The biggest football matches ever held at Mercedes-Benz Stadium ahead of first World Cup knockout bow

Since opening in 2017, Mercedes-Benz Stadium has established itself as one of North America's premier football venues.

The futuristic Atlanta arena has hosted MLS record crowds, major international tournaments, Lionel Messi, and some of the biggest club fixtures ever played on American soil. In less than a decade, it has become a regular stop for football's biggest occasions.

Its role will grow again during the 2026 World Cup. After making its tournament debut in the group stage, Mercedes-Benz Stadium will stage its first World Cup knockout match as England face DR Congo, before potentially welcoming defending champions Argentina in the Round of 16.

Before the knockout rounds begin, FootballGroundGuide looks back at five of the biggest football matches ever played at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

Atlanta United 3-0 FC Dallas (MLS, 2017)

Mercedes-Benz Stadium's football story began in perfect fashion.

Atlanta United marked their long-awaited move into their new home with a convincing 3-0 victory over FC Dallas, as Josef Martinez, Leandro Gonzalez Pirez and Greg Garza all found the net. More important than the result, however, was the atmosphere.

The 45,314 crowd immediately demonstrated that Atlanta possessed one of the most passionate football fan bases in the United States, laying the foundations for the stadium's reputation as one of MLS's premier venues.

Atlanta United 3-1 D.C. United (MLS, 2018)

Less than a year later, Mercedes-Benz Stadium was making league history.

A crowd of 72,035 packed into the stadium as Atlanta United defeated D.C. United, setting a new MLS attendance record at the time. Josef Martinez, Miguel Almiron and Hector Villalba sealed the victory, but the significance stretched far beyond the result.

The occasion became a landmark moment for MLS, proving the league could consistently attract crowds usually associated with Europe's biggest clubs.

Argentina 2-0 Canada (2024 Copa America)

Mercedes-Benz Stadium welcomed the footballing world as it hosted the opening match of the 2024 Copa America.

Lionel Messi led reigning world champions Argentina to victory over Canada before more than 70,000 spectators, giving the tournament an appropriately high-profile start.

While Lionel Scaloni later criticised the temporary grass surface, the occasion reinforced Atlanta's growing reputation as a trusted host for elite international football.

Paris Saint-Germain 2-0 Bayern Munich (2025 FIFA Club World Cup)

The expanded 2025 FIFA Club World Cup brought one of Europe's glamour fixtures to Atlanta.

A crowd of 66,937 saw Paris Saint-Germain defeat Bayern Munich to reach the semi-finals thanks to goals from Desire Doue and Ousmane Dembele, despite ending the match with nine players.

Although Jamal Musiala's serious ankle injury cast a shadow over proceedings, the quarter-final showcased the calibre of club football now regularly heading to Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

Spain 0-0 Cape Verde (2026 FIFA World Cup)

Mercedes-Benz Stadium's first World Cup match produced one of the tournament's earliest surprises.

Tournament favourites Spain dominated possession but were unable to break down World Cup debutants Cape Verde, whose disciplined defending and inspired goalkeeper Vozinha secured a famous goalless draw in front of 67,640.

It was an unforgettable introduction to football's biggest tournament and another landmark occasion in the stadium's growing history.

Mercedes-Benz Stadium's football story is only just beginning

In fewer than ten years, Mercedes-Benz Stadium has hosted MLS record crowds, Copa America openers, Club World Cup knockout ties and now World Cup football.

England's knockout clash with DR Congo represents another milestone, with the venue preparing to stage its first World Cup knockout match.

Given the calibre of events already held in Atlanta, it is unlikely to be the last memorable chapter in the stadium's footballing history.