Atlanta is gearing up to host matches for the 2026 World Cup, and even if you don’t have tickets to the games, you can still join in on the fun at fan festivals, watch parties, and other cultural events across the city.
The World Cup takes place from June 11 to July 19, and Atlanta will host eight of the tournament’s games at Mercedes-Benz Stadium starting on June 15. There will be plenty of activities and events going in and around the city to get soccer fans excited for the games:
Fan Festivals:
USA Kickoff Festival in Old Fourth Ward
The Old Fourth Ward neighborhood is hosting a handful of events as part of the USA Kickoff Festival.
A free screening of Team USA’s match against Paraguay will be held June 12 at the Historic Fourth Ward Park. There will be three large screens set up in the park for viewing, along with a DJ and food vendors.
Ahead of the match, there will be soccer-themed bar crawl June 11 on the Atlanta Beltline’s Eastside Trail. The day after the game on June 13, there will be pick-up soccer games for kids ages 5 through 13 in the park featuring coaches from Inter Atlanta FC.
Where: Historic Fourth Ward Park, 680 Dallas St., Atlanta
When: June 11 to June 13
Cost: Free
FIFA Fan Festival in Centennial Olympic Park
An official FIFA sponsored fan event will take place downtown in Centennial Olympic Park throughout the duration of the tournament. You can watch matches while also enjoying live events, games, and guest appearances. Programming for the festival will be announced closer to the start of the World Cup on the event’s website.
Where: 265 Park Ave. W NW, Atlanta
When: June 11 to July 15
Cost: Free for general admission, but registration is required.
Atlanta Beltline is hosting a two-day fan festival at Pittsburgh Yards to celebrate the tournament and to show off the culture and fun that the city has to offer. The event will include screenings for two matches on June 20 and two more on June 21. Each day of the festival will also include music, live performances, food vendors, activities for kids, and field games.
Where: 352 University Ave. SW, Atlanta
When: June 20 and June 21 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Cost: Free
The city of Decatur will host an array of free, live musical performances and screenings of matches. Live performances in Decatur Square include a kickoff event with Big Boi and other musical acts ranging from DJs to local bands.
Where: 509 N. McDonough St., Decatur
When: June 11 to June 19
Cost: Free
Douglas County is hosting two days filled with events and activities for soccer fans. In addition to screenings of World Cup matches, there will also be live entertainment, arts and crafts, community vendors, axe throwing, and more.
Where: Boundary Waters Activity Center, 4996 State Route 92, Douglasville
When: June 27 and July 19
Cost: Free
Another metro area putting on a multiday event for the World Cup is Marietta. For three days, the city will host screenings of live matches at historic Marietta Square. At the end of Soccerfest on June 14, the city will be host soccer-related festivities for kids.
Where: Marietta Square, 50 N. Park Square, Marietta
When: June 12 to June 14
Cost: Free
Emory University’s Footwork exhibitions
Emory University has curated multiple galleries and exhibitions on its campus to celebrate the city’s soccer history and culture. One exhibit will be featured in Woodruff Library where a curation of items including memorabilia, photos, and other artifacts documenting the formation of the Atlanta Chiefs and the National Professional Soccer League will be on display. At Emory’s art museum, the Michael C. Carlos Museum, there will be a showcase of soccer photography called Footwork: Where We Gather, featuring pieces from a local Atlanta photographer.
At Emory’s Oxford Campus, there will be an exhibit on Oxford’s first African American athletes and the early women’s soccer program.
Where: Emory University Main Campus and Oxford Campus
When: On view until July 19
Cost: Admission for the Michael C. Carlos Museum begins at $10 for adults
Georgia Aquarium Glow Nights After Hours
Residents and visitors can keep the energy and party of the World Cup going late into the night at the Georgia Aquarium for a night filled with drinks, music, and live entertainment. The event will include themed drinks, performances from acrobats, and a chance to see all of the sea creatures at the aquarium.
Where: 225 Baker St. NW, Atlanta
When: July 10 from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m.
Cost: Tickets start at 49.99 for nonmembers
