Atlanta 2026 FIFA World Cup City Guide
Atlanta hosts 8 matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including a Semi-Final at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. This complete guide covers everything World Cup fans need for visiting Atlanta in June and July 2026.
Quick Navigation
- City Overview
- Match Schedule
- Getting There
- Where to Stay
- Soccer Culture
- Soccer Bars
- Must-See vs Local Favorites
- Local Resources
- Walk/Bike Guide
- Local Creators
- Pickup Soccer
- Outdoor Activities
City Overview & Practical Information
Official Sites:
Weather in June/July:
- June avg: High 87°F (30.6°C), Low 68°F (20°C), Precipitation ~4 in (mostly thunderstorms)
- July avg: High 89°F (31.7°C), Low 71°F (21.7°C), Precipitation ~4.5 in
- Visitors should prepare for hot, humid conditions and occasional afternoon thunderstorms.
Local Phrases/Customs:
- “ITP” (Inside the Perimeter) and “OTP” (Outside the Perimeter) refer to whether locations lie inside or outside Interstate 285 loop around Atlanta.
- Southern hospitality means politeness and courtesy are appreciated from visitors.
Essential Apps for Transport & Local Resources:
- MARTA On The Go (iOS, Android) – Atlanta’s public transit system app
- Uber and Lyft for ridesharing
- Bird and Lime for scooter rentals (apps available on both stores)
- Discover Atlanta App for tourism and event info
Airport Info:
- Main Airport: Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
- Hub Airlines: Delta Air Lines (largest hub) and Southwest Airlines
- Flight Booking Sites:
- Going (for incredible flight deals)
- Google Flights
- Expedia
- Kayak
Match Schedule & Host City Details
All 8 matches in Atlanta will be played at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium (branded “Atlanta Stadium” during FIFA events).
| Match Number | Date | Kickoff Time | Round Type | Teams |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 14 | June 15, 2026 | TBD | Group Stage | TBD |
| 25 | June 18, 2026 | TBD | Group Stage | TBD |
| 38 | June 21, 2026 | TBD | Group Stage | TBD |
| 50 | June 24, 2026 | TBD | Group Stage | TBD |
| 72 | June 27, 2026 | TBD | Group Stage | TBD |
| 80 | July 1, 2026 | TBD | Round of 32 | TBD |
| 95 | July 7, 2026 | TBD | Round of 16 | TBD |
| 102 | July 15, 2026 | TBD | Semi-Final | TBD |
Stadium & Event Details:
- Stadium capacity: Approximately 71,000 (expandable for FIFA)
- Stadium Review: Mercedes-Benz Stadium – Stadium Guide
- Fan Zone Location: Official Fan Fest at Centennial Olympic Park
- Official FIFA Schedule: FIFA 2026 Match Schedule
- Fan Fest Info: Atlanta FIFA World Cup Fan Festival
Getting to the Stadium & Fan Fest
Stadium: Mercedes-Benz Stadium (1 AMB Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30313)
Public Transport:
- MARTA Rail (Blue/Green/Red/Gold lines) to GWCC/CNN Center Station (adjacent to stadium)
- Use the MARTA On The Go app for schedules and real-time updates
Driving & Parking:
- Parking garages and surface lots available but recommend pre-booking via ParkMobile
- High congestion expected around match times—driving discouraged on game days
- Rideshare pick-up/drop-off zones are designated along Northside Drive NW
Walking & Biking:
- Walkable from downtown hotels (~10-20 min) via Marietta Street or Andrew Young International Blvd
- Multiple bike racks available; use Relay Bike Share to rent bikes or scooters
- Estimated walk from Centennial Olympic Park: 5–10 minutes
- Stay alert for traffic and obey pedestrian signals
Best Practices:
- Favor MARTA over driving to avoid congestion and parking difficulties
- Check official FIFA and local traffic advisories for tournament route changes
Fan Fest: Centennial Olympic Park (265 Park Ave W NW, Atlanta, GA 30313)
Public Transport:
- MARTA to GWCC/CNN Center Station, then a short walk (~5 minutes) to the park
Parking:
- Limited surface parking; better to use MARTA or walk from downtown
- Parking garages and surface lots available but recommend pre-booking via ParkMobile
Top Neighborhoods to Stay In
| Neighborhood | Description | Safety & Transit | Verification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Downtown Atlanta | City center, walking distance to stadium & Fan Fest | High security, MARTA access | Discover Atlanta |
| Midtown Atlanta | Arts, culture, dining hub; near parks and good nightlife | Safe, MARTA, walkable | Matador Network |
| Old Fourth Ward | Trendy, historic with BeltLine access & lively dining | Safe, transit nearby | Secret Atlanta |
| Buckhead | Upscale, shopping, luxury hotels | Safe, MARTA nearby | Discover Atlanta |
| West Midtown | Industrial-chic, food halls, breweries | Trendy, nightlife, Uber friendly | Sports Travel Blog |
Best Sites to Book Lodging
Soccer Culture & History
- MLS Club: Atlanta United FC, renowned for record-breaking attendance and passionate fan base since 2017.
- Supporters Groups: The Faction, Footie Mob, Resurgence—known for chants, marches, and pre-game events.
- Soccer Traditions: The “Golden Spike” ceremony at Mercedes-Benz Stadium before games, vibrant murals along the BeltLine.
- Community: Diverse youth leagues, adult rec leagues, and soccer events citywide foster a strong soccer culture.
Learn more about Atlanta soccer culture
Top Soccer Bars & Watch Spots
| Venue | Address | Transit | Atmosphere | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fadó Irish Pub | 273 Buckhead Ave NE | MARTA Buckhead Station | Irish pub with authentic soccer vibes, large screens, family-friendly | TripAdvisor |
| Brewhouse Cafe | 401 Moreland Ave NE | MARTA East Lake Station | Popular for EPL and MLS games, lively atmosphere, outdoor patio | Yelp |
| Hudson Grille | 120 Marietta St NW | MARTA Centennial Station | Near stadium and park, multiple screens, energetic crowd | Eater Atlanta |
| The Midway Pub | 552 Flat Shoals Ave SE | MARTA Inman Park Station | Neighborhood hangout, soccer-focused, family-friendly | Yelp |
| Meehan’s Public House | 200 Peachtree St NW | MARTA Peachtree Center | Central location, international crowd, great for large groups | Google Maps |
Additional Research Sources
Tourist Hits vs Local Favorites
Tourist Must-Sees
- World of Coca-Cola – Museum and tasting experience, iconic Atlanta landmark
- Georgia Aquarium – One of the world’s largest aquariums
- Centennial Olympic Park – Central park for fan events and gatherings
- Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park – Important civil rights history site
Local Favorites
- BeltLine Eastside Trail – Popular walking and biking loop with art, nature, and eateries
- Ponce City Market – Food halls, shops, rooftop with skyline views
- Krog Street Tunnel – Vibrant street art and murals
- Oakland Cemetery – Historic cemetery and green space
- Piedmont Park – Large urban park with walking, sports, and events
Best Local Blogs & Curated Sites
To Do
Food
Nightlife
Bike/Walk Friendly Score & Articles
- Walk Score: 48/100 (car-dependent overall; Midtown, Downtown & Old Fourth Ward significantly more walkable) – Walk Score Atlanta
- Bike Score: 42/100; highest along BeltLine and PATH trails (popular for leisure rides)
- Best Neighborhoods for Walking/Biking: Midtown, Old Fourth Ward, Inman Park, Virginia Highland
- Bike Rental/Sharing: Relay Bike Share app available for rentals
- Walking Tours:
- Transit Integration: MARTA stations connect well to walkable and bike-friendly neighborhoods
Modern Explorer: Creators to Follow
TikTok Creators
- Coming Soon…
Instagram Creators
- Coming Soon…
YouTube Content
- Coming Soon…
Pickup Soccer & Casual Play
- Silverbacks Park – 3200 Atlanta Silverbacks Way – MARTA Kensington Station – Turf fields, open pickup games and leagues – Website
- Piedmont Park Sports Fields – 400 Park Dr NE – MARTA Midtown Station – Popular open pickup games most evenings/weekends – Website
- Grant Park – 537 Park Ave SE – MARTA King Memorial Station – Community pickup soccer, check Meetup for organized games – Meetup Atlanta Pickup Soccer
- Old Fourth Ward Skatepark – Adjacent to BeltLine Trail – MARTA Inman Park – Social pickup games, casual play with local groups – OpenPlay.co
Outdoors & Hiking Trail Recommendations
| Trail | Distance & Difficulty | Access | Family-friendly | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arabia Mountain PATH | 10+ miles, easy/moderate | Drive or Uber; no direct transit | Yes | Arabia Alliance |
| Sweetwater Creek State Park | Multiple trails, up to 5 miles, easy to moderate | MARTA + Uber/Lyft from station | Yes | Sweetwater Creek |
| Stone Mountain Park | Easy to moderate, famous summit trail | Shuttle from MARTA to park entrance | Yes | Stone Mountain Park |
| Chattahoochee River NRA | Various easy trails; riverside hiking | MARTA + local bus/Uber | Yes | NPS – Chattahoochee |