Atlanta is set to become one of the top destinations for soccer fans during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, according to a new study that ranked the city among the best U.S. host locations for overall fan experience.
The study, released by Action Network, placed Atlanta second among American host cities and fifth overall across all World Cup venues in North America. The study reviewed all 16 host cities using factors such as transportation access, affordability, stadium atmosphere, safety, walkability and hotel availability.
Atlanta scored especially high for convenience and accessibility. As per the Action Network research study, fans can travel from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport to Mercedes-Benz Stadium in just 27 minutes, the shortest airport-to-stadium travel time among all host cities included in the study.
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The city also received a walkability score of 79 out of 100, ranking near the top among U.S. destinations. According to the study, Atlanta’s downtown setup, along with restaurants, bars and entertainment options near the stadium, could help create a smoother experience for visiting supporters.
“For traveling fans, the game itself is only 90 minutes, but everything around it can define the entire trip,” an Action Network spokesperson said.
The spokesperson added that Atlanta’s strong transportation network and compact stadium district helped separate it from many other host cities.
“For fans flying in for the World Cup, that short journey to Mercedes-Benz Stadium could make a real difference,” the spokesperson said. “When you combine accessibility, atmosphere, hotel access and the wider matchday experience, Atlanta looks well placed to offer supporters one of the smoother trips among U.S. host cities.”
In terms of atmosphere, Atlanta recorded 6.26 nearby bars per square mile around Mercedes-Benz Stadium, giving visitors a wide range of pregame and postgame gathering spots. Even the city’s strong soccer culture, with 26.22 soccer fields per 100,000 residents, one of the highest totals among the leading U.S. host cities, makes it preferable for the fans.
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Atlanta also stood out for affordability compared to some larger markets. The average meal price near the stadium was listed at $25, while the average beer price was $6.50, lower than cities such as Seattle and Los Angeles, where beer prices averaged $8.
On safety and weather, Atlanta received a safety score of 35.86 and had an estimated average matchday temperature of 87.6 degrees Fahrenheit, making it one of the warmer host cities expected during the tournament.
Hotel access was another factor included in the rankings. Atlanta recorded a nearby hotel density score of 1.7 places per square mile around the stadium area, giving traveling fans several accommodation options within reach of downtown attractions and match venues.
Overall, the study said Atlanta’s combination of fast transportation access, strong walkability, active nightlife and soccer infrastructure makes it one of the most fan-friendly World Cup destinations in the United States ahead of the 2026 tournament.
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Atlanta is set to host eight matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including a semifinal at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The city is set to attract large crowds from around the world as preparations continue for the tournament.
The Action Network study measured cities across five main categories: accessibility, cost, atmosphere, safety and weather, and hotel access. Seattle finished first among U.S. host cities, while Los Angeles ranked third behind Atlanta.
It is also noted that cities with strong public transit, walkable entertainment districts and nearby hotels performed better overall in the rankings.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup, hosted jointly by the United States, Canada and Mexico, is expected to be the largest tournament in FIFA history and draw millions of international visitors across North America.