan Festival at Centennial Olympic Park, including free entry and registration.
    • Source: AtlantaFWC26 official website
    • https://atlantafwc26.com/fan-fest/
  4. Atlanta BeltLine

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