The countdown is officially over.
City, state, and tournament leaders gathered Thursday at Centennial Olympic Park to officially open the FIFA Fan Festival™, launching what is expected to become one of the biggest global moments in Atlanta’s history as FIFA World Cup 2026™ celebrations begin across the city.
The opening ceremony featured remarks from Mayor Andre Dickens, Atlanta World Cup Host Committee President Dan Corso, and Governor Brian Kemp before a ceremonial “Opening Kick” officially launched the festival experience in downtown Atlanta.
For many Atlantans, the event marked the moment the World Cup finally became real.
“We Want Everyone to Participate”
“As mayor, I’m certainly proud to see our city take to the world’s stage,” Mayor Dickens said. “And as an Atlanta native, I am deeply proud that we are one of only 16 cities around the globe who will get to experience this.”
The Mayor compared the excitement surrounding the tournament to the energy of the 1996 Olympic Games, calling FIFA World Cup 2026 part of Atlanta’s growing global legacy.
But city leaders stressed that this moment is not just for tourists or international visitors — it is for residents too.
“I want all of us to participate,” Mayor Dickens said, encouraging residents and downtown workers to come experience the atmosphere instead of avoiding the city during tournament events.
“We are not shutting down our Downtown,” he said. “We are doing just the opposite.”
What to Expect Downtown
Over the coming weeks, downtown Atlanta will host fan festivals, cultural celebrations, pop-up events, international cuisine, live entertainment, and family-friendly programming tied to the World Cup.
The FIFA Fan Festival™ at Centennial Olympic Park is expected to become one of the city’s central gathering spaces during the tournament, bringing together fans from across the globe to celebrate matches, culture, and community in the heart of downtown.
The festival will take place across 18 event days between June 11 and July 15.
How to Register for FIFA Fan Festival™
Fans can now register for FIFA Fan Festival™ Atlanta passes, including free general admission options, upgraded GA+ experiences, and VIP hospitality packages.
Registration is available here: Register for FIFA Fan Festival™ Atlanta
Pass Options Include:
- General Admission Registration — Free entry to FIFA Fan Festival™ Atlanta
- Atlanta GA+ Entry — Private restroom access, bar, and premium viewing area
- Atlanta VIP Package — Drinks, food stations, and air-conditioned hospitality access
Getting Around During FIFA
To help residents and visitors navigate the increased activity, Mayor Dickens also highlighted the City’s new “Navigate Atlanta” transportation platform launched by ATLDOT.
The online hub provides real-time transportation updates, trip-planning tools, MARTA information, parking guidance, and regional traffic alerts designed to help people move throughout the city during FIFA events.
“The ‘Navigate Atlanta’ site is a one-stop shop for transportation updates from the City, from our state GDOT partners, from MARTA, and other regional transportation partners too,” the Mayor said.
Atlanta’s World Cup Era Has Begun
Atlanta is one of only 16 host cities selected worldwide for FIFA World Cup 2026™, placing the city alongside major global destinations across North America as millions prepare to travel for the tournament.
And Thursday’s celebration made one thing clear: Atlanta’s World Cup era has officially begun.
