Mercedes-Benz Stadium World Cup 2026: Schedule, Tickets, Travel Guide & History
Atlanta gets ready to welcome the world in summer 2026. Mercedes-Benz Stadium will host eight FIFA World Cup matches during the expanded 48-team tournament.
The city’s passionate soccer fans and modern stadium make it a top destination for visitors from around the globe.
This marks a special moment in Atlanta’s sports history. The stadium stages a World Cup semi-final on July 15, 2026. Only Atlanta and Los Angeles can claim they hosted both the Summer Olympics and the FIFA World Cup in America.
Quick Facts: Mercedes-Benz Stadium World Cup 2026
- Total Matches: 8 (including 1 semi-final)
- Capacity: 75,000 for soccer matches
- Location: Downtown Atlanta, Georgia
- Opened: August 26, 2017
- Construction Cost: $1.5 billion
- Temporary FIFA Name: Atlanta Stadium
- Home Teams: Atlanta Falcons (NFL), Atlanta United FC (MLS)
- Notable Feature: LEED Platinum certified (first in North America)
- Retractable Roof: 8-panel “pinwheel” design, opens in 8-10 minutes
- Video Display: 62,350 sq ft “Halo Board” (360-degree ring)
Full Mercedes-Benz Stadium World Cup 2026 Schedule
The 2026 World Cup runs from June 11 to July 19. Mercedes-Benz Stadium hosts eight matches throughout the tournament. FIFA temporarily renames the venue “Atlanta Stadium” during competition.
| Match Round | Date | Stage |
|---|---|---|
| Group Stage Match 1 | June 15, 2026 | Group Stage |
| Group Stage Match 2 | June 18, 2026 | Group Stage |
| Group Stage Match 3 | June 21, 2026 | Group Stage |
| Group Stage Match 4 | June 24, 2026 | Group Stage |
| Group Stage Match 5 | June 27, 2026 | Group Stage |
| Round of 32 Match | July 1, 2026 | Knockout Stage |
| Round of 16 Match | July 7, 2026 | Knockout Stage |
| Semi-Final | July 15, 2026 | Knockout Stage |
The tournament starts at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City on June 11. Mercedes-Benz Stadium begins its World Cup action on June 15. The venue reaches its peak on July 15 with a semi-final that decides one championship finalist. The World Cup Final takes place at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on July 19.
How to Get 2026 World Cup Tickets: Mercedes-Benz Stadium
Ticket sales started in September 2025 through a Visa Presale Draw. This system works for all 16 host cities across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Selected applicants received purchase windows beginning October 1, 2025.
Group stage tickets start at $60 for the 2026 World Cup. Prices go up for knockout rounds based on demand. Semi-final matches at Mercedes-Benz Stadium cost more because everyone wants those seats. The eight Atlanta matches include five group stage games and three knockout rounds.
Buy official tickets only through FIFA.com/tickets. Never purchase from unauthorized resellers or secondary ticket sites. Scammers target people who want to attend major sports events. Always check seller credentials before you pay.
Hospitality packages offer premium experiences starting at $1,350 per person. These packages include match tickets plus exclusive lounge access with premium food and drinks. Multi-match packages save you money compared to single tickets.
More sales phases continue through December 2025. The final tournament draw in December shows which teams play each match. Demand for Mercedes-Benz Stadium tickets stays very high. Register early to improve your chances of getting seats.
Travel Guide for World Cup Visitors
Getting There
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is the world’s busiest, with flights to over 200 cities. It’s 13 miles from downtown, and Delta Air Lines runs its main hub here. You can reach the city easily by train or taxi.
Transportation
Mercedes-Benz Stadium sits in downtown Atlanta, close to most hotels. Many are just a short walk away. Take the MARTA Rail to GWCC CNN Center Station, right beside the stadium.
Rideshare and bike options are easy to find. Traffic will be heavy, so public transit is the best choice.
Where to Stay
Downtown has the best access to the stadium. Book early since hotels fill up fast. Signia by Hilton and Hard Rock Reverb are right across the street.
Hyatt Place, Hilton Atlanta, and Ritz-Carlton Downtown are great options. Midtown and Buckhead have more restaurants and nightlife.
Food and Attractions
Try Atlanta’s famous lemon pepper wings, Southern BBQ, or local spots like JR Crickets and American Deli.
Visit the BeltLine, Ponce City Market and Centennial Olympic Park, where the FIFA Fan Festival will take place. The Georgia Aquarium and MLK National Park are also nearby.
Weather and Packing Tips
June and July are hot, with highs around 90°F and short afternoon storms. The stadium is air-conditioned, so you’ll stay cool inside.
Pack light clothes, sunscreen, and a rain jacket. Drink plenty of water and enjoy the city’s lively World Cup atmosphere.
- Official Website: https://www.mercedesbenzstadium.com/fwc26
- Map link: https://www.mercedesbenzstadium.com/stadium-maps
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MBStadium/
Inside Mercedes-Benz Stadium: History, Design & Key Features
Arthur M. Blank wanted to create a top sports venue for Atlanta. The facility replaced the Georgia Dome that served the city since 1992. Construction started on May 19, 2014. Delays pushed the opening from March 2017 to August 26, 2017.
History Highlights:
- Opened: August 26, 2017
- Construction cost: $1.5 billion
- Replaced: Georgia Dome (1992-2017)
- Owner: State of Georgia via Georgia World Congress Center Authority
- Operator: AMB Group (Arthur M. Blank)
- First event: NFL preseason game (Falcons vs Cardinals)
Home Teams & Major Events:
- Atlanta Falcons (NFL) since opening
- Atlanta United FC (MLS) 2018 champions
- Super Bowl LIII (2019)
- 2018 MLS Cup (73,019 attendance record)
- College Football Playoff games
- Super Bowl LXII scheduled (2028)
Signature Design Features:
- Retractable roof: 8-panel “pinwheel” design from Roman Pantheon inspiration
- Opens or closes: 8-10 minutes
- Roof panels: Look like bird wings when open
- Halo Board: 58 feet by 1,100 feet video screen (62,350 sq ft total)
- Format: 360-degree ring so everyone sees replays
- Mega column: 100-foot 3D video board
Sustainability & Innovation:
- LEED Platinum: First North American pro sports venue
- Solar panels: Generate clean energy
- Water systems: Reduce environmental impact
- Fan pricing: Lowest food costs in pro sports
- Cashless: All digital transactions
- Art: 180+ works by 50+ artists
Unique Features:
- Train horn: Sounds after every score
- 100 Yard Club: Full field-length social space
- Concessions: 600+ locations
- Views: Open east end shows downtown skyline
FIFA World Cup 2026 Preparations (Atlanta Stadium)
Mercedes-Benz Stadium needs few changes for World Cup hosting. The venue was built for soccer with 20 to 25 annual matches. Few U.S. World Cup stadiums match this design.
Planned upgrades total $200 million. FIFA-approved natural grass replaces the FieldTurf surface. Better seating and accessibility features top the list. Technology and security get FIFA-standard updates.
FIFA requires temporary name changes during tournaments. Mercedes-Benz Stadium becomes “Atlanta Stadium” for all matches. Corporate branding gets covered during the tournament. Original signs return after July 2026.
Work happens in phases through summer 2026. Tests ensure FIFA compliance before tournament start. Officials project over 2 billion viewers watching Atlanta matches. Economic forecasts show $5 billion in new regional activity.
Mercedes-Benz Stadium World Cup 2026 FAQs
How many matches will Mercedes-Benz Stadium host?
Mercedes-Benz Stadium hosts eight matches. Five group stage games, one Round of 32, one Round of 16, and one semi-final on July 15.
Why is the stadium being renamed Atlanta Stadium?
FIFA removes corporate sponsor names from host venues during tournaments. This prevents conflicts with official sponsors. Mercedes-Benz branding returns after the tournament.
What is the stadium capacity for World Cup matches?
Mercedes-Benz Stadium holds about 75,000 for soccer. This ranks among larger World Cup venues.
How do I get from the airport to the stadium?
MARTA Rail runs from Hartsfield-Jackson Airport to downtown. Take the Red or Gold Line to GWCC/CNN Center Station. The trip takes about 20 minutes.
What is Atlanta weather like in June and July?
Atlanta summers are hot and humid with temperatures around 80 to 90 degrees. Afternoon storms are common. The stadium has a roof and air conditioning.
Is the stadium close to downtown Atlanta?
Yes. Mercedes-Benz Stadium sits on the edge of downtown. Most downtown hotels are 10 to 20 minutes away on foot.
Are there good restaurants near the stadium?
Yes. Downtown offers many dining options within walking distance. Try lemon pepper wings and Southern food at nearby spots.
Should I rent a car in Atlanta?
Car rental is not needed for stadium access. MARTA Rail and downtown hotels make walking and transit easy. Public transportation works best on match days.
Where is the FIFA Fan Festival located?
Centennial Olympic Park in downtown Atlanta hosts the official festival. The park sits within walking distance of Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Plan Your Atlanta World Cup Experience
The 2026 World Cup expands to 48 teams for the first time. A total of 104 matches play over 39 days across three nations. The United States, Mexico, and Canada qualified as host countries.
Economic impact reaches about $5 billion for Atlanta. This event combines top soccer with Southern hospitality. Mercedes-Benz Stadium’s downtown location creates an ideal venue.
Book hotels now as rooms fill fast. Download the MARTA app for transit. Register for FIFA ticket alerts at FIFA.com. Follow @fwc26atlanta for local updates. Start planning today to experience world-class soccer in the South.
