A news conference is set for Thursday night at Mercedes-Benz Stadium to announce the results of Atlanta’s 2026 World Cup hosting bid.
Atlanta is considered a frontrunner to host some number of soccer matches, possibly some in a group stage and then one or two more in the quarter or semifinals. It also could serve as the the FIFA World Cup Media Headquarters, a mega-event in its own right that would draw thousands of journalists from all over the world.
The 2026 World Cup will be jointly hosted by the USA, Mexico, and Canada, with 10-12 sites in the U.S. But 17 cities submitted bids, meaning some will be left out in the cold as the largest sporting event in the world comes to America.
Thanks to its world class stadium, large soccer fanbase with Atlanta United, and of course ease of travel with the world’s busiest airport and easy connections between Europe and South America, Atlanta has long been viewed as one of the favorites to secure multiple matches. Sporting event economic impact studies are always a point of dispute, but since the city would need to construct few, if any new facilities, the hosting job would be much easier and more profitable than the 1996 Olympics.
While Qatar, the host of the 2022 World Cup later this year, has come under fire for alleged inhumane working conditions used to build multiple brand new stadiums, Atlanta would avoid any such controversy. Mercedes-Benz Stadium is ready to go, (it may need a grass field installed to meet FIFA regulations) training facilities are available at Atlanta United’s team facilities as well as at one of several local colleges, and the city’s hotels, restaurants, and bars will be frothing at the mouth for an opportunity to host an event that would put even the Super Bowl to shame.
More to come Thursday, and hopefully a whole lot more to come in 2026.
