A deep dive of the out-of-state visitor spending estimates.
The FIFA World Cup 2026 will be the largest sporting event in history. As an official host city, Atlanta will hold eight matches beginning in June 2026. Below is a brief Q&A with the Metro Atlanta Chamber’s Chief Economist, Dr. Jerry Parrish, about the preliminary report on the economic impact we can expect from out-of-state visitor spending during the series. You can access the full report here.
Q: How is this report different from others that may be produced?
A: MAC’s report differs from others in three key respects:
Q: What benefit will the community see from hosting the FIFA World Cup here in Atlanta?
A: The hospitality and tourism industry will experience a significant inflow of investment, supported by the influx of visitors arriving a few days before the event to stay in hotels, dine in restaurants, and explore the region using MARTA and rideshare services. Research shows international guests typically stay longer, spend more, and take the opportunity to explore other attractions Atlanta has to offer, like the World of Coca-Cola and the Georgia Aquarium.
Q: What benefits will the state, counties, and the city see from having so many outside visitors over the 31-day period?
A: The FIFA World Cup 2026 will be the largest global event in Atlanta since the 1996 Summer Olympics. As a result, the metro region will be the center of attention. From international travelers to those watching the series on television, the likelihood of future visitors, economic development investments, and hosting more global events is expected to increase.
Numbers can fluctuate as we get closer to the event and learn which teams are playing in Atlanta. However, the impact will be substantial with eight matches, including a semifinal.
