We’re less than a week away from the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the first match in Atlanta.
Businesses, restaurants, and communities all over metro Atlanta are starting to announce fan specials and celebrations, ranging from an international beer collaboration to an official mascot meetup in Roswell.
Meanwhile, the debut of MARTA’s new rail cars this week didn’t go according to plan, while also caught up in a federal safety and security investigation following two stabbings in May.
Check out the latest Atlanta World Cup news below.
MARTA‘s new train fleet behind schedule
MARTA’s new fleet of CQ400 railcars did not debut for a “first ride” on June 4, following safety and testing delays.
“The safety of our employees and riders is always our priority. We are committed to ensuring all testing and safety certifications are complete before the railcars begin serving riders,” MARTA Senior Director of Communications Stephany Fisher told Rough Draft in an email.
Earlier this week, U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy announced he was conducing a Federal Transit Administration (FTA) investigation of MARTA after two different stabbings in May.
Monday Night’s international beer collab
Atlanta brewery Monday Night Brewing will premiere two limited-edition beers during its Summer of Soccer event. Monday Night Brewing partnered with Garage Beer Co. (Barcelona) and Dva Kohouti (Prague) to develop beers available during the brewery’s official watch parties.
2XÑEIPA, a paella-inspired, New England Double IPA with Spanish saffron and orange juice, paprika, rice, and anchovy hops, will premiere on June 15 in time for Spain’s match against Cabo Verde. Czech Pale Lager, brewed with Czech malts, Žatec hops, and Kazbek hops, will premiere on June 18 in tandem with Czechia’s match against South Africa.
Both beers will be available at Monday Night Brewing’s taprooms in Berkeley Park and the West End, while supplies last.
Bank of America sponsors World Cup tickets for veterans, military, first responders
2026 FIFA World Cup sponsor Bank of America donated $2 million toward providing free tickets to a select number of honorably discharged veterans, active military members, and current and retired first responders, including registered nurses, 911 dispatchers, law enforcement, EMS, and fire service personnel.
These tickets are at all stages across the tournament. Veterans and active military members can register for tickets here, while first responders can register here.
Easing World Cup commuting woes
Georgia Commute Options released a guide to help commuters circumvent World Cup traffic in Atlanta, including a table showing peak transportation times on match days.
The organization also created a workplace-friendly commute game plan encouraging temporary, flexible work options for companies to follow.
Roswell mascot meetup
Roswell’s Home Depot location at 870 Woodstock Road (store #146) will host Clutch the Bald Eagle, Maple the Moose, and Zayu the Jaguar for a free, family-friendly event on June 6, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Attendees can take photos with the 2026 FIFA World Cup mascots, while children can also build a mini tabletop soccer game to take home.
Soccer ball juggling in Smyrna
Smyrna will participate in a worldwide effort to break the world record for soccer ball juggling at Village Green Park on June 6, starting at 12:30 p.m.
This attempt will be conducted with cities across Europe, North America, and South America and aims to get 20,000 people worldwide to simultaneously juggle for 10 seconds. Interested participants can register here.
