The 2026 World Cup in Atlanta
This year, Atlanta will step onto the world’s stage with the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The biggest soccer event ever held in North America, Atlanta will be one of 16 host cities across the U.S., Canada and Mexico. The Cup will include over a month of matches running from June 11-July 19.
Planning with Kids
This will be Atlanta’s first time hosting the World Cup. The matches will be held at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, which will be renamed the Atlanta Stadium to comply with FIFA regulations banning corporate logos. Five group-stage fixtures will be held at the stadium, as well as one Round of 32 tie, a Round of 16 match and a last-four clash.
The FIFA World Cup will include 48 teams from across the globe. Among the favorites for the title, Spain will play at Atlanta Stadium twice. Team USA will start the Cup at the Los Angeles Stadium against Paraguay. If they make it to the semifinals, they could even end up playing in Atlanta. You can find the full match schedule at fifa.com.
Quick tips for families:
- Match days will bring large crowds downtown; public transit will be the easiest way to reach Atlanta Stadium.
- Many FIFA-related events will be free and open to the public, and watch parties and celebrations will take place throughout the metro area.
Game On
Check out the cool soccer fields around Atlanta for a friendly competition and to practice your own skills.
- In 2016, StationSoccer was launched by Soccer in the Streets, and in 2026, there are fields across multiple MARTA stations, including East Point, East Lake, Lindbergh, Kensington, West End and — opening in time for the World Cup — HE Holmes.
- Opened in 2025, check out McDonough’s Alexander Park for the new mini-pitch soccer field.
- Johns Creek offers soccer fields at Shakerag, Cauley Creek and Newtown Parks.
- Gwinnett County maintains multiple soccer fields. Check out Harmony Grove Soccer Complex, Rock Springs Park, Pinckneyville Park, Bethesda Park or George Pierce Park.
- Newnan’s Central Soccer Fields feature nine soccer fields, a playground, a pavilion and restrooms.
World Cup Fun Around Atlanta
Sweet Treat
From King of Pops, enjoy eight limited-edition popsicles inspired by different countries. Flavors include strawberry, vanilla and blueberry for the U.S., coconut caramel for Cabo Verde, soursop and lime for Haiti, muscadine grape and citrus for Spain, passionfruit and orange for South Africa, sesame and honey for Saudi Arabia, green tea and spearmint for Morocco, and cherry and apricot for Uzbekistan. Buy pops, enter wrapper codes and collect all eight to win prizes. Each code entered is a chance to win semifinal tickets in Atlanta.
Stick It Out
At the 1970 World Cup in Mexico, Italian company Panini debuted their first sticker collection. To complete the set, soccer fans must swap stickers with each other, creating a community focused on soccer and collecting. To represent the 48 nations heading to the tournament, this year’s collection contains 980 different stickers. The company also collaborated with Coca-Cola, and you can find the exclusive stickers inside select Coca-Cola bottles.
Date Night
Leave the kids with a babysitter and head to Brewhouse Café, Atlanta’s original soccer bar. They will be hosting watch parties for each match. For a guaranteed spot, purchase a Matchday Card for priority seating. Head to Live! at The Battery for dedicated watch parties for every Atlanta-hosted match, challenges and delicious food. Check the websites and social media pages of your favorite sports bars and restaurants to see if they’re hosting watch parties or special events.
