Atlanta World Cup 2026: Key Takeaways ✅
- 📍 Atlanta will host 8 World Cup matches at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, including a semifinal on July 15.
- ⚽ Five Group Stage matches begin June 15, 2026, making Atlanta one of the busiest host cities.
- 🎟️ Official ticket sales are expected to launch in Fall 2025 via FIFA.com — avoid overpriced resale listings for now.
- 💸 Dynamic pricing means tickets will fluctuate based on demand — high-profile games will cost more.
- 🏟️ FIFA refers to the venue (Mercedes-Benz Stadium) as “Atlanta Stadium” to comply with non-sponsored naming rules.
- 🛏️ Top stays include Signia by Hilton, Hard Rock Reverb, and Beltline Airbnbs for easy access to the stadium.
- 🌇 Must-do experiences include the Beltline, Georgia Aquarium, College Football Hall of Fame & of course, eating lemon pepper wings.
Atlanta is among the World Cup 2026 host cities with a total of eight soccer games to be played at Mercedes-Benz Stadium during the iconic tournament. You may notice that the official FIFA info simply notes these matches are being played at “Atlanta Stadium” as the World Cup will not feature sponsored names on venues.
Here is everything you need to know about Atlanta hosting the World Cup.
Atlanta World Cup Schedule📍: When Are the Games?
Atlanta will host five Group Stage games beginning on June 15. Additionally, the ATL will play host to Group Stage matches on June 18, June 21, June 24 and June 27.
The Atlanta World Cup Schedule will also have a Round of 32 matchup on July 1 and a Round of 16 game on July 7. Finally, Atlanta has a semifinal match on July 15 in the Peach State’s grande finale.
| Date | Day | Event |
|---|---|---|
| June 15, 2026 | Monday | Group Stage Match |
| June 18, 2026 | Thursday | Group Stage Match |
| June 21, 2026 | Sunday | Group Stage Match |
| June 24, 2026 | Wednesday | Group Stage Match |
| June 27, 2026 | Saturday | Group Stage Match |
| July 1, 2026 | Wednesday | Round of 32 |
| July 7, 2026 | Tuesday | Round of 16 |
| July 15, 2026 | Wednesday | Semifinal |
🎟️ How to Buy World Cup Tickets for Atlanta
If you are looking to buy World Cup tickets for the Atlanta matches, you are not alone. The challenge is FIFA has not yet opened up tickets for the public to purchase
Secondary ticketing sites like StubHub and SeatGeek have seats available at a high price, but it is better to wait until the tickets actually become available. It is best to plan ahead by registering on FIFA to apply to purchase tickets once they are released. Fans will be notified by FIFA once a release date for the Atlanta World Cup tickets is announced.
FIFA has not revealed a specific release date for tickets, but they are expected to go on sale this fall. As for the ticket prices, these also have not been revealed.
Like other host cities, FIFA will be using a dynamic pricing model for the cost of tickets. This is a fancy way of saying that tickets in higher demand (let’s say Atlanta draws Lionel Messi’s Argentina) will have a higher price while other less notable games will be more affordable.
✈️ Where to Stay & Travel Tips for Atlanta World Cup: Best Hotels, Airbnb Options
Two of the newer downtown Atlanta hotels are expected to be in high demand. Signia and Hard Rock Reverb are two of the closest (and newest) hotels near Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Both are directly across the street from Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Atlanta’s Airbnb options could end up being a bit cheaper during the World Cup, especially for larger groups.
If you want to be among the cool kids, look for an Airbnb or VRBO ITP, which is to say Inside the Perimeter. This means you’re going to be closer to all the action downtown Atlanta, though we should say most of the locals only go there on gameday.
Regardless, an ITP place also puts you closer to the Beltline which offers food halls like Ponce City Market and Krog Street Market. It is also puts you closer to cool neighborhoods such as Grant Park, Reynoldstown, East Atlanta, Decatur and Little Five Points among others.
If you must, most OTP (Outside the Perimeter) cities also have their own downtown areas with cool coffee shops, bars and restaurants as well. While you will be publicly shunned by the local ATLiens, you might be able to find more affordable options OTP, if you are willing to drive. Just beware of the infamous Atlanta traffic.
As for getting to Atlanta, the ATL has what is commonly referred to as the busiest airport in the world. There are plenty of direct flights from Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport in most major cities all over the world.
Google flights is a great way to see the most affordable flight options to travel to Atlanta for the World Cup.
🗓️ Atlanta World Cup Teams: Who Is Playing in the ATL?
We do not yet know what teams will be playing in Atlanta. The official World Cup draw of all the groups, teams and game schedule is expected to be in December 2025.
Until then, fingers crossed that Atlanta gets at least one game featuring the USMNT or maybe even Messi as the city did during the Club World Cup.
🏙️ Top Things to Do in Atlanta During the World Cup
There are no shortage of things to do in Atlanta when fans come to visit during the World Cup. Make sure to hop on the Beltline for some of the best food, drinks and coffee in the ATL.
The city repurposed old railroad tracks into a giant sidewalk that connects neighborhoods by walking rather than getting stuck on I-75. For families, downtown offers several attractions, including the Coke factory, Georgia Aquarium and the College Football Hall of Fame.
Atlanta is also the home to the original Chick-fil-A and Waffle House. As for local cuisine, lemon pepper (wet) wings are a must from an infinite number of options including JR Crickets, Atlanta’s Best Wings and American Deli among others.
Here are the best answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about the 2026 World Cup games in Atlanta.
World Cup 2026 in Atlanta FAQ❓: Tickets, Schedule, Travel & More
📍 Where will the 2026 World Cup games be played in Atlanta?
All eight matches will be played at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. However, FIFA lists the venue as “Atlanta Stadium” since World Cup venues are presented without commercial sponsor names.
📅 What is the World Cup Atlanta match schedule?
Atlanta will host a total of eight matches, including:
| Date | Day | Match Type |
|---|---|---|
| June 15, 2026 | Monday | Group Stage Match |
| June 18, 2026 | Thursday | Group Stage Match |
| June 21, 2026 | Sunday | Group Stage Match |
| June 24, 2026 | Wednesday | Group Stage Match |
| June 27, 2026 | Saturday | Group Stage Match |
| July 1, 2026 | Wednesday | Round of 32 Match |
| July 7, 2026 | Tuesday | Round of 16 Match |
| July 15, 2026 | Wednesday | Semifinal Match |
🎟️ When do tickets for the 2026 World Cup go on sale?
FIFA has not announced an official date yet, but tickets are expected to go on sale in Fall 2025. You can register on FIFA.com to get early notifications and eligibility for ticket lotteries.
💸 Can I buy World Cup tickets now?
Technically, yes — secondary platforms like StubHub and SeatGeek already have listings. But beware: FIFA has not released official tickets yet. Listings you see now are speculative and often overpriced. It’s safer to wait until FIFA opens official sales.
📈 How much will tickets cost in Atlanta?
FIFA plans to use a dynamic pricing model, meaning prices will vary based on demand.
- In-demand matches (e.g. Argentina or USMNT) could cost hundreds of dollars.
- Lower-profile games might be more affordable.
In 2022, group stage tickets started around $11, while finals reached $200+ for the lowest tier.
✈️ What’s the best way to travel to Atlanta for the World Cup?
Atlanta’s Hartsfield–Jackson International Airport (ATL) is one of the busiest in the world with nonstop flights from nearly every major city. Once in Atlanta, use MARTA public transit or stay in walkable downtown near the stadium.
🏨 Where should I stay for the Atlanta World Cup matches?
Top options near Mercedes-Benz Stadium include:
- Signia by Hilton Atlanta (brand new, across the street)
- Hard Rock Reverb (directly next door to the stadium)
For bigger groups or budget travel, Airbnb or VRBO Inside the Perimeter (ITP) offers better access to downtown, the Beltline, and nightlife.
🍗 What’s good to eat in Atlanta during the World Cup?
Don’t miss lemon pepper wings (an Atlanta staple). Top spots include JR Crickets, American Deli, and Atlanta’s Best Wings. Also hit Ponce City Market, Krog Street Market, and the original Chick-fil-A Dwarf House.
🎉 What are the best things to do in Atlanta when not watching soccer?
- Walk or bike the Atlanta Beltline
- Visit the Georgia Aquarium, Coca-Cola Factory, and College Football Hall of Fame
- Explore neighborhoods like Grant Park, Little Five Points, and Decatur
- Try local coffee shops, rooftop bars, and breweries
🇺🇸 Will the U.S. Men’s National Team (USMNT) play in Atlanta?
We don’t know yet. The FIFA draw is expected in December 2025, which will determine which teams play in which cities. Atlanta is one of the top host venues, so it’s possible the USMNT will appear here.
is a sports and news contributor based in Atlanta, Georgia. For more than a decade, Jonathan has written for top media outlets like SI, Athlon Sports, Heavy.com and BetUS among others. Jonathan has traveled all over the world, attending major sporting events in England, Brazil, Italy and Spain. He graduated from UCF with a Master of Sport Business Management degree and has worked inside the industry in a variety of capacities in the sports world. Follow him on Twitter @JonDAdams.
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