The Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) announced that the 2026 World Cup will be played in North America, with games in the United States, Canada and Mexico. With that news also comes a possible opportunity for Atlanta to host a semifinal match, FIFA announced.

According to a city press release, the successful North American bid to host the World Cup recommended Atlanta as a potential site for a semifinal match as well as the international broadcast center.

“I am hopeful that our incredible Mercedes-Benz Stadium’s ability to accommodate the thousands of fans who will attend, and Atlanta’s undeniable and growing excitement about soccer, will ensure that we are offered the opportunity to once again host one of the world’s largest sporting events,” Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms said. 

With a widely popular Major League Soccer team and the newly built Mercedes-Benz Stadium, the city has a lot to offer as a potential host.

“Through the Olympics, soon to be three Super Bowls, five Final Fours and numerous other world-class sporting events, Atlanta has proven that we have what it takes to host the World Cup successfully,” Bottoms said.