Atlanta United FC

Host City • Mercedes-Benz Stadium

FIFA 2026 World Cup Host City

Atlanta will serve as one of the premier host cities for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, bringing world-class football to the heart of the American South. Mercedes-Benz Stadium, home to Atlanta United FC and the Atlanta Falcons, represents the pinnacle of modern stadium design with its revolutionary retractable roof and cutting-edge technology. The venue’s 71,000 capacity and state-of-the-art facilities make it an ideal location for hosting the world’s most prestigious football tournament.

Atlanta’s selection as a host city highlights several key advantages:

• Mercedes-Benz Stadium’s architectural innovation and fan experience excellence
• World’s busiest airport providing unmatched international connectivity
• Passionate soccer culture established by Atlanta United FC’s success
• Rich multicultural community representing nations worldwide
• Extensive hospitality infrastructure and entertainment options

Mercedes-Benz Stadium: Architectural Marvel

Mercedes-Benz Stadium stands as one of the most technologically advanced and environmentally sustainable venues in world sports. The stadium’s crown jewel is its revolutionary retractable roof featuring eight triangular panels that open and close like a camera aperture, creating a spectacular visual effect while providing optimal playing conditions. This engineering marvel can transform from fully enclosed to completely open in just 12 minutes.

The venue earned LEED Platinum certification, the highest level of environmental sustainability recognition, through innovative features including rainwater collection systems, solar panels, and energy-efficient LED lighting. The stadium’s 360-degree halo video board, the largest of its kind in the world, provides an immersive viewing experience for all spectators while showcasing the latest in display technology.

Atlanta’s Soccer Revolution

Since Atlanta United FC’s inaugural season in 2017, the city has experienced a soccer revolution that has transformed it into one of America’s premier football destinations. The club’s immediate success, including an MLS Cup championship in 2018 and consistent playoff appearances, has created a passionate fanbase that regularly produces the highest attendance figures in Major League Soccer history.

Atlanta United’s supporters, led by groups like the Terminus Legion and Resurgence, have established matchday traditions and atmospheres that rival the world’s best football cultures. The team’s success has inspired youth participation throughout Georgia and the Southeast, with soccer academies and clubs experiencing unprecedented growth. This grassroots development ensures Atlanta’s soccer culture will continue flourishing long after the World Cup.

Global Gateway to the South

Atlanta’s role as the international gateway to the American South makes it perfectly positioned to welcome World Cup visitors from around the globe. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, the world’s busiest passenger airport, provides direct connections to major cities worldwide and can efficiently handle the influx of international travelers expected during the tournament.

The city’s diverse population, representing communities from across Latin America, Africa, Europe, and Asia, will create an authentic World Cup atmosphere as residents celebrate their heritage while supporting their national teams. Atlanta’s renowned hospitality industry, anchored by world-class hotels and restaurants, ensures visitors will experience Southern charm alongside world-class amenities throughout their stay.

Economic and Cultural Impact

Hosting FIFA World Cup matches will generate significant economic impact for Atlanta and the broader Southeast region. The tournament is expected to attract hundreds of thousands of international visitors, generating substantial revenue for hotels, restaurants, transportation, and entertainment venues. The global television exposure will showcase Atlanta’s attractions to billions of viewers worldwide, providing long-term tourism and business development benefits.

Beyond economic impact, the World Cup will cement Atlanta’s reputation as a major international sports destination. The city’s successful hosting of major events, including the 1996 Olympics, multiple Super Bowls, and the College Football National Championship, demonstrates its capability to manage world-class sporting events while providing exceptional visitor experiences.

Atlanta’s combination of world-class infrastructure, passionate soccer culture, international connectivity, and Southern hospitality positions it as one of the most exciting and welcoming destinations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, offering fans an unforgettable experience in America’s premier soccer city.