At a Glance
- Location
- Atlanta, Georgia
- Country
- USA
- Metro Population
- 6.1 million
- Total Matches
- 8 matches
- Match Period
- -
- Primary Stadium
- Mercedes-Benz Stadium
- Recommended Stay
- 3-4 days (4-5 with Stone Mountain, Chattanooga day trips)
- Daily Budget
- $80-120 USD per person (excluding accommodation)
- Best Time to Visit
- Last Updated
Best Time
Ideal Stay
3-4 days (4-5 with Stone Mountain, Chattanooga day trips)
Daily Budget
$80-120 USD per person (excluding accommodation)
Walkability
6/10 - Car-centric city, but MARTA excellent for key areas
Transit
10/10 - BEST US World Cup stadium access (MARTA covered bridge, $2.50)
Safety
7/10 - Safe in tourist areas, use common sense on MARTA/at night
About Atlanta
Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta will host 8 FIFA World Cup 2026 matches from June to July 15, 2026, including one of two Semifinals on July 15 - the penultimate round before the Final. This is the MOST matches of any US city (tied with New York/New Jersey). The 71,000-seat stadium features an iconic 8-panel retractable roof that opens like a camera aperture, FULL air conditioning, and the 360-degree Halo video board (largest in sports). Located 1 mile from Downtown, the stadium is uniquely designed with MARTA rail access - TWO covered pedestrian bridges from stations directly to stadium gates (no outdoor walking required). Atlanta is the ONLY US World Cup city where you can take public transit from airport to stadium for $2.50 in 16 minutes.
City Character
Atlanta is the 'Capital of the New South' - a modern cosmopolitan city rooted in Civil Rights history and Southern culture. The city is home to Martin Luther King Jr.'s birth home and Ebenezer Baptist Church, world-class attractions (Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola), and soul food institutions (Busy Bee Cafe, Mary Mac's Tea Room). The BeltLine - a 22-mile former railway corridor transformed into vibrant multi-use trail - connects neighborhoods with street art, breweries, and food halls (Ponce City Market, Krog Street Market). Atlanta is car-centric with sprawl, but MARTA rail system provides excellent access to key areas. Hot, humid summers (88-91°F, 75-81% humidity) with short afternoon thunderstorms are standard. Waffle House is a 2 AM cultural requirement. Atlanta offers Southern hospitality, diverse food scene, and easier logistics than most US World Cup cities.
Stadium Location
Mercedes-Benz Stadium is 1 mile west of Downtown Atlanta in the stadium district, adjacent to Georgia World Congress Center and CNN Center. From airport: MARTA Red/Gold Line to Five Points Station (10 min), transfer to Blue/Green Line to GWCC/CNN Center Station (5 min), covered pedestrian bridge to stadium Gate 4. Total: 16 min, $2.50. Alternative: Vine City Station also has covered bridge to stadium west side (less crowded post-game). MARTA is the RECOMMENDED transport - stadium has limited parking (6,800 spaces for 71,000 fans) and officially encourages MARTA use.
Critical Info
SEMIFINAL BOOKING CRITICAL: July 15 Semifinal will have 2-3x hotel surge - book 6+ months early. MARTA Rail is BEST transport ($2.50, covered bridge t...
Where to Stay
Atlanta metro has 600+ hotels (95,000+ rooms). Expect 100-150% surge during World Cup, 2-3x for Semifinal. BEST VALUE: Decatur ($90-160/night) - 30-50% cheaper than Atlanta with MARTA access. Downtown ($140-280/night) - walking distance to stadium, NEW Signia by Hilton directly connected. Midtown ($120-220/night) - best dining/nightlife, 10-15 min MARTA. Airport area ($80-130/night) - cheapest, 30 min MARTA direct. Buckhead ($150-300/night) - luxury, 20-25 min MARTA. Book 6+ months ahead for Semifinal. All MARTA stations have free parking (critical advantage). Direct hotels if cancellation needed. MARTA access is KEY.
Mercedes-Benz Stadium
Atlanta, Georgia
FIFA: Atlanta Stadium
71,000
Capacity
8
Matches
1mi
From Downtown
2017
Opened
Transport
MARTA Rail covered bridge ($2.50, 5 min from Downtown) - BEST US transit access
Economic Impact
$350-500 million USD to Atlanta metro economy from tourism, hospitality, and event spending
Get Involved
2,200 volunteers volunteers needed!
Atlanta World Cup Host Committee & FIFA World Cup 2026
MOST matches (8) of any US city with Semifinal at high-tech stadium with best public transit access
Top Highlights
Unique Experiences
- ★Watch Semifinal at Mercedes-Benz Stadium with retractable roof opening like came
- ★Take MARTA from airport to stadium for $2.50 in 16 min (ONLY US city!)
- ★Soul food pilgrimage: Busy Bee Cafe fried chicken, Mary Mac's Tea Room collard g
- ★Georgia Aquarium whale shark encounter - 100-foot underwater tunnel
- ★BeltLine walk from Piedmont Park to Ponce City Market with street art and brewer
Perfect For
Tournament depth fans (8 matches - MOST of any US city!)
Semifinal attendees (July 15 - penultimate round before Final!)
Public transit enthusiasts (MARTA covered bridge to stadium - best US access)
Soul food lovers (Southern cuisine capital - fried chicken, collard greens, peach cobbler)
This City Might Not Be For You If...
Match Schedule
8 matches • Group Stage, Round of 32, Round of 16, Semifinal
🇪🇸 Spain vs 🇨🇻 Cape Verde
Monday, June 15, 2026
12:00 PM ET
UEFA Play-off D vs South Africa
Thursday, June 18, 2026
12:00 PM ET
🇪🇸 Spain vs 🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia
Sunday, June 21, 2026
12:00 PM ET
🇲🇦 Morocco vs 🇭🇹 Haiti
Wednesday, June 24, 2026
6:00 PM ET
FIFA Play-off 1 vs Uzbekistan
Saturday, June 27, 2026
7:00 PM ET
TBD vs TBD
Wednesday, July 1, 2026
12:00 PM ET
TBD vs TBD
Monday, July 6, 2026
12:00 PM ET
TBD vs TBD
Wednesday, July 15, 2026
3:00 PM ET
Stadium Quick Tips
Weather During World Cup
Hot and very humid Southern summer • 71-89°F (hot afternoons, warm evenings)
Average High
89°F
(32°C)
Average Low
71°F
(22°C)
Rainy Days
10-12 days
per month
Humidity
75-81% (very high)
Morning humidity 80
What to Expect
Atlanta in June/July is hot and VERY humid with temperatures averaging 88-91°F (31-33°C). Humidity is oppressive (75-81%), making it feel like 95-100°F. Locals joke: 'It's not the heat, it's the humidity.' Expect 10-12 rainy days with short, violent afternoon thunderstorms (2-6 PM) that clear up quickly but leave everything steamy. GOOD NEWS: Mercedes-Benz Stadium has retractable roof and FULL air conditioning - heat/rain NOT an issue inside (roof closes for weather). Pack sunscreen (SPF 30+), umbrella for sudden downpours, and light breathable clothing. Humidity more challenging than temperature. Plan indoor activities during afternoon storm hours.
Daylight Hours
14-15 hours daylight • 6:30-6:50 AM - 8:30-9:00 PM
Humidity Pattern
Morning humidity 80-85%, afternoon 70-75%
Packing Essentials
- Sunscreen SPF 30+ (Georgia sun is strong)
- Compact umbrella (afternoon thunderstorms common but short)
- Light, breathable clothing (moisture-wicking fabrics best)
- Hat and sunglasses
- Reusable water bottle (stay hydrated in humidity)
- Light rain jacket (quick-drying)
- Clear bag for stadium (12x6x12 max)
- Power bank (10,000+ mAh)
Plan Your Visit
Everything you need for an unforgettable World Cup experience
Getting Around
Transport options
MARTA Rail (Red, Gold, Blue, or Green Lines) to GWCC/CNN Center Station
$2.50 per ride (no transfer fees, no surge pricing, no special event markup)
Uber / Lyft
$15-30 normal, $40-80 surge each way on match days
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get from Atlanta Airport to Mercedes-Benz Stadium?
Take MARTA Red or Gold Line from Airport Station to Five Points Station (10 min, follow wayfinding carefully due to ongoing renovations). Transfer to Blue or Green Line to GWCC/CNN Center Station (5 m...
Read more →How early should I arrive at ATL Airport for my flight home?
3 HOURS MINIMUM. Hartsfield-Jackson (ATL) is the world's busiest airport. Security lines can stretch into the main atrium and often take 45-90 minutes. Do not underestimate this. If you do not have TS...
Read more →Why does Atlanta host 8 matches (more than other US cities)?
Atlanta hosts 8 World Cup matches - the MOST of any US city (tied with New York/New Jersey). This includes 5 Group Stage matches, Round of 32, Round of 16, and the Semifinal on July 15. FIFA selected ...
Read more →Do I need a car in Atlanta?
NO, not for World Cup matches. Mercedes-Benz Stadium was designed with MARTA rail access as primary transportation. TWO MARTA stations (GWCC/CNN Center and Vine City) have covered pedestrian bridges d...
Read more →What's the best area to stay for World Cup matches in Atlanta?
For best value + match access: Decatur ($90-160/night, charming suburb, 25-30 min MARTA to stadium, 30-50% cheaper than Atlanta). For walking distance: Downtown ($140-280/night, 0.5-1 mile to stadium,...
Read more →Does Mercedes-Benz Stadium have a roof?
YES! Mercedes-Benz Stadium has an iconic 8-panel retractable roof that opens like a camera aperture (think camera shutter). The stadium also has FULL air conditioning. This means heat and rain are NOT...
Read more →What's the soul food I must try in Atlanta?
Atlanta is soul food capital! MUST TRY: 1) **Busy Bee Cafe** - legendary fried chicken and collard greens ($12-18, cash only). 2) **Mary Mac's Tea Room** - Atlanta institution since 1945, fried chicke...
Read more →Can I visit Georgia Aquarium and attend a match the same day?
Yes! For afternoon/evening kickoffs (5-8 PM): Morning Georgia Aquarium visit (opens 10 AM, 3-4 hours, $45 adults) → lunch at Ponce City Market or Centennial Olympic Park → take MARTA to stadium (arriv...
Read more →Is Atlanta safe for tourists?
Yes, Atlanta tourist areas (Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, Decatur) are generally safe. Mercedes-Benz Stadium area well-lit and policed on event days. MARTA stations safe during daytime and events. Midt...
Read more →How expensive is Atlanta compared to other World Cup cities?
Moderately priced - cheaper than NYC/SF/Boston but similar to Houston/Philadelphia. Hotels: $90-280/night during World Cup (100-150% surge, 2-3x for Semifinal). Food: $12-18 soul food lunch, $20-35 di...
Read more →