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FIFA President Gianni Infantino (second from left) and comedian Kevin Hart (second from right) were part of the announcement of the match schedule for the World Cup 2026.
Credit: Rough Draft Atlanta
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Atlanta to host eight matches, including a semifinal, during World Cup 2026
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FIFA unveiled the Match Schedule for the FIFA World Cup 2026 on Sunday afternoon and Atlanta has been selected to host eight matches — including five group stage matches, a round of 32 match, a round of 16 match, and a semifinal match.
All the matches will be held at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in downtown Atlanta.
The dates of the Atlanta group stage matches will be June 15, 18, 21, 24 and 27. The round of 32 match will be July 1, the round of 16 on July 7 and the semifinal will take place July 15.
The FIFA World Cup 2026 tournament draw will take place in December 2025. At that time, specific teams and matchups for Atlanta will be announced.
FIFA World Cup 2026 will be the biggest sporting event in history, with 48 teams participating in 104 matches across 16 cities in North America. The event will feature a new tournament format while keeping the exciting 4-team group stage phase to ensure the ultimate football spectacle. The Opening Match will take place in Mexico City on June 11 and the Final Match will be held in New York/New Jersey on July 19.
“This is a momentous occasion and a true celebration of the beautiful game of soccer in our city,” Atlanta United FC owner Arthur M. Blank in a press release. “The FIFA World Cup 2026 brings people together in a way that transcends borders and makes this tournament an unforgettable journey for fans globally. We look forward to welcoming the world to Atlanta and Mercedes-Benz Stadium for eight matches, including a semifinal, in 2026.”
FIFA World Cup 2026 will bring an economic boom to the region. In addition to the hundreds of thousands of fans who will descend on the city for the events, multiple locations in the region could also become official training sites for teams as they prepare. An impact analysis by the Boston Consulting Group during the initial bid process in 2017-18 found that the FIFA World Cup 2026 is forecasted to contribute $5 billion in new economic activity. Of that, $415 million alone is estimated in net economic benefit for Atlanta.
“With world-class venues, accommodations, and our unmatched Southern hospitality, Georgia is ready to welcome the world to our capital city for the FIFA World Cup 2026™,” Gov. Brian Kemp said in the press release. “With a strong record of hosting major sporting events, the people of our state are prepared and capable to meet the needs of this once-in-a-lifetime event and leave visitors with a reason to keep Georgia on their minds.”
In addition to the World Cup, U.S. Soccer is set to break ground on the first-ever National Training Center in 2024 just south of the city in Fayette County. The National Training Center will be the new headquarters for all U.S. Soccer teams, coaches, referees, and players.
“Thirty years after the Centennial Olympic Games, Atlanta will once again host a global audience and some of the world’s greatest athletes for the FIFA World Cup 2026™,” Mayor Andre Dickens said in the press reease. “In that time, our city has continued to become a reflection of this beautiful game — we are diverse, inclusive and growing every day. Much like 1996, we will work with all our partners to ensure the FIFA World Cup 2026™ has a positive, equitable impact on our communities for generations.”
For more information on Atlanta’s hosting of the FIFA World Cup 2026 and to get involved, visit www.AtlantaFWC26.com.
This story comes to GPB through a reporting partnership with Rough Draft Atlanta.
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