Atlanta Welcomes the World: A World Cup Host City and all it has to offer.

Debbie Discovers
6 hours ago
5 min read

(Please note some places hosted me in exchange for posting, but I only post what I recommend.)

The FIFA World Cup is more than just the world's biggest sporting event—it's a celebration of culture, community, and unforgettable experiences. As fans from around the globe gather in Atlanta, they'll discover that the excitement extends far beyond the matches at Atlanta Stadium. From world-class attractions and award-winning dining to vibrant neighborhoods, rich history, family-friendly adventures, and Southern hospitality, Atlanta offers something for everyone. Whether you're cheering for your favorite team, exploring iconic landmarks, or discovering hidden local gems, this dynamic city is ready to welcome the world. Get ready to experience the energy, diversity, and excitement that make Atlanta one of the most exciting host cities of the FIFA World Cup 2026.

How to get to Atlanta Stadium/Mercedes Benz Stadium

🚅Marta:

🚅You can now use your apple wallet to pay or purchase a FIFA Marta card for $2. It is $2.50 each way so buy round trip ahead or use your phone to pay. You will scan your card to get back out of the station.

🚅Take the train to Little Five Points then transfer to SEC or get off at Peachtree Center and walk a few blocks.

🚅Seniors and disabled can apply for reduced priced cards here

🚅Children 46 inches and under, limited to 2 children per paying adult.

🚗Car:

🚗Parking is pricy, so plan ahead with a spot.

🚗Be careful buying for third party sites.

🚗Most lots charge more so look for signage prices

🚕Ride Shares:

🚕Most I saw were getting picked up at the back of the Word Congress Center

♿Handicap drop off is on Northside drive near Gate 1

Complimentary wheelchair escort service is provided inside the stadium perimeter on a first-come, first-served basis. You can also request assistance or a wheelchair from any team member at any Guest Services. You can text them the day of 470-444-0234.

Atlanta Stadium/Mercedes Benz

Atlanta Stadium was ranked best stadium for the World Cup this year. One of the reasons is they have amazing prices on food. The lowest I believe in the US. There are different food choices through out the stadium so be sure to explore. Here is more about the stadium.

⚽Get there early to get in and make sure you get a black lanyard ID when you first get in. It has interactive things to do with it.

⚽Make sure you have a clear bag

⚽You can bring 1 sealed bottle of water

⚽Cashless venue

There are gift shops through out the stadium, Fan Fest, Atlantic Station and CTR (the old CNN building)

They have an area called the Backyard outside the stadium you can only access with a game ticket. It is the area between Signia Hilton Hotel and the Stadium and is like a small Fan Fest. The orange parking deck is there too. They have the Coke Fan area giving out capes, a large FIFA soccer ball for pictures, the Bank of America charm bracelets but here they are premade, but you get 2 per person one a FIFA and one a Country or ATL and the line is a lot quicker, Load your Doritos for purchase, beer and cokes to purchase and a few picnic benches to sit at. They have live music and is a fun area.

Did you know you can get a behind the scene tour of The Atlanta Stadium on non-game days? Buy tickets here . This is great for those who can't go to the game. It lasts about an hour and you see things you normally can't like their garden!

Other Fun things to do in the area:

CTR: This is located in the old CNN building and has a FIFA gift shop, big TV's. air conditioning, nice restrooms, a large bar and lots of restaurants.

Cosm just opened and is like a mini Vegas Sphere. You get 4 hours free parking in the deck below with tickets. Get tickets ahead of time. It is located in Centennial Yards which has food trucks, restaurants and more.

Fan Fest is free for everyone.

⚽Get your ticket on line here ahead and have out ready to scan. They didn't check names when we went.

⚽The GA plus basically is a shorter line in, a nicer porta potty and some picnic benches to watch the game and smaller lines to get drinks in that area.

⚽Clear Purses (they will check baby bags)

⚽You can bring a stroller

⚽You can bring one water per person if it is sealed and has the label off

⚽They have a fountain kids can run through

⚽It is hot and shade is off to the side (I brought a small fan)

⚽Coke gives away free Caps that are like flags. You download something whie in line and get one per person.

⚽When you are in line to enter the Fan Fest they give out bands to go to the Bank of America spot to make your own (1 per person) charm bracelet. It is free and very popular so you may not get one if you are not there early.

Skyview Atlanta

This is a fun way to see the city in the date or light up at nights. You can see Fan Fest from the top. It is across from one of the main entrances of Fan Fest if you see the Olympic symbol and across from Waffle House. Use code DEBBIE20 for 20% off.

Waffle House: If you aren't from Georgia you need to go here. They also have a special pop up shop with Waffle House jerseys, shirts, hats and more. 135 Andrew Young International Blvd. Go early the lines get long for the shop and restaurant.

Other fun things in the area:

Children's Museum

College Football Hall of Fame

Georgia Aquarium

National Center for Civil and Human Rights

World of Coke

Other Atlanta places

Places to eat in the area:

Signia hotel has breakfast called Homespun, The Nest a sports bar type place and Capolinea and upscale Italian restaurant. All have view overlooking the stadium. Try to grab a reservation ahead on Opentable.com

They also have the most amazing pastries in the store on the first floor by the most amazing Executive Pastry Chef Daniella.