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NewsMarch 27, 2026

A Free World Cup Festival, Two Hours Down the Road

Even if you don't have match tickets, you can still experience the World Cup in person. Atlanta is hosting a free FIFA Fan Festival at Centennial Olympic Park — 16 days of live match broadcasts, concerts, food, and fan activations starting June 12, 2026.

The park is the same site that hosted the 1996 Summer Olympics, and it will be transformed into the city's central gathering point for the tournament. Registration is already open.

What Is the Fan Festival?

Think of it as the World Cup's official outdoor watch party — but on a massive scale. The festival takes over the entirety of Centennial Olympic Park and runs on select days from June 12 through July 15, covering all eight of Atlanta's matches at Mercedes-Benz Stadium next door.

It is organized by the Atlanta World Cup Host Committee, the City of Atlanta, and the Georgia World Congress Center Authority (GWCCA), in partnership with FIFA.

Four Zones, One Park

The festival is divided into four distinct areas:

  • Main Stage — the centerpiece. Live matches on a 40-foot high-definition screen, plus concerts and live performances.
  • The Playground — games and activations aimed at younger fans and families.
  • The Pitch — a community stage with podcasting, AR/VR experiences, and interactive programming.
  • Georgia Street — food vendors, local artists, and regional cuisine.

The Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) is partnering with the host committee on wayfinding, murals, and visual identity throughout the park.

Tickets and Pricing

General admission is free, but you must register in advance. Here is how the tiers break down:

  • General Admission (Free) — entry on a first-come, first-served basis. No guaranteed entry.
  • GA+ — $65 on match days, $45 on non-match days. Guaranteed entry via a designated lane and private bar access.
  • VIP — $325 on match days, $225 on non-match days. Exclusive dining, designated facilities, and a premium experience.

A few rules to know:

  • Max 6 tickets per registration.
  • Children under 2 do not need a ticket.
  • You will receive a digital QR code required for entry.
  • Re-entry is allowed with your QR code.

Register at atlantafwc26.com/fan-fest.

What to Expect On-Site

  • Cashless only — bring a card, not cash.
  • Clear bag policy strictly enforced — plan your bag accordingly.
  • Food and drinks available for purchase from local and international vendors. No outside food or beverages allowed.
  • Alcohol available with valid ID.
  • ADA accessible entrances and facilities.
  • Rain or shine — the festival runs regardless of weather.
  • First aid and medical services on-site.

Public transportation is recommended. The park is steps from the GWCC/CNN Center MARTA station.

Atlanta's Match Schedule

The fan festival runs alongside all eight World Cup matches at Mercedes-Benz Stadium:

  • June 15 — Spain vs. Cabo Verde (Group H)
  • June 18 — South Africa vs. TBD (Group A)
  • June 21 — Spain vs. Saudi Arabia (Group H)
  • June 24 — Morocco vs. Haiti (Group C)
  • June 27 — Uzbekistan vs. TBD (Group K)
  • July 1 — Round of 32
  • July 7 — Round of 16
  • July 15 — Semifinal

That is five group stage matches and three knockout rounds, including a semifinal. Spain plays twice in Atlanta and is training in Chattanooga this summer.

Getting There from Chattanooga

Centennial Olympic Park is roughly two hours south of Chattanooga on I-75 and I-24. For fans who want the full World Cup atmosphere without a match ticket, this is the move — show up to the Fan Festival, watch the game on the big screen, and soak it in with thousands of fans from around the world.

If you are driving down for a match day, plan for heavy traffic and consider parking at a MARTA station outside the city and taking the train in. The park is directly accessible from the GWCC/CNN Center station.

Don't want to drive? Groome Transportation runs a shuttle between Chattanooga and Atlanta's airport — from there, MARTA's rail takes you straight to the park.

Watch It in Chattanooga Too

Not everyone can make the drive for every match. We are building watch party experiences right here in Chattanooga — local bars, big screens, and a community of fans from every country playing in Atlanta.

Sign up for watch party updates to help shape where and how Chattanooga watches the World Cup.

En Español → /registro

Sources