The World Cup is coming to Atlanta in 2026.
The city was selected Tuesday as one of 16 host cities for the 48-team tournament to be played four years from now. It’s the first time World Cup games will be played in Georgia.
Atlanta was chosen from among 22 host city finalists in the U.S., Mexico and Canada. The last time the World Cup was played in North America was in 1994.
The announcement was made during a live TV broadcast Thursday evening from New York City.
A delegation from FIFA, soccer’s world governing body, visited Atlanta in September to tour Mercedes-Benz Stadium and other facilities in Atlanta. At the time, the officials spoke of Atlanta United’s record-setting home crowds, the quality of the stadium and training facilities, and the accessibility of Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport.
“Atlanta is a soccer town, and we’re excited to bring the game’s best athletes to the world’s best city,” said Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens in a statement. “Atlanta has already been home to the Super Bowl and the Olympics, and through our strong collaboration with the state and our business community, we will welcome folks from all over the world to fill every seat in Mercedes-Benz Stadium in 2026.”
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