The world’s largest sporting event is coming to Georgia, creating unprecedented opportunities for communities statewide to showcase southern hospitality on a global stage.  

Most Georgians easily recall the buzz and anticipation surrounding the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta. We all scrambled for tickets, collected commemorative pins, and tried to snag a plush Issy mascot. 

In June 2026, the hype will be back and bigger than ever with the FIFA World Cup 2026! 

The quadrennial global soccer competition will be the largest event Atlanta has seen since 1996. The Metro Atlanta Chamber estimates an economic impact of more than $500 million for Georgia from out-of-state visitors alone. About 300,000 unique spectators are expected to attend the eight matches hosted at Mercedes-Benz Stadium over four weeks, with 75% traveling from other states and countries. 

“This is our chance to expose new audiences to our state and make sure they want to return,” said Jay Markwalter, Statewide Tourism Director for the Georgia Department of Economic Development. “International travelers may hub into metro Atlanta, but they will be looking for weekend getaways and destinations to explore during breaks between matches.” 

Atlanta Takes Center Stage 

The Atlanta Sports Council, a division of the Metro Atlanta Chamber, led a successful effort in 2022 to secure Atlanta as a host city for the FIFA World Cup 2026™. Atlanta is one of 11 U.S. host cities, along with five others in Canada and Mexico. With 104 games featuring 48 teams, this is the largest sporting event in history. 

The FIFA World Cup 2026™ Atlanta Host Committee is comprised of Atlanta United, Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, Atlanta Sports Council, Metro Atlanta Chamber, Georgia World Congress Center, Mercedes-Benz Stadium and City of Atlanta, alongside leaders from the Georgia Department of Economic Development. 

This summer offers a trail run as Atlanta hosts six matches during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025™, which includes professional clubs instead of national teams. 

“With the tournament just one year ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026, we are thrilled for our region to showcase its love of the sport and cement itself as an international soccer hub,” said Dan Corso, president of the Atlanta Sports Council and Atlanta World Cup Host Committee, in a statement. 

Successfully supporting major events like the World Cup requires cost sharing at the state and local levels, including the state of Georgia, city of Atlanta, Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, and private partners. The state of Georgia has invested $25 million in public safety and security infrastructure to support the event. The city is making substantial infrastructure investments, including $120 million for transportation and downtown improvements. MARTA is upgrading with new railcars, electric buses, and state modernizations. Mercedes-Benz Stadium will undergo $200 million in upgrades and temporarily convert from artificial turf to natural grass for the matches. 

Statewide Opportunities 

While Atlanta captures the spotlight, the World Cup’s impact will ripple across Georgia. Explore Georgia is positioning the entire state as an ideal hub for visitors to explore the Southeast region. 

The state tourism office is launching a high-impact marketing campaign in the UK targeting soccer fans and travelers. At industry trade shows, Georgia destinations are working together to elevate the state’s brand on the global stage. 

Georgia’s cities should focus on showcasing their unique assets, streamlining visitor services, and ensuring their digital presence effectively communicates what makes their community special. 

“Getting websites, downtown spaces, and hotels ready is a good idea,” Markwalter advised. “International travelers and fans will be looking for authentic Georgia experiences during their stay.” 

Team Base Camps will be established at Atlanta United FC Training Grounds, Fifth Third Stadium at Kennesaw State University, and Mercer University in Macon. An additional base camp in nearby Chattanooga, Tennessee, will also benefit northwest Georgia communities. 

Fayette County is emerging as a soccer epicenter with the Arthur M. Blank U.S. Soccer National Training Center, expected to open in April 2026. The facility will serve as national headquarters for all 27 U.S. Soccer teams. Nonprofit Fayette Forward is addressing infrastructure needs while developing a placemaking strategy. 

“We’re all having to evaluate things like short-term rental ordinances,” said Eric Dial of Fayette Forward, who is also mayor of Tyrone. “We can’t stick our head in the sand and ignore the fact that the World Cup is coming. It’ll impact so many businesses besides just the hospitality industry.” 

The World Cup’s economic reach extends far beyond hotels and restaurants. Caterers, ground transportation companies, cleaning services, and specialty retailers are all positioning for increased demand. 

The Lasting Legacy 

As Georgia prepares to welcome the world, the focus extends beyond a month-long tournament. The goal is creating lasting partnerships, increased tourism, and elevated global recognition for communities statewide. 

“Communities have a unique opportunity to capitalize on this moment,” Markwalter said. “This event is coming quickly, and we want to set Georgia up for success.” 

The World Cup promises to showcase Georgia’s diverse landscapes, rich culture, and renowned hospitality to a global audience. For cities ready to embrace the opportunity, June 2026 could mark the beginning of a new chapter in their economic development story. 

FIFA World Cup 2026™ Fast Facts 

What It Is: The world’s most-watched sporting event, held every four years featuring national soccer teams (called “football” globally) 

Scale: Nearly 4 billion people watched the 2022 World Cup—more than half the world’s population 

Historic First: 2026 will be the first World Cup hosted by three countries (United States, Canada, and Mexico) and expanded to 48 teams 

Duration: The tournament runs approximately one month, with matches played across 16 host cities 

Atlanta’s Role: One of 11 U.S. host cities, featuring 8 matches including a semifinal at Mercedes-Benz Stadium 

Teams to Watch: All matches feature national teams like Team USA, Brazil, Germany,, and others—not professional club teams 

Economic Powerhouse: Previous World Cups have generated billions in economic impact for host regions