Soccer Celebration Overview
Atlanta United has unveiled a sweeping Soccer Celebration that will run before, during and after the 2026 FIFA World Cup, turning the city into a hub of live match viewings, interactive exhibits and community gatherings.
The centerpiece will be a series of activations at Hartsfield‑Jackson Airport, where fans can explore a miniature replica of Mercedes‑Benz Stadium and wander through a Kit History Gallery that traces the club’s evolution since its MLS debut in 2017.
Beyond the terminal, the celebration will spill into neighborhoods such as The Battery, Buckhead, Little Five Points, Midtown, South Downtown and the West End, with pop‑up displays, art installations and family‑friendly activities designed to bring the sport to every corner of Atlanta.
International Matches and Community Reach
Club facilities will also serve as a staging ground for the Uzbekistan National Team and eight international fixtures between June 15 and July 15, giving local supporters a rare chance to see world‑class soccer on home soil.
In partnership with Michelob ULTRA, Papa Johns and Ticketmaster, the club is offering new fans a complimentary ticket to a home match, a promotion that underscores the team’s commitment to growing the game’s audience.
Arthur M. Blank, who acquired the franchise in 2018, and club executive Mike Ridley have overseen the planning, emphasizing that the initiative reflects a broader vision of connecting Atlanta’s diverse communities with the global soccer family.
The celebration also draws on collaborations with cultural institutions such as the National Center for Civil and Human Rights and Emory University’s Woodruff Library, where art exhibits will spotlight the club’s impact both on and off the pitch.
Since joining MLS in 2017, Atlanta United has quickly become a catalyst for soccer growth in the United States, culminating in a 2018 MLS Cup triumph in just its second season.