2026 World Cup Matches in Atlanta

Atlanta will be one of the major venues for the 2026 World Cup in the United States and will host some of the most eagerly awaited matches of the tournament, including knockout stage games. This modern, connected, and vibrant city will become a meeting point for thousands of fans during the summer.

If you're thinking of experiencing the championship from the inside, here you'll find everything you need to know to enjoy the World Cup matches in Atlanta: dates, stadium, possible teams, tickets, and what to do before or after the matches.

Atlanta will be one of the most prominent venues during the 2026 World Cup. In total, it will host eight matches, including group stage matches, a round of 16 match, and a quarterfinal match.

This makes Mercedes-Benz Stadium one of the key venues of the tournament. If you want to secure a spot at one of the matches, it's a good idea to start planning ahead.

These are the confirmed dates on which the World Cup will pass through Atlanta. The official schedule has already been published, and the phases of each match have been defined:

• Saturday, June 15 – Group stage
• Tuesday, June 18 – Group stage
• Friday, June 21 – Group stage
• Monday, June 24 – Group stage
• Wednesday, June 26 – Group stage
• Friday, June 28 – Group stage
• Wednesday, July 1 – Round of 32
• Saturday, July 11 – Quarterfinals

Although the teams that will play in each match are not yet known, it is clear that Atlanta will experience the World Cup intensely. From the first day to the decisive matches, the city will be the scene of great moments in the tournament.

The official group draw will be held in December 2025, and that is when it will be decided which teams will play at each venue. Until then, we can only speculate based on the city's importance, stadium capacity, and the cultural diversity of the region.

Given its importance in the tournament, Atlanta is likely to host top-level teams from the Americas, Europe, Africa, and Asia. Some realistic options could be:

• Spain, a regular in the decisive stages
• Uruguay, with a long World Cup tradition
• Senegal, one of the current African powerhouses
• Australia, a strong contender in Asia
• Ecuador, a South American team with good prospects and fans in the US

The atmosphere in the stadium and throughout the city promises to be unforgettable, regardless of which match you get to see.

Mercedes-Benz Stadium is one of the most spectacular stadiums in the country. With a capacity for more than 70,000 spectators, it is located in the heart of Atlanta and is known for its futuristic design, its retractable spiral roof, and its 360° circular screen that surrounds the interior of the venue.

For the World Cup, the stadium will be completely adapted to the tournament format, removing branding from other sports and configuring the space so that soccer matches can be experienced with maximum intensity. Its excellent acoustics and visibility from any seat make it one of the best-equipped stadiums for an event of this magnitude.

Which teams usually play at the stadium

Mercedes-Benz Stadium is the regular home of:

• Atlanta United FC (MLS – US soccer league), one of the clubs with the largest number of fans in the country.
• Atlanta Falcons (NFL – American football), the city's historic franchise.

It has also hosted large-scale events such as the Super Bowl final, concerts by international artists, and friendly soccer matches between international teams.

Where is it and why is it a key venue?

The stadium is located in the heart of downtown Atlanta, very close to Centennial Olympic Park and surrounded by some of the city's main tourist attractions, such as the Georgia Aquarium, the Coca-Cola Museum, and the College Football Hall of Fame.

Its central location makes it one of the most accessible and lively venues of the World Cup, ideal for those who want to combine matches with urban tourism or gastronomic and cultural experiences.

One of Atlanta's great advantages is its excellent connectivity. The stadium is just a few steps away from several metro stations (MARTA) and is well connected to Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, one of the busiest airports in the world.

If you are coming from other parts of the city or from outside the city, you can get there by:

• Metro (MARTA): GWCC/CNN Center Station
• Car or rideshare: Uber and Lyft have designated zones near the stadium
• On foot or by bike if you are staying downtown

In addition, the area around the stadium will be filled with fan zones, bars, giant screens, and parallel activities.

Atlanta is much more than just a host city: it is living history of the southern United States, a cultural capital, and a place full of energy. If you come to the World Cup, you will find a city that combines tradition, modernity, and a vibrant atmosphere perfect for enjoying between matches.

From museums that chronicle the civil rights struggle to skyscrapers with panoramic views to a booming food scene, the city has something for everyone.

Here are some must-do activities to complete your soccer experience:

• An unforgettable experience flying over Atlanta
• Guide to activities and places to see in Atlanta
• Transfers to and from the airport
• Guided tours to discover the city in depth

In addition, during the tournament, many areas of Atlanta will be transformed with fan zones, side events, and giant screens where you can experience the World Cup atmosphere beyond the stadium.

Attending a World Cup game is a unique experience, but it also involves some logistics. Atlanta is a city prepared for large-scale events, but it's a good idea to keep a few tips in mind to avoid any surprises and enjoy yourself to the fullest:

• Arrive early: the entrances to Mercedes-Benz Stadium can fill up quickly on game days.
• Bring your downloaded or printedtickets: avoid complications at the access controls.
• Be prepared for the weather: in June and July, temperatures can be high and humidity can be high.
• Explore the area around the stadium: the area is full of bars, restaurants, and places to watch the games on screens.
• Get information through official channels: follow the guidelines on security, permitted items, and transportation.

And of course, don't forget to bring your team's jersey, your flag, or anything else that makes you feel part of the show. The World Cup in Atlanta promises to be a global celebration both inside and outside the stadium.