Haiti Fans: Your Guide to Visiting Chattanooga

Les Grenadiers are heading to the FIFA World Cup 2026, and their passionate fanbase is ready to make some noise in Atlanta. If you are traveling to support Haiti at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Chattanooga offers an affordable and exciting home base just under two hours north of the action.

Haiti's World Cup Journey

Haiti holds a special place in World Cup history as the first Caribbean nation to qualify for the tournament, making their debut in 1974 in West Germany. That squad featured the legendary Emmanuel Sanon, who famously scored against Italian goalkeeper Dino Zoff, ending his record unbeaten streak. Decades later, Haitian football has continued to grow through CONCACAF competition, and reaching the 2026 tournament on home soil in North America is a crowning achievement for the program. Expect the Haitian diaspora across the United States to turn out in full force with drums, flags, and infectious energy that will be impossible to ignore.

Where to Watch in Chattanooga

Not every fan will have a ticket to every match, and Chattanooga has some excellent spots to catch the games with fellow supporters.

• The Honest Pint — This downtown gastropub is the city's go-to soccer bar. With a wall of screens and a knowledgeable staff that actually cares about the beautiful game, it is the first place to check for organized watch parties. Arrive early on match days to grab a good seat.
• Wanderlinger Brewing — A spacious brewery with an open layout that is perfect for large groups. The relaxed atmosphere makes it easy to set up camp with a group of fellow Haitian fans and stay for hours.
• Community Pie — A family-friendly option with excellent wood-fired pizza, big screens, and a patio where kids can move around while parents watch the match. A great choice if you are traveling with family.

Getting to Atlanta on Game Day

The drive from Chattanooga to Mercedes-Benz Stadium takes roughly one hour and fifty minutes via I-75 South. Leave early to account for game-day traffic around downtown Atlanta. Parking near the stadium fills up quickly, so consider using MARTA, Atlanta's rapid transit system, from a park-and-ride lot on the north side of the city. Rideshare costs can add up on event days due to surge pricing, so coordinating with other fans and splitting a car rental is often the smartest move.

Tips for Visiting Chattanooga

1. Book accommodations early. Hotels near downtown Chattanooga are significantly cheaper than Atlanta, but World Cup demand will drive prices up across the region. Securing your stay months in advance is essential.
2. Explore the city. Chattanooga sits along the Tennessee River with stunning mountain scenery. Take the Incline Railway up Lookout Mountain, walk across the Walnut Street Pedestrian Bridge, or spend an afternoon at the Tennessee Aquarium. See the visitor guide for more ideas.
3. Bring the culture. Chattanooga is a welcoming city that thrives on the energy of visitors. Wear your Haitian colors proudly, wave your flags, and share the spirit of Les Grenadiers with the locals.
4. Sample the local food and drink scene. Chattanooga has over twenty craft breweries and a growing restaurant scene. Southern barbecue, local coffee roasters, and farm-to-table dining are all within walking distance downtown.

Chattanooga is ready to welcome Haitian fans with open arms. Sign up for watch party alerts and make this World Cup an unforgettable experience both inside and outside the stadium.