Atlanta Emerges as America's Soccer Hub Ahead of Upcoming World Cup

The city's transformation into a soccer powerhouse sets the stage for the 2026 World Cup

Apr. 3, 2026 at 3:55pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a soccer match or competition, with overlapping planes of color and form capturing the dynamic energy of the sport.Atlanta's soccer scene has blossomed into a vibrant, multifaceted landscape, with the city poised to host the world during the 2026 World Cup.Atlanta Today

Over the last decade, Atlanta has emerged as the capital of American soccer, embracing the sport and becoming a hub for its growth. With the 2026 World Cup on the horizon, the city is poised to welcome the global spotlight, hosting eight matches, including a semifinal, at the state-of-the-art Mercedes-Benz Stadium. From the success of Atlanta United FC to the development of grassroots initiatives and the construction of the new U.S. Soccer National Training Center, Atlanta's soccer scene is flourishing and ready to showcase the sport's rising popularity in the American South.

Why it matters

Atlanta's embrace of soccer represents a significant shift in the sports landscape of the American South, traditionally dominated by football and baseball. The city's ability to cultivate a passionate fan base and invest in infrastructure has positioned it as a model for soccer's growth nationwide, setting the stage for the 2026 World Cup and the sport's continued expansion in the region.

The details

Atlanta's soccer transformation began in 2017 when Arthur Blank, the co-founder of The Home Depot, decided to build a new stadium for his Atlanta Falcons NFL team. A feasibility study revealed a highly motivated soccer community in the city, leading Blank to pursue an MLS expansion team, Atlanta United FC, which began play in 2017. The team's instant success, winning the MLS Cup in its second season, captivated American soccer fans and led to sustained support, with the team consistently drawing some of the highest attendance figures in the league.

  • In 2014, MLS announced Atlanta United FC as an expansion team, targeting a start of play in 2017.
  • In 2018, Atlanta United won the MLS Cup, the first trophy won by an Atlanta pro sports team since the Braves' 1995 World Series victory.
  • In early May 2023, the $250 million Arthur M. Blank US Soccer National Training Center is set to open just south of Atlanta.
  • The 2026 World Cup will feature eight matches, including a semifinal, at Atlanta's Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

The players

Arthur Blank

The billionaire co-founder of The Home Depot, who decided to build a new stadium for his Atlanta Falcons NFL team, leading to the creation of Atlanta United FC.

Josh Blank

Arthur Blank's son, who has taken a key role in developing the NWSL franchise that will begin play in Atlanta in 2028.

Heather Sautter

The Vice President of Corporate Communications for AMB Sports + Entertainment, the parent company of Atlanta United and the Falcons.

Chris Henderson

The sporting director of Atlanta United.

JT Batson

The CEO of the U.S. Soccer Federation, who cited Atlanta's year-round playability and proximity to a major airport as key factors in selecting the city for the new U.S. Soccer National Training Center.

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What they’re saying

“The fans... the ones who come and they just want to support a winning team, they, they will, they will be there. But there is a really strong foundation of a core group of fans that have followed this team's ups and downs and I think more it's just this connection with who the club is and who it is in this city.”

— Chris Henderson, Sporting Director, Atlanta United

“One of the key things is you need to be able to play soccer year-round. That eliminates a chunk of the country. And then, of course, you need to be next to a major airport... Once we decided Atlanta was the right home, we look all around and we definitely found that here.”

— JT Batson, CEO, U.S. Soccer Federation

“Knowing that we will be an expansion team, there'll be more [patience], but I think it really goes back to what do we want to be and represent? Hopefully that means we win a lot of games, but I think, ultimately we want to play an attractive style.”

— Josh Blank, Key Role in Developing Atlanta's NWSL Team

What’s next

The new $250 million Arthur M. Blank US Soccer National Training Center is set to open in early May 2023, providing a state-of-the-art facility for the U.S. national teams. Additionally, the new NWSL franchise in Atlanta is slated to begin play in 2028, further cementing the city's status as a soccer hub.

The takeaway

Atlanta's transformation into a soccer powerhouse showcases the sport's growing popularity in the American South and the city's ability to cultivate a passionate fan base and invest in the necessary infrastructure. As the host of the 2026 World Cup, Atlanta is poised to showcase the best of American soccer on the global stage, solidifying its position as the capital of the sport in the United States.