Your Guide to FIFA World Cup 2026™ in Atlanta

As the countdown races on, Atlanta is getting ready to take the global stage, and the energy is already building.

With the first match approaching, the city is shifting into something different. Not just preparing for matchdays, but for weeks of moments that stretch far beyond the stadium – across neighborhoods, restaurants, parks, and streets.

Atlanta has hosted the world before, each time bringing bold spirit, creative spark, and a deep sense of hometown pride. This summer will be no different.

From the Beltline to Buford Highway. Dive bars to Michelin stars. Side streets to skylines.

This is where FIFA World Cup 2026™ becomes more than a tournament. It becomes an Atlanta experience.

Match Schedule in Atlanta

Atlanta will host eight matches, including a semi-final:

Match dates will be June 15, 18, 21, 24, 27 (Group Stage), July 1 (Round of 32), July 7 (Round of 16), and July 15 (Semi-Final).

The Center of It All

Just steps from the stadium, Centennial Olympic Park will host the FIFA Fan Festival™—and for many, this is where the experience really happens.

• Live match screenings all day
• Concerts and cultural programming
• Fans from around the world in one place

Register here to reserve a spot in the action!

Downtown: Building for This Moment

Downtown Atlanta is undergoing a massive, multi-billion-dollar transformation to shift from a 9-to-5 business district into a vibrant, 24/7 mixed-use neighborhood. Led by major projects like the $5 billion Centennial Yards Atlanta, and South Downtown redevelopment, the area is adding thousands of residential units, hotels, retail, and entertainment venues, aiming for significant completion by the FIFA World Cup 2026™ – Canada, Mexico and the United States.

Key Transformation Initiatives

• Centennial Yards: A 50-acre project turning “The Gulch” parking lots into a sports and entertainment district, featuring apartments (like The Mitchell), hotels, retail, and a 5,300-seat concert venue near Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
• South Downtown Redevelopment: Revitalization of 16 acres of historic buildings—including the Whitehall area—aiming for a mix of residential, restaurants, and tech-focused office spaces. The area will feature restaurants, watch parties, and more.
• The Center: Once the iconic CNN Center, the historic Downtown Atlanta landmark, has transformed into a dynamic mixed-use destination.
• Underground Atlanta: Repositioned as a 12-acre arts, culture, and entertainment hub.
• City Focus: The Metro Atlanta Chamber and Downtown Atlanta, Inc. are focusing on increasing pedestrian traffic, enhancing public spaces, and improving connectivity to bridge the area with neighborhoods like Castleberry Hill.

Key 2026 Goals

• Connectivity: Creating a more walkable, livable “city center” atmosphere.
• Events & Tourism: Establishing a central “Fan Gathering Plaza” for major events like the FIFA World Cup 2026™.

Add in MARTA (Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority) access, and getting around is surprisingly simple, even during a global event.

What to Do Between Matches

The time between matches might end up being your favorite part…

• Walk the Atlanta Beltline with thousands of other fans
• Explore Atlanta’s dynamic restaurant scene
• Catch an Atlanta Braves or Atlanta Dream WNBA game
• See a concert at State Farm Arena or The Battery Atlanta
• Find a watch party that turns into an all-day hang
• Exploring surrounding neighborhoods and attractions

Every neighborhood adds something different – and during the FIFA World Cup, all of it is turned up.

Stay Connected

Planning to be in Atlanta this summer?

The Metro Atlanta Chamber is sharing updates, local insights, and ways to plug into what’s happening across the city.

Follow the Metro Atlanta Chamber on LinkedIn for updates on all things going on this summer.