Atlanta is one of the heavyweight host cities for WC 2026. Atlanta Stadium (officially "Atlanta Stadium" during the tournament) will host 8 matches, including a semi-final on July 15. The stadium's iconic 360-degree "halo" video board and retractable roof make it one of the most technologically advanced venues in world sport. Atlanta's MARTA metro stops directly at the stadium, making it one of the easiest venues to reach.
Did you know? Atlanta Stadium hosted the College Football Playoff National Championship, the Super Bowl, and MLS Cup Final, all within 14 months. Now the tournament semi-final adds to that record.
For full match odds, seating map and stadium capacity details, see our Atlanta Stadium: WC 2026 Matches & Info.
| Stadium | Mercedes-Benz Stadium ("Atlanta Stadium" during tournament) |
| City | Atlanta, Georgia |
| WC 2026 matches | 8 (5 group stage, 1 Round of 32, 1 Round of 16, 1 semi-final) |
| Highest stage | Semi-final |
| Time zone | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| Airport | ATL (Hartsfield-Jackson), 10 miles |
| Transit card | Breeze Card / MARTA |
| Nearest station | GWCC/CNN Center Station (MARTA Blue/Green Line) |
| Weather (Jun-Jul) | Hot & Humid (32C) |
| Currency | US Dollar (USD) |
| Tipping | 15-20% standard |
| Emergency | 911 |
WC 2026 matches in Atlanta
Atlanta Stadium will host 8 matches between June 15 and July 15.
Group stage matches
| Match | Group | Fixture | Date | Local | CEST BE/PL/RS | EEST RO/GR | BRT BR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #13 | H | Spain vs. Cape Verde | Mon, June 15 | 12:00 PM | 18:00 | 19:00 | 13:00 |
| #25 | A | Czechia vs. South Africa | Thu, June 18 | 12:00 PM | 18:00 | 19:00 | 13:00 |
| #37 | H | Spain vs. Saudi Arabia | Sun, June 21 | 12:00 PM | 18:00 | 19:00 | 13:00 |
| #52 | C | Morocco vs. Haiti | Wed, June 24 | 6:00 PM | 00:00 (+1) | 01:00 (+1) | 19:00 |
| #70 | K | DR Congo vs. Uzbekistan | Sat, June 27 | 7:30 PM | 01:30 (+1) | 02:30 (+1) | 20:30 |
Knockout stage matches
| Stage | Fixture | Date | Local | CEST BE/PL/RS | EEST RO/GR | BRT BR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Round of 32 | Winner L vs. 3rd (E/H/I/J/K) | Wed, July 1 | 12:00 PM | 18:00 | 19:00 | 13:00 |
| Round of 16 | W86 vs. W88 | Tue, July 7 | 12:00 PM | 18:00 | 19:00 | 13:00 |
| Semi-final | W99 vs. W100 | Wed, July 15 | 3:00 PM | 21:00 | 22:00 | 16:00 |
Note for European fans: Some matches kick off late locally, which means they fall in the early morning hours of the next calendar day in Belgium, Poland, Romania, Greece and Serbia. Check the (+1) markers in the table.
Follow every match live on the live centre or via the Napoleon Sports app.
Match data from the official Atlanta Stadium website.
How to get to Atlanta
Flying to Atlanta
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) is the busiest airport in the world and sits just 10 miles south of downtown. Direct flights from major European hubs including London, Paris, Amsterdam, and Frankfurt take 9 to 10 hours. From the airport, MARTA runs directly to the stadium area in about 20 minutes for $2.50.
Getting around Atlanta
Atlanta has a functional metro system (MARTA) that covers the key areas visitors need. Use a Breeze Card for all MARTA rail and bus services. Outside of MARTA's reach, rideshare (Uber/Lyft) is the best option. Atlanta is car-dependent in the suburbs, but visitors staying near downtown or Midtown can manage without a car.
Getting to Atlanta Stadium on match day
The GWCC/CNN Center Station on MARTA's Blue and Green lines is a short walk from the stadium. This is the easiest and cheapest way to get there.
| Option | From | Duration | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MARTA | Airport (ATL) | 20 min | $2.50 | Direct to GWCC/CNN Center Station |
| MARTA | Midtown / Buckhead | 10-15 min | $2.50 | Blue or Green line |
| Walking | Downtown hotels | 10-15 min | Free | Centennial Olympic Park is next door |
| Rideshare | Midtown / Buckhead | 10-20 min | $10-$25 | Surge pricing on match days |
Pro tip: MARTA from the airport is unbeatable. You can arrive at ATL and be at the stadium in 20 minutes for $2.50. No other the tournament city offers this kind of airport-to-stadium speed on public transport.
Transport info from Discover Atlanta official visitor guide.
Where to stay in Atlanta during WC 2026
Best neighbourhoods for football fans
Midtown is Atlanta's best neighbourhood for visitors. It is walkable, full of restaurants and bars, and has direct MARTA access to the stadium. The Ponce City Market food hall on the BeltLine is a highlight.
Downtown puts you within walking distance of Atlanta Stadium and is surrounded by major attractions (Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola). Hotels are cheaper than Midtown but the area is quieter at night.
Buckhead is Atlanta's upscale neighbourhood with high-end dining and nightlife. It is connected to the stadium by MARTA in about 15 minutes.
Accommodation tips
Atlanta is more affordable than New York or LA. Mid-range hotels run $120-$250 per night. Budget options near MARTA stations can be found for $60-$100. The key is staying near a MARTA station. Book early for the semi-final weekend (July 14-15), which will be the busiest.
Fan zones and atmosphere in Atlanta
The area around Centennial Olympic Park (built for the 1996 Olympics and right next to the stadium) is the most likely location for official Fan Fest and public viewing events. The CNN Center plaza and the space between the Georgia Aquarium and World of Coca-Cola offer large outdoor gathering areas.
For pre-match atmosphere, the bars along Marietta Street and Centennial Olympic Park Drive fill up with fans. Stats Brewpub (inside CNN Center) is a popular sports bar walking distance from the stadium. Midtown bars along 10th Street and Piedmont Avenue are good for post-match celebrations.
Insider tip: The Atlanta BeltLine (walking/cycling trail) connects Midtown to several brewery patios and outdoor dining spots. Walk it before a match for a taste of local Atlanta life.
What to see and do in Atlanta beyond football
The Georgia Aquarium is the largest in the Western Hemisphere and sits right next to the stadium. With whale sharks and manta rays, it is unlike any aquarium in Europe. Budget half a day.
Atlanta BeltLine is a converted railway trail with murals, restaurants and breweries along the route. Rent a bike or walk the Eastside Trail section (Ponce City Market to Krog Street Market) for the best experience.
State Farm Arena (home of the Atlanta Hawks, NBA) is literally next door to Atlanta Stadium. If the Hawks have summer events, it is an easy add-on.
The Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site in the Sweet Auburn neighbourhood is a powerful and moving visit. Free entry.
Craft breweries: Monday Night Brewing, SweetWater Brewing, and Scofflaw Brewing are all worth visiting. Atlanta's beer scene has exploded in recent years.
Day trip: Stone Mountain Park (30 minutes east) offers hiking trails, a cable car to the summit, and panoramic views of the Atlanta skyline.
Nearby host cities: also check WC 2026 in Miami, WC 2026 in Houston.
Food and drink guide for fans in Atlanta
Atlanta is a Southern food capital, and you should eat accordingly.
Fried chicken is Atlanta's signature dish. Mary Mac's Tea Room (since 1945) serves it with sides of collard greens, mac & cheese and cornbread. Busy Bee Cafe in the Vine City neighbourhood is another classic.
Peach cobbler is the must-try dessert. Peaches are Georgia's state fruit, and you will find cobbler on nearly every restaurant menu in the summer.
Sweet tea is the default drink in the South. If you order "tea" in Atlanta, it will come sweet unless you specify otherwise.
The Ponce City Market food hall on the BeltLine has dozens of options from barbecue to ramen. Krog Street Market is a smaller alternative with excellent quality.
Sports bars: Stats Brewpub (CNN Center), Hudson Grille (Midtown), and Fado Irish Pub (Buckhead) are the best spots for watching other the tournament matches.
Tipping: 15-20% is standard. Cards widely accepted.
Practical information for visiting Atlanta
| Time zone | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| Currency | US Dollar (USD). Cards accepted everywhere. |
| Weather | Hot & Humid (32C) |
| Emergency | 911 |
| Tipping | 15-20% standard |
| Voltage | 120V, Type A/B |
| Transit card | Breeze Card / MARTA |
Safety tips
Atlanta is generally safe in tourist areas like Midtown, Buckhead and around the stadium complex. The downtown area near CNN Center and the Aquarium is well-patrolled during events. Use rideshare rather than walking long distances after dark. Travel insurance covering medical expenses is recommended.
Mobile and connectivity
eSIMs from providers like Airalo or Holafly work well. Free Wi-Fi at airports, coffee shops and hotels. Download the Napoleon Sports app before you travel.
City info from City of Atlanta official website.
Bet on WC 2026 matches in Atlanta
8 matches at Atlanta Stadium. Follow every match with live odds via the live centre. Use BetBuilder to combine selections. Create your account for full access. With 1UP early payout, your bet is settled early if your team leads by 2 goals.
Public transport: MARTA Rail is perfect: neem Blauwe/Groene Lijn naar GWCC/CNN Center Station. Je staat in no-time voor de poort.
Nearest airport: Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International (ATL), about 15 km from the stadium.
Fan zone: Centennial Olympic Park.
FAQ: WC 2026 in Atlanta
How many WC 2026 matches will be played in Atlanta?
8 matches, up to the Semi-final.
What is the closest airport to Atlanta Stadium?
ATL (Hartsfield-Jackson), approximately 10 miles.
Is public transport available to Atlanta Stadium on match days?
Nearest station: GWCC/CNN Center Station (MARTA Blue/Green Line). Use Breeze Card / MARTA.
What is the weather like in Atlanta in June and July?
Hot & Humid (32C). Stay hydrated and plan accordingly.
Do I need a visa to travel to Atlanta for WC 2026?
Most Europeans can enter the US under the Visa Waiver Program (ESTA). See our Visa & Travel Guide.
Can I watch the tournament matches live on my phone?
Yes. Download the Napoleon Sports app for live scores via the live centre.
Stadium facts: Atlanta Stadium history (Wikipedia).
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