Beginner’s Guide to the FIFA World Cup Coming to Atlanta
Last Updated March 5, 2026
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In case you haven’t heard, a major global soccer event – the FIFA World Cup – is coming to Atlanta for the first time. While soccer has long been a huge part of life in many parts of the world, it’s still growing in popularity in the United States. So, if you’re not totally up to speed, you’re not alone – and we’ve got you covered.
Learn more about Atlanta as a FIFA host city.
FIFA Soccer 101 Guide
To assist the uninitiated, we’ve prepared this guide to help you feel right at home as this enormous event descends on Atlanta. Soon you’ll be as soccer-literate as any diehard fan. In fact, you may well become a diehard fan.
Basic Questions Answered
Q: Soccer vs. Football. Why the name debate?
A: Here’s the deal: While most of the world calls it “football,” Americans call it “soccer.” Confusing? A little, but there’s a reason. The word “soccer” actually comes from Great Britain, where it was a slang abbreviation of “Association Football” (assoc → soccer) to distinguish it from other kinds of football, like rugby. The term crossed the Atlantic and stuck in the U.S., where “football” came to mean something entirely different: helmets, touchdowns and the NFL.
Today, “football” and “fútbol” usually refer to soccer in nearly every country except the United States and a few others. But no matter what you call it, the game is the same: a round ball, two goals and the world’s undivided attention every four years.
Q: What is the FIFA World Cup?
A: The FIFA World Cup is an international football (soccer) tournament organized by FIFA (Fédération Nationale de Football Association), the world’s football governing body. It is held every four years. As it is a competition between national teams, the winners are crowned as world champions. So, yeah, it’s a big deal. Think of it as the Olympics of soccer — full of pride, passion and high-stakes drama. It’s watched by billions (yes, billions) of people, and for many countries, it’s more than just a game. It’s a cultural moment.
Fun Fact: The first World Cup was held in 1930. It’s such a big deal that it gives reason to close schools and cancel work in some countries.
Q: Is it like the Super Bowl?
A: If you think the Super Bowl is a big deal, imagine that – but bigger, louder and with the whole world watching. The Super Bowl is a massive one-day event mainly celebrated in the United States, while the FIFA World Cup spans over a month and brings together 48 countries competing on a global stage. Where the Super Bowl crowns the champion of American football, the World Cup crowns the best national soccer team on Earth — and the passion it sparks across continents is unmatched. It’s not just a game but a worldwide celebration that blends culture, competition and deep national pride. In short, if the Super Bowl is a concert, the World Cup is a month-long global festival.
Q: How does a team get into the World Cup competition?
A: There are regional tournaments, which produce winning teams that qualify to move on. Host nations automatically qualify, so that means that Canada, Mexico and the United States, as host nations for the 2026 World Cup, are in.
Q: Ok, I know that NFL football has four 15-minute quarters; MLB baseball has nine innings and NBA basketball has four 12-minute quarters. How about soccer?
A: In soccer, there are two 45-minute halves.
Q: What are some basic soccer rules?
A: Here are a few. Don’t want to confuse you with TMI (too much information):
- Only goalkeepers can touch the ball with their hands. Everybody else uses their head, body or feet. Well, except when the ball goes out of bounds. Then the player who in-bounds the ball can touch it, but there are rules – use both hands; keep both feet on the ground.
- During kick-off, opponents must be at least 10 yards away.
- Recklessness (tripping, pushing) means the opponent gets a free kick.
- When the ball is out of play, the clock keeps ticking.
- Yellow and red cards: A yellow card is a warning for things such as arguing or wasting time. A red card means the player who receives it is kicked out of the game and cannot be replaced, so the team is short one player.
Q: So what exactly is happening in Atlanta? And when?
A: The United States, Mexico and Canada are hosting the FIFA World Cup 2026 and Atlanta is home to eight matches, including
June 15, 2026
June 18, 2026
June 21, 2026
June 24, 2026
June 27, 2026
July 1, 2026, Round 32
July 7, 2026, Round 16
July 15, 2026, Semifinal
All eight matches will be held at the incredible Mercedes-Benz Stadium in downtown Atlanta.
Q: Is Atlanta a Soccer City?
A: Absolutely! While soccer may not have always been part of the city’s sports identity, that changed dramatically with the launch of Atlanta United FC in 2017. The team quickly shattered MLS attendance records, created one of the most passionate fan bases in the league, and even won the MLS Cup in 2018. Home games at Mercedes-Benz Stadium often feel like international matches, with vibrant energy, music and fan rituals that rival global soccer cultures. Atlanta has hosted international soccer matches, the Premier League and is home to the U.S. Soccer Federation. Atlanta isn’t just becoming a soccer city — it already is one. Check out Why Atlanta is a Soccer City.
Q: Wasn’t there something happening in 2025, too?
A: Yes, Atlanta was one of 11 cities that hosted the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 from June 15 to July 23, 2025. Atlanta games were played at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Unlike the FIFA World Cup, the FIFA Club World Cup features the top professional clubs (like Real Madrid or Manchester City) that win their respective continental championships, competing against each other to determine the best club team in the world. The FIFA World Cup is about nations and the FIFA Club World Cup is about clubs.
Get your tickets for the FIFA tournament in 2026 in Atlanta and start warming up by watching soccer at some of Atlanta’s favorite soccer bars and restaurants.
Carol Carter was a founding staff member of Atlanta Business Chronicle where she later served as editor. She served as editor of seven magazines including a 150-year business history of Atlanta. She worked as a reporter for WXIA TV’s Noonday Show, has written for the New York Times and is a graduate of the University of Missouri School of Journalism. Carol is author of “Junior Dragster Dreams: How Sam Found His Own Ride,” a children’s book.
Daniela Cintrón is an award-winning journalist, editor, and producer passionate about storytelling at the intersection of food, art, and culture. She is the content manager and bilingual editor for Discover Atlanta and contributes to publications like the Los Angeles Times, Atlanta Magazine and Eater.
Originally Published June 5, 2025
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