The World Cup in Atlanta will bring eight matches, including a semifinal, to Mercedes-Benz Stadium in June and July 2026. FIFA and local organizers confirm that the stadium will host five group-stage fixtures, a Round of 32 match, a Round of 16 match, and one of the tournament’s semifinal showdowns, all under its retractable roof and 360-degree halo video board.
The venue sits on the western edge of Downtown and connects directly to the MARTA rail, which keeps match days accessible for visitors staying across the city. From Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, one of the world’s busiest hubs, fans from Africa, Europe, Asia, and Latin America can arrive on frequent international routes and transfer onto MARTA straight into the city center for match days.
Local tourism officials frame the 2026 tournament as a continuation of Atlanta’s long-running role as a major-event host, from the 1996 Summer Olympics to Super Bowl LIII and college football championships. Centennial Olympic Park will anchor much of the fan experience and, according to recent planning, will serve as a central fan festival site with large screens and live programming during the tournament.
For visiting supporters, the appeal of the World Cup in Atlanta stretches well beyond match tickets. Civil rights history, Black cultural institutions, international food corridors, and walkable neighborhoods along the BeltLine give fans plenty to explore between fixtures.
Things To Do In Atlanta During The World Cup
Begin with Atlanta’s civil rights landmarks. The Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park on Auburn Avenue includes Dr. King’s birth home, Ebenezer Baptist Church, and key sites from his early life, and the National Park Service provides access to the historic district. A short drive away, the National Center for Civil and Human Rights offers an immersive museum experience that connects Atlanta’s role in the U.S. civil rights movement with contemporary human rights stories around the world. Together, these institutions give visiting supporters a grounded way to understand the city beyond stadium views and watch parties.
From there, turn to neighborhoods with strong World Cup energy. The Atlanta BeltLine connects many intown districts through a 22-mile loop of trails, parks, and public art, with notable stretches between Ponce City Market and Krog Street Market that draw walkers, cyclists, and guests dining on restaurant patios on warm evenings.
For global food, Buford Highway serves as an international corridor with Vietnamese pho houses, Korean barbecue restaurants, Mexican taquerías, and Ethiopian cafés spanning several miles, making it one of metro Atlanta’s most diverse dining areas. Fans who want match-adjacent nightlife can head to West Midtown and Old Fourth Ward, where converted industrial spaces, breweries, and music venues create an evening scene that continues long after the final whistle.
Where To Stay In Atlanta For World Cup Matches
For visitors who want to walk to matches, Downtown and the Centennial Park District offer the most direct access to Atlanta Stadium, the tournament name for Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Hotels such as Omni Atlanta Hotel at Centennial Park, Embassy Suites by Hilton Atlanta at Centennial Olympic Park, Hyatt Place Atlanta / Centennial Park, and Hyatt House Atlanta / Downtown sit within a short walk of the venue and of attractions like Georgia Aquarium and World of Coca-Cola, all clustered around Centennial Olympic Park. This district grew out of the 1996 Olympics legacy and still anchors a compact entertainment zone that works well for early kickoffs and late finishes.
Travelers who prefer a mix of nightlife, culture, and transit access tend to base in Midtown, Buckhead, or BeltLine-facing neighborhoods such as Old Fourth Ward. In Midtown, options like Four Seasons Hotel Atlanta and The Starling Atlanta Midtown, Curio Collection by Hilton, keep guests close to Piedmont Park, the High Museum of Art, and MARTA stations that link directly to Downtown and the airport.
Buckhead offers higher-end hotels, such as the InterContinental Buckhead Atlanta and the Grand Hyatt Atlanta in Buckhead near Lenox Square. At the same time, fans who want BeltLine energy can look at design-forward stays near Old Fourth Ward and the Eastside Trail. Early booking remains important, as state tourism officials expect a surge in visitors around World Cup 2026 that will tighten availability across these districts.
Best Neighborhoods For Visiting Fans
Downtown serves as the primary base for supporters planning to attend multiple matches. Centennial Olympic Park covers 22 acres of green space and sits at the center of a district that includes major attractions, hotels, and event venues, which keeps most match-day logistics within a compact radius. Fans staying here can walk to Atlanta Stadium along well-marked routes and reach nearby restaurants or fan events without long transfers.
Midtown is well-suited to travelers who want a balance between football and city life. The neighborhood houses institutions such as the High Museum of Art and sits next to Piedmont Park, which offers skyline views and room to decompress between fixtures. Old Fourth Ward and Inman Park provide a more local feel along the BeltLine, with independent restaurants, bars, and coffee shops that draw both residents and visitors.
Decatur, just east of Atlanta on the MARTA line, boasts a compact downtown filled with bars and restaurants and has been highlighted in regional guides as one of the metro area’s food-and-drink hubs. Fans who choose any of these neighborhoods gain easy rail access to Downtown and the stadium while staying close to strong dining options.
Free Things To Do In Atlanta Between Matches
Centennial Olympic Park remains one of the best free gathering spots in the city. The park operates daily with open lawns, fountains, and regular public programming, and event planners expect it to serve as a central fan area during the World Cup in Atlanta. Visitors can spend a few hours here around match times, then walk to neighboring attractions or back to their hotels without additional transport costs.
The Atlanta BeltLine offers another cost-free way to experience the city. The trail network spans multiple neighborhoods and offers public art installations, skyline views, and direct access to parks such as Piedmont Park. Supporters who enjoy photography can head to the Jackson Street Bridge. This bridge is one of the best places to view the Downtown Atlanta skyline and a popular spot for trip-defining photos.
For a deeper dive into history without ticket fees, the exterior grounds and streets around the King historic district on Auburn Avenue offer meaningful walks between matches.
Bringing The Kids? How To Make It Family-Friendly
Families traveling to Atlanta for the World Cup can build full days around attractions in the Centennial Park District. The Children’s Museum of Atlanta sits steps from the park and offers hands-on exhibits designed for younger visitors, while the Georgia Aquarium ranks among the largest in the United States, with extensive marine habitats and timed entry to help manage crowds. The World of Coca-Cola and the College Football Hall of Fame add more options within the same walkable grid, keeping transit planning straightforward for parents with strollers or grandparents in the group.
For time away from the stadium and Downtown, Zoo Atlanta in Grant Park gives kids a full day with hundreds of animal species and family-focused programming, while Piedmont Park and the BeltLine trails provide open space for picnics, playground stops, and bike rides.
MARTA trains connect the airport, Downtown, and Midtown, helping families move across the city without dealing with traffic or pricey parking garages. With a little planning around match times and transit, Atlanta works well as a family base during the 2026 tournament.
