Record Crowds Gather for FIFA Fan Festival
The FIFA Fan Festival in Atlanta has become a magnet for soccer enthusiasts, drawing an unprecedented 275,000 visitors over the past ten days – the largest attendance of any U.S. host city during the tournament.
Fans have been arriving hours before the gates open, eager to snag limited‑edition giveaways such as the Bank of America charm bracelets, while the buzz of chants and flags creates a vibrant atmosphere along the streets.
The centerpiece of the festival will be the upcoming World Cup match between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uzbekistan, scheduled to kick off at 7:30 p.m. local time. This contest marks Atlanta’s fifth World Cup appearance and serves as the final group‑stage fixture for the city.
For those without tickets, the festival grounds feature large outdoor screens that broadcast the match live, and a secondary viewing area at Atlantic Station offers a similar experience, though the main screen there powers down at 10 p.m., with nearby restaurants continuing the coverage.
The event also reflects the global reach of the tournament, exemplified by a French supporter who attended to cheer for both France and the Congolese side, underscoring the diverse fan base that converges in Atlanta.
The festival will remain open from 1 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Friday, offering live match broadcasts, entertainment acts and a chance for visitors to soak up the World Cup excitement before the final whistle.