Built under Argentine leadership, the success and fan base of Atlanta United set the stage for Atlanta to become a World Cup host city.
ATLANTA – July 9, 2026
Argentina advanced in the 2026 FIFA World Cup™ with a victory over Egypt on July 7 in Atlanta, Georgia at Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Atlanta Stadium). The country’s influence extends beyond the World Cup, with Argentina having a substantial presence in Atlanta’s professional soccer team since Atlanta United’s inaugural season in 2017.
Although he did not play against Egypt, Thiago Almada, who played for Atlanta United from 2022 to 2024, was a member of the 2022 team that won the World Cup. He is also the first player in MLS history to win a World Cup while being an active member of an MLS team. Gonzalo “Pity” Martínez was also called up to the Argentina national team in 2018 and 2019, while playing for Atlanta United.
Atlanta United currently has three players from Argentina, Lucas Hoyos, Tomas Jacob, and Elías Báez, and the team has been led by legendary manager Tata Martino. Current manager, Gerardo “Tata” Martino served as the franchise’s first head coach, famously guiding the team to an MLS Cup championship in 2018. During his two seasons in Atlanta, the club recorded the most points (124), most goals (140) and best goal differential (+56) in MLS and became the second team in league history at the time to score 70-plus goals in back-to-back seasons. Martino was named MLS Coach of the Year in 2018.
Atlanta United announced the return of the Argentine manager in November 2025 on a contract through the 2027 MLS season. “We are thrilled to welcome Tata back to Atlanta United,” said Arthur M. Blank, Owner and Chairman, Blank Family of Businesses. “Tata is an exceptional manager who set the standard for excellence within our club and helped establish our identity in Major League Soccer. Since then, he has continued to achieve success on the global stage…. Tata is a steward of our club’s values with a proven leadership record, and he carries a championship mindset to everything he does. We are excited for the future of Atlanta United with Tata back at the helm.”
Atlanta United boasts one of the largest and most passionate fan bases in Major League Soccer, drawing crowds that rival those of top-tier leagues worldwide. The club’s supporters reflect metro Atlanta’s international and diverse population.
Atlanta United has generated an estimated overall economic impact exceeding $500 million, anchored by a $1 billion valuation, making it one of Major League Soccer’s most valuable clubs. The franchise routinely attracts 40,000+ fans per game, catalyzing significant local hospitality, real estate, and infrastructural growth. The club has set multiple league attendance records, including season-ticket sales (36,000+), single-season average (53,002) and total home attendance (901,033).
Atlanta United owner Arthur Blank also announced in 2025 Atlanta will be home to a National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) franchise. The new women’s club will begin play in 2028 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Atlanta United’s on-field success and record-breaking fanbase at Mercedes-Benz Stadium arguably helped cement Atlanta as a premium soccer destination, attracting both the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the national headquarters of the U.S. Soccer Federation.
Capitalizing on World Cup excitement, the Consulate General of the Argentine Republic in Atlanta launched the Argentina Fan Passport, an initiative that transforms metro Atlanta into an “Argentine Route,” driving fans to local businesses. Register and complete at least three check-ins before the World Cup final on July 19 to be eligible to win prizes, including round-trip airfare to Argentina courtesy of Copa Airlines.
“Argentina established a consular presence in Georgia in 1899. Long-term consular presence in the state inevitably leads to growth in trade and investment,” said Stefan Harrigan, Senior Manager, Global Business Development, Metro Atlanta Chamber. “With established Argentine investors like medical device manufacturer TECME and recent activity by agile software development firm Quadion Technologies, economic ties between Argentina and metro Atlanta will continue to grow.”
###
