One-year countdown to FIFA World Cup, Atlanta provides update
One year until Atlanta hosts the FIFA World Cup, prep underway
Officials highlighted a fan fest at Centennial Olympic Park, 30 years after Atlanta's Summer Olympics, and assured readiness for the influx of visitors with improved transportation and security measures.
ATLANTA - The countdown is officially on—exactly one year from today, the 2026 FIFA World Cup will kick off, and Atlanta is preparing to make a major impact as one of the host cities.
What we know:
Mercedes-Benz Stadium, the venue for the city's matches, is already undergoing significant preparations, including a newly upgraded pitch with fresh grass to ensure a world-class playing field.
In a news briefing held earlier today, officials highlighted the excitement and preparations for the tournament, which will begin on June 11, 2026. The first match in Atlanta is scheduled for June 15, 2026, and the city will host a total of eight matches, including three in the knockout rounds.
This event presents a major opportunity for Atlanta to showcase itself on the global stage. Beyond the soccer matches, a fan fest will be held at Centennial Olympic Park, marking the 30th anniversary of Atlanta's Summer Olympics.
Leaders hope to grow the game of soccer here in Atlanta.
Besides the matches, there will be a fan fest to give those who do not have a ticket a chance to be a part of it. It will be held at Centennial Olympic Park.
Organizers hope to show off the city again on a global stage with these eight matches 30 years after Atlanta’s Summer Olympics.
A lot of people are expected to visit Atlanta for this which hospitality officials say will lead to sold out hotels.
Those fans are going to have to get around our city and MARTA will likely be the way to go. After several high-profile violent incidents on or near MARTA in recent years the transit agency has a message for visitors.
"I don't think people have a reason to fear coming to the city or riding MARTA," said Rhonda Allen with MARTA.
What they're saying:
It is the world’s most popular sport and come next summer, Atlanta is going all in as the FIFA World Cup takes over Mercedes Benz Stadium.
"Next year we have eight matches and we are ready to go," said Dan Corso, president of the Atlanta Sports Council and Atlanta World Cup 26 Host Committee.
"The World Cup for us in Atlanta is an opportunity to celebrate and to show off our people and our culture and the energy and the hospitality that really only Atlanta can bring," Corso said.
"We don't get comfortable because we've done this well, so we take each event, look at it very differently, and put together different plans," said LaChandra Burks, Atlanta’s Chief Operating Officer.
MARTA and airport officials shared that they are ready to handle the increased number of visitors expected during the World Cup, with the host committee emphasizing that planning has been in the works for years. With crucial decisions now being made, officials are focused on ensuring smooth logistics for the influx of visitors.
Security plans were also discussed during today's briefing and more about that will be shared later today. Check back for updates.