Atlanta Prepares to Host World Cup in 95 Days

City officials and host committee say they're ready for the global event.

Mar. 12, 2026 at 9:21pm

With the World Cup just 95 days away, Atlanta officials and the local host committee are confident the city is prepared to welcome the global event. They highlight the city's infrastructure, transportation, and hospitality capabilities as key factors in their readiness.

Why it matters

Hosting the World Cup is a major opportunity for Atlanta to showcase itself on the world stage. The event is expected to bring significant economic and tourism benefits to the city, but also requires extensive planning and coordination to ensure a successful and safe experience for players, fans, and the community.

The details

Atlanta was selected as one of the host cities for the 2026 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The city's Mercedes-Benz Stadium will host several matches, including a semifinal. Officials say the stadium, transportation network, and hospitality industry are ready to handle the influx of visitors.

  • The 2026 World Cup will take place from June 8 to July 8, 2026.
  • Atlanta's first World Cup match is scheduled for June 15, 2026.

The players

Atlanta

The city of Atlanta, Georgia, which was selected as a host city for the 2026 World Cup.

Mercedes-Benz Stadium

The home stadium of the Atlanta Falcons NFL team, which will host several World Cup matches including a semifinal.

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What they’re saying

“We're built to host the world, and we're ready to do it.”

— Cassius Butts, Chair of the Atlanta World Cup Host Committee

What’s next

The Atlanta World Cup Host Committee will continue coordinating with FIFA, local businesses, and community organizations to finalize preparations for the matches in June 2026.

The takeaway

Atlanta's selection as a World Cup host city is a testament to the city's infrastructure, transportation, and hospitality capabilities. The event presents a major opportunity for Atlanta to showcase itself on the global stage and reap significant economic and tourism benefits.