Atlanta is one of just 16 cities across North America selected to host matches for the FIFA World Cup 2026, with games taking place at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. With millions of fans expected to visit the region, this global event presents a once-in-a-generation opportunity for Buckhead to shine as a destination for dining, shopping, hospitality, and culture.

As one of Atlanta’s premier districts, Buckhead will play an important role in shaping the visitor experience. Local businesses, hotels, property managers, and civic organizations are uniquely positioned to benefit. From preparing for increased foot traffic to creating engaging promotions, there is a lot to plan for. Livable Buckhead is here to help every step of the way.

Whether you are looking to design a World Cup-themed experience, coordinate transportation plans for your team, or simply stay informed, this page serves as your resource for planning tools, key dates, engagement opportunities, and more. Let’s work together to make Buckhead one of the most welcoming, walkable, and world-class corners of Atlanta during FIFA World Cup 2026.

 Mark Your Calendar

The FIFA World Cup 2026™ will take place from Thursday, June 11 through Sunday, July 19, 2026. It is the largest sporting event in history, featuring 48 teams and 104 matches across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. This will be the first time the tournament is hosted across three countries and 16 host cities. The tournament draw in December 2025 will be broadcast to more than one billion viewers worldwide. This global spotlight will set the stage for excitement leading into the summer of 2026 and offers businesses an early opportunity to begin promotions and engagement campaigns.

Match Days at Mercedes-Benz Stadium

Atlanta will host eight matches at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Group stage games will be played on June 15, 18, 21, 24, 26, July 1 and 7, with a semifinal match on July 15. These days will bring some of the highest volumes of visitors to the city and surrounding areas.

Peak Visitor Periods

Visitors will be most concentrated not only on match days, but also in the days immediately before and after each game as fans arrive, explore Buckhead, and celebrate. Businesses should anticipate higher traffic and increased demand throughout this period.

Buckhead Event Windows

From June 15 through July 15, Buckhead will be a hub for neighborhood activations, public watch parties, and special promotions. This is the prime opportunity for local businesses to connect with global audiences and showcase Buckhead as Atlanta’s premier destination for dining, shopping, and entertainment.

Make Your Venue Part of the World Cup Story.

Public Viewing Parties are an official FIFA-owned and managed initiative designed to bring fans together to watch FIFA World Cup 2026™ matches in a shared setting. These events take place in every country as part of FIFA’s Media Partnership Rights program, ensuring consistency worldwide while respecting the rights of official broadcast partners FOX and Telemundo.

The Atlanta Host Committee, including Livable Buckhead, is not financially or logistically responsible for organizing these events. However, anyone can apply for a Public Viewing License, including local businesses, bars, restaurants, hotels, community groups, public authorities, brands, FIFA partners, and media outlets.

Types of Public Viewing Parties

Non-Commercial Events

• For community-driven gatherings under 1,000 people, without financial benefit to the organizer.

• Examples: screenings in bars, restaurants, or hotels as part of their normal service.

• No license required

• No fee

Special Non-Commercial Events

• Larger non-commercial gatherings over 1,000 people in spaces such as community centers, parks, schools, or universities.

• No commercial benefits allowed for the organizer.

• License required: reviewed by FIFA and issued by the media partner (FOX or Telemundo).

• Fee required, set by the media partner.

• Technical costs also determined by the media partner.

Commercial Events

• Involve any commercial benefit, such as ticket sales, entry fees, sponsorships, branding, or other monetization.

• License required: reviewed by FIFA and issued by the media partner.

• Fee required, set by the media partner.

• Technical costs also determined by the media partner.

How to Get Started

Public viewing is a global tradition that helps bring communities together during the World Cup, while also protecting the rights of official broadcasters. If you are interested in hosting, be sure to understand the requirements, costs, and responsibilities.

Getting Buckhead World Cup Ready Starts from the Ground Up

In preparation for welcoming visitors from around the world, Livable Buckhead is working closely with the City of Atlanta, GDOT, MARTA, and other agencies to ensure Buckhead’s infrastructure is safe, functional, and visually ready for its moment in the global spotlight. From sidewalks and signage to lighting and landscaping, every detail matters. Businesses and property owners are encouraged to stay informed and report issues early to ensure we’re putting our best foot forward.

What to Expect

• Roadway resurfacing and sidewalk repairs in key pedestrian zones

• Temporary signage, lighting enhancements, and public art installations

• Potential lane or sidewalk closures related to infrastructure upgrades

• Streetscape cleanups and beautification efforts in commercial areas

How You Can Help

• Report issues such as potholes, broken streetlights, drainage problems, or sidewalk damage using our infrastructure reporting form

• Plan ahead for any streetscape work near your property by coordinating with our team

• Contribute to the look and feel of Buckhead by sprucing up storefronts and sidewalks with greenery, signage, or lighting

Infrastructure Reporting Form

Help us identify and address infrastructure issues early. Your input helps us route requests to the right city or state agency quickly and keeps Buckhead looking its best.

Be Part of the Biggest and Greatest Volunteer Program in FIFA History

Volunteering for the FIFA World Cup 26™ means joining the team behind the world’s most-watched sporting event. You will gain behind-the-scenes experience, represent Atlanta and Buckhead on a global stage, and connect with fans and cultures from across the world. The FIFA World Cup 26™ is coming to North America, and Atlanta will be at the heart of it. We are looking for energetic volunteers to help bring this once-in-a-generation event to life. As part of a global team uniting billions of fans, you will play an essential role in making the tournament unforgettable.

Volunteer Requirements

Availability
Commit to a minimum of eight shifts between June 11 and July 19, 2026.

Age
Must be 18 years or older at the time of application.

Eligibility
Applicants must meet all entry and residency requirements of the host country.

Language
English is required. Additional languages are strongly encouraged.

Team Tryouts & Training
Attendance at Volunteer Team Tryouts and completion of training is mandatory.

Verification
Applicants must agree to and pass a background review.

Show off Atlanta’s legendary hospitality to the world.

Be Part of Team Buckhead

The FIFA World Cup 2026™ will put Atlanta on the global stage, with Buckhead playing a central role in welcoming visitors, showcasing local businesses, and creating a world-class experience. Denise Starling, Livable Buckhead’s executive director, is leading local efforts and bringing partners together across the community.

Now is the time to get involved. We are forming host committees and planning working groups to shape Buckhead’s events, hospitality, and transportation strategy. Whether you represent a business, civic group, or nonprofit, your participation will help ensure Buckhead shines during the tournament.

To learn more, connect with Livable Buckhead’s World Cup planning team and find the best way for your organization to participate.

You can also stay informed by signing up for Livable Buckhead’s publications. Choose which updates you’d like to receive, from our regular newsletters to focused updates on projects, sustainability, arts and culture, PATH400, and more. You can even opt in for real-time traffic alerts by text to stay ahead of congestion during World Cup events.