Atlanta city guide: Key information for England supporters

Atlanta's Mercedes-Benz Stadium, known as Atlanta Stadium for the duration of the 2026 World Cup, is where England begin their World Cup knockout campaign, as Thomas Tuchel's side face DR Congo in the Round of 32 on Wednesday, 1 July. 

England finished top of Group L with seven points, opening with a 4-2 victory over Croatia before a goalless draw against Ghana and a comfortable 2-0 win over Panama. 

DR Congo, meanwhile, have reached the knockout stage for the first time in their history, making this a landmark occasion for the Leopards, although the Three Lions will start the tie as clear favourites.

Atlanta will stage eight matches during the 2026 World Cup, having already hosted five in the group stage, while there is still a round of 16 clash and a semi-final fixture to come. 

As Georgia's largest city and the cultural and commercial heart of the American South, it offers travelling supporters plenty to enjoy alongside the football.

Whether you are following England, attending one of the knockout matches or simply exploring Georgia during the tournament, FootballGroundGuide takes a look at everything fans need to know about visiting Atlanta during the 2026 World Cup.

2026 World Cup fixtures at Atlanta Stadium

Atlanta Stadium hosted five group-stage matches, and is set to stage a Round of 32 fixture, a Round of 16 tie and a semi-final.

Group stage

Spain 0-0 Cape Verde

South Africa 1-1 Czech Republic

Spain 4-0 Saudi Arabia

Morocco 4-2 Haiti

Uzbekistan 1-3 DR Congo

Round of 32

• England vs DR Congo — Wednesday, 1 July

Round of 16 — Tuesday, 7 July 

Semifinal — Wednesday, 15 July 

FIFA Fan Festival and fan zones

Centennial Olympic Park will host the official FIFA Fan Festival throughout the tournament, providing one of the city's main gathering points for supporters.

Entry is free with advance online registration, while large screens will show every match alongside live entertainment, football activities and a wide selection of food and drink. Anyone without a ticket for England's match will still find an excellent atmosphere here.

Elsewhere, Atlanta has no shortage of football pubs, as Brewhouse Cafe in Little Five Points was named America's Best Soccer Bar by Men in Blazers in 2025, while there are other pubs close to Atlanta Stadium. 

The Irish Exit, located within the new Centennial Yards entertainment district opposite State Farm Arena, is another strong option within walking distance of the ground.

What else is there to do in Atlanta?

Whether you have a few hours or a full day to spare, Atlanta offers a mix of major attractions for the England fans to enjoy.

Georgia Aquarium — Situated beside Centennial Olympic Park, this is one of the world's largest aquariums. Visitors can walk through underwater tunnels surrounded by sharks, rays and thousands of marine animals. Timed tickets are recommended if you plan to visit during this World Cup, as demand is expected to be high.

Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park — This nationally significant site includes Dr King's birth home, Ebenezer Baptist Church and several landmarks connected to his early life and work. It provides a fascinating insight into both Atlanta's history and the American civil rights movement.

Atlanta BeltLine — One of the city's most popular walking and cycling routes, the BeltLine links neighbourhoods, breweries, restaurants, markets and public art installations. The Eastside Trail is particularly popular and passes through Inman Park, Old Fourth Ward and Poncey-Highland.

World of Coca-Cola — Located beside Centennial Olympic Park, this interactive attraction explores the history of one of Atlanta's best-known brands and includes tastings of Coca-Cola products from around the world.

Ponce City Market — A lively destination for shopping, food and nightlife, as the rooftop terrace offers panoramic views across the city and is well worth visiting on a clear evening.

Where to eat and drink near Atlanta Stadium

Supporters will find plenty of places to eat and drink within walking distance of the stadium.

Restaurant 10 — Directly opposite the stadium, this Southern-inspired sports bar serves turkey ribs, hot honey wings and traditional collard greens, making it one of the most convenient pre-match options.

Wild Leap Atlanta — A spacious multi-level brewery with a large outdoor patio and fire pits. It is one of the area's busiest meeting points on matchdays.

Park Bar — Opposite Centennial Olympic Park, this long-established neighbourhood pub is renowned for its lively sports atmosphere and was named Atlanta's Best Sports Bar by Atlanta Magazine in 2023.

Paschal's — Around a 12-minute walk from the stadium, Paschal's has been serving diners since 1947 and played an important role during the civil rights movement. The fried chicken and peach cobbler remain house favourites.

Der Biergarten — A traditional German beer hall with communal tables, a wide range of draught beers and a lively atmosphere before and after matches.

STATS Brewpub — Known for generous portions, house-brewed beers and numerous television screens, STATS is another popular gathering place on matchdays, particularly for larger groups.

How to get to Atlanta Stadium

MARTA (rail)

Public transport is by far the easiest way to reach the stadium, and on matchdays, MARTA operates trains every five minutes.

MARTA has effectively operated as the transportation backbone for the FIFA World Cup in Atlanta, moving approximately 1.7 million passengers during the first two weeks of the tournament.

A single journey costs $2.50, making it one of the cheapest stadium trips at the tournament. Take either the Blue or Green Line to Vine City Station, which is only a short walk from the stadium. 

From Hartsfield-Jackson Airport, the Red and Gold Lines reach downtown in approximately 20 minutes.

Uber and Lyft

Rideshare services are a convenient choice for groups or anyone staying outside the city centre. Dedicated pick-up and drop-off zones will operate around the stadium, although heavy traffic and surge pricing should be expected before and after matches.

Driving and parking

Driving is not recommended unless absolutely necessary, as parking close to the stadium is expensive, with some official spaces costing close to $100 on matchdays. 

However, anyone planning to drive should reserve a parking space well in advance and allow plenty of extra travel time. The address for Atlanta Stadium is: 1 AMB Dr. NW, Atlanta, GA 30313.

Several official parking facilities surround the stadium. The Silver Deck, close to Gate 2, is one of the most convenient options, while the Red Deck, at the junction of Northside Drive and Ivan Allen Jr. Boulevard, also offers straightforward access.

The Orange Deck, near the south-east corner of the stadium, is particularly convenient for supporters arriving via Interstate 85 or Interstate 20, whereas the Green Deck on Northside Drive is best suited to those approaching from the west.

There are also several privately operated car parks within walking distance of the stadium. Facilities at 125 Ted Turner Drive NW and 110 Northside Drive NW are both popular choices, offering competitive prices and an easy walk to the ground.

Free on-street parking can occasionally be found in nearby areas, but supporters should always check local parking restrictions carefully before leaving their vehicle.

Where to stay near Atlanta Stadium

Accommodation ranges from luxury hotels beside the stadium to more affordable options a short MARTA journey away or within walking distance.

Within walking distance

Omni Atlanta Hotel at Centennial Park — A favourite with visiting supporters thanks to its location between Centennial Olympic Park and the stadium.

Signia by Hilton Atlanta — One of the closest hotels to Atlanta Stadium, featuring more than 30 televisions and the rooftop Nest on Four bar overlooking the venue.

Hyatt Place Atlanta/Centennial Park — A reliable mid-range option within easy walking distance of both the stadium and many of Atlanta's main attractions.

REVERB by Hard Rock Downtown Atlanta — Just a two-minute walk from Atlanta Stadium, this four-star hotel is one of the more affordable options within walking distance of the venue.

Hotel Phoenix Atlanta — Just a five-minute walk from Atlanta Stadium, Hotel Phoenix Atlanta is a more upmarket option for supporters who want to stay close to the action.

A short drive

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Atlanta Downtown — Around a 20-minute walk from Atlanta Stadium, this is a good-value option for supporters looking to stay in the city centre without paying premium prices.

Hotel Indigo Atlanta-Vinings — Located around a 20-minute drive from Atlanta Stadium, Hotel Indigo offers a quieter base away from the city centre.

Holiday Inn & Suites Atlanta Airport North — Approximately 15 minutes by car from Atlanta Stadium, this hotel is ideally placed for supporters arriving via Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.

Budget-friendly options

Embassy Suites by Hilton Atlanta at Centennial Olympic Park — Comfortable accommodation close to both the Fan Festival and Atlanta Stadium.

Midtown hotels — Staying in Midtown offers a wider choice of restaurants, bars and attractions, while MARTA provides a direct journey to the stadium in around 10 minutes.

Practical information for England supporters

Weather — Atlanta is typically hot and humid in June and July, with temperatures often reaching 30-35°C (86–95°F). Afternoon thunderstorms are common, although the stadium's retractable roof means matches are unlikely to be affected. However, light clothing and plenty of water are strongly recommended.

Bag policy — Only clear bags measuring up to 12 x 6 x 12 inches are permitted inside the stadium, while backpacks and large handbags are not allowed.

Payments — Atlanta Stadium is entirely cashless, with major debit and credit cards, along with mobile payment services, accepted throughout the venue. Cash-to-card machines are available at stadium entrances.

Food and drink — Atlanta Stadium has earned a reputation for offering some of the best-value refreshments in American sport. Hot dogs, pretzels and soft drinks typically cost between $2 and $5, making prices noticeably lower than many Premier League grounds.