Your ultimate guide to everything FIFA World Cup in Atlanta — matches, venues, food, hotels, culture, and local insider tips from Rough Draft Atlanta.
In 2026, Atlanta takes the global stage as one of the host cities for the FIFA World Cup. Whether you’re a lifelong soccer fan, a first-time visitor, or a local looking to join the celebration, Rough Draft Atlanta is your go-to guide.
From match schedules and stadium details to where to eat, stay, and explore while you’re here, we’ll help you experience the World Cup the Atlanta way: bold, diverse, and unforgettable.
Bookmark this page and check back often — we’ll keep updating with insider recommendations, breaking news, and everything you need to make the most of the world’s biggest sporting event.
Tickets
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Atlanta World Cup 2026 Match Schedule
- Group Stage Matches:
- June 15: Spain vs. Cape Verde (Group H) – 12 PM ET
- June 18: South Africa vs. UEFA Playoff Winner (Group A) – 12 PM ET
- June 21: Spain vs. Saudi Arabia (Group H) – 12 PM ET
- June 24: Morocco vs. Haiti (Group C) – 6 PM ET
- June 27: Uzbekistan vs. FIFA Playoff Winner (Group K) – 7:30 PM ET
- Knockout Stage Matches:
- July 1, 2026 – Round of 32 match
- July 7, 2026 – Round of 16 match
- Semifinal:
- July 15, 2026 – Semifinal match
stories about the 2026 fifa world cup
Grammy-nominated duo The War and Treaty playing free concert during Decatur WatchFest
Grammy-nominated duo The War And Treaty will perform a free concert on June 25, as part of Decatur’s World Cup WatchFest.
FIFA reports record ticket demand for 2026 World Cup
Demand for tickets to the FIFA World Cup 2026 reached record levels, with more than half a billion ticket requests submitted during the tournament’s “Random Selection Draw” sales phase, FIFA announced. The application window ran from Dec. 11 through Jan. 13, during which fans reportedly submitted an average of around 15 million ticket requests per…
Atlanta Host Committee provides update on city’s 2026 FIFA World Cup preparations
The Atlanta Host Committee held a press conference on Jan. 16 to provide updates on the city’s preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including Mercedes-Benz Stadium upgrades, MARTA and transportation plans, and local collaborations. Here’s what to know.
Fulton County prepares for 2026 FIFA World Cup, 300k visitors
Fulton County is preparing to welcome over 300,000 people from around the world for eight games at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in June-July 2026, generating an expected $500 million statewide, with Spain being the most prominent national team playing in Atlanta during the group stage.
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Here’s what’s coming soon to Rough Draft’s coverage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup:
1. Schedule & Matches
- Complete match schedule for Atlanta (dates, times, teams)
- Ticket info and updates
- Fan zones & viewing parties
2. Venues
- Atlanta Stadium: seating map, transportation tips, accessibility info
- Fan festival locations across Atlanta (Centennial Olympic Park, The Gulch, etc.)
- Parking, MARTA, rideshare guides
3. Where to Eat & Drink
- Neighborhood dining guides (Downtown, Westside, Midtown, Eastside)
- Late-night eats for after the matches
- Best sports bars and viewing spots
- International flavors for visiting fans
4. Where to Stay
- Hotels near the stadium
- Budget-friendly options
- Luxury & boutique stays
- Short-term rentals & neighborhoods to consider
5. Getting Around
- MARTA how-to for visitors
- Walkability & bike rental info
- Ride-share hubs & traffic tips
- Airport arrival guides (ATL + nearby)
6. Things to Do in Atlanta
- Must-see attractions
- Live music, nightlife, and cultural events during the Cup
- Family-friendly activities
7. Local Insider Tips
- “Atlanta hacks” from Rough Draft editors
- Safety & neighborhood guides
- Weather & what to pack