Atlanta Marks 500 Days Until FIFA World Cup 26™
Countdown Begins to the World’s Biggest Sporting Event
The FIFA World Cup 2026™ Atlanta Host Committee is proud to commemorate 500 days until FIFA World Cup 26™ comes to Atlanta, with the first match set to take place at Atlanta Stadium (Mercedes-Benz Stadium) June 15, 2026. This milestone underscores Atlanta’s strategic position as a leading destination for hosting global events.
Building on the success of the College Football Playoff National Championship, Atlanta continues to reinforce its reputation for excellence in event execution. During the next decade, the city is poised to host some of the most significant sporting events on the global calendar including FIFA Club World Cup 2025™, FIFA World Cup 26™, Super Bowl LXII and 2031 NCAA Men’s Final Four. These events collectively affirm Atlanta’s standing as a premier hub for sports, tourism and economic growth.
“Atlanta has repeatedly demonstrated its ability to deliver world-class events that showcase operational expertise, innovation and the unique culture of our city,” said Dan Corso, president of the Atlanta Sports Council and FIFA World Cup 2026™ Atlanta Host Committee. “As we approach FIFA World Cup 26™, we remain committed to collaborating with our stakeholders across the public and private sectors to ensure this global event drives meaningful impact for Atlanta, the state of Georgia and the broader region.”
“FIFA World Cup 26™ is a tremendous opportunity for Atlanta to welcome first-time visitors from around the country and around the world,” said William Pate, president and CEO, Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau. “We look forward to providing an unmatched experience for everyone as they discover Atlanta’s dynamic neighborhoods, restaurants, attractions and venues.”
In the coming months, the host committee will unveil several key milestones to engage local, national and international audiences, including:
- Host City Poster: Atlanta will highlight its rich culture and global significance through this visual storytelling as well as other upcoming artistic initiatives.
- One Year Out: June 11, Atlanta will join FIFA and the other host cities in celebrating the one-year out milestone from FIFA World Cup 26™.
These efforts will be complemented by ongoing campaigns to spotlight Atlanta’s unique blend of hospitality, infrastructure and connectivity, which make it an ideal host for the world’s largest sporting event.
Before FIFA World Cup 26™, Atlanta will host six matches of FIFA Club World Cup 2025™, the largest standalone global club football event ever held. This tournament will provide a valuable opportunity to showcase the city’s readiness for FIFA World Cup™ and its ability to host events of this magnitude seamlessly.
During FIFA World Cup 26™, Atlanta will welcome eight matches including five group stage games and three knockout rounds, culminating in a semifinal match July 15, 2026.
In addition to hosting the tournament, 2026 will mark the opening of the Arthur M. Blank U.S. Soccer National Training Center, a state-of-the-art facility that will serve as the U.S. Men’s National Team’s home base during the competition and contribute to the long-term growth of soccer in the United States. Hosting FIFA World Cup 26™ represents a significant economic and cultural opportunity for Atlanta and Georgia. With millions of fans expected to engage locally and globally, the tournament will not only drive tourism and business activity but also elevate Atlanta’s profile as an international destination.
For more information on Atlanta’s hosting of FIFA World Cup 26™ and to get involved, please visit www.AtlantaFWC26.com.
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