When I think about the FIFA World Cup 2026, Mercedes-Benz Stadium stands out as one of the most impressive venues set to host this global sporting spectacle. Located in the heart of Atlanta, Georgia, this architectural marvel will welcome soccer fans from around the world for eight exciting matches, including a coveted semi-final game.
Today, I’m sharing everything you need to know about this stadium’s capacity, location, and the lasting legacy it will create through the World Cup.
Discovering Mercedes-Benz Stadium: A Modern Marvel in Atlanta
Mercedes-Benz Stadium sits proudly in downtown Atlanta at 1 AMB Drive Northwest. This state-of-the-art facility opened its doors on August 26, 2017, replacing the Georgia Dome as the home of the Atlanta Falcons NFL team and Atlanta United FC soccer club.
The construction of this magnificent stadium came with a price tag of US$1.6 billion, making it one of the most expensive sports venues ever built in the United States.
The stadium is owned by the state of Georgia through the Georgia World Congress Center Authority but is operated by AMB Group, the parent organization of both the Falcons and Atlanta United.
Since its opening, Mercedes-Benz Stadium has quickly established itself as one of the premier sports and entertainment venues in North America, hosting numerous high-profile events including Super Bowl LIII in 2019 and multiple matches during the 2024 Copa America tournament.
For the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the stadium will temporarily be renamed “Atlanta Stadium” in accordance with FIFA’s policy on corporate sponsored names. This policy ensures that venue names do not promote specific commercial brands unrelated to the tournament’s official sponsors.
Inside the Stadium: Capacity and Seating Experience
One of the most impressive aspects of Mercedes-Benz Stadium is its versatile seating capacity. For regular NFL games, the stadium accommodates approximately 71,000 fans, but it can expand to hold up to 75,000 spectators for special events like the Super Bowl or World Cup matches.
For soccer matches, the standard configuration offers 42,500 seats, but this can be expanded to match the full football capacity when needed.
The stadium has already demonstrated its ability to host massive soccer crowds. During the 2018 MLS Cup final between Atlanta United and the Portland Timbers, a record-breaking 73,019 fans packed the venue, setting a new attendance record for Major League Soccer.
This impressive turnout showcases the stadium’s capability to accommodate the large crowds expected during the World Cup.
Beyond just quantity, Mercedes-Benz Stadium offers quality seating experiences for all types of fans. The venue features 190 executive suites and approximately 7,500 club seats for those seeking premium experiences. These luxury options provide enhanced amenities, better sightlines, and exclusive access to various clubs and lounges throughout the stadium.
For regular attendees, the stadium offers surprisingly comfortable seating throughout. According to Camatic senior vice president Ken Griffiths, the general admission seats at Mercedes-Benz Stadium are installed at generous center-to-center spacings. “Normally general admission seats are squeezed in at 19 inches.
The majority of these seats are 20 inches. It’s a little extra comfort, but it makes a difference”. This attention to detail ensures that all World Cup attendees will enjoy a comfortable viewing experience regardless of ticket type.
Design and Features
Mercedes-Benz Stadium stands out among sports venues for its revolutionary design and cutting-edge features. The most distinctive element is undoubtedly its retractable roof, which resembles a pinwheel or falcon’s wings (a nod to the Atlanta Falcons).
This engineering marvel consists of eight triangular panels that can open or close in just ten minutes, allowing the stadium to quickly adapt to changing weather conditions.
The stadium’s centerpiece is its awe-inspiring 360-degree “Halo” video board. This circular screen measures 1,100 feet in circumference and 58 feet in height, providing 63,800 square feet of display area.
Unlike traditional rectangular scoreboards, this halo-shaped screen encircles the opening of the retractable roof, ensuring that every seat in the house has a clear view of the action replays and game information.
Another unique architectural feature is the “Window to the City” – a floor-to-ceiling glass wall on the stadium’s east end that offers spectacular views of downtown Atlanta’s skyline. This design element not only brings natural light into the venue but also creates a connection between the events inside and the vibrant city outside.
Mercedes-Benz Stadium also leads the way in sustainability. It was the first professional sports stadium in the United States to achieve LEED Platinum certification, the highest recognition for environmentally friendly construction practices.
The facility incorporates numerous green features, including water conservation systems that reduce consumption by 40%, solar panels for renewable energy generation, and advanced waste management programs.
Mercedes-Benz Stadium’s World Cup 2026 Schedule
As one of the 11 United States venues selected to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Mercedes-Benz Stadium will be at the center of global attention during the tournament. The stadium is scheduled to host a total of eight matches throughout the competition, making it one of the most utilized venues of the tournament.
The World Cup action at Mercedes-Benz Stadium will begin with five group stage matches on June 15, 18, 21, 24, and 27, 2026. As the tournament progresses, the stadium will host a Round of 32 match on July 1, followed by a Round of 16 game on July 7. The highlight of the schedule will undoubtedly be the semifinal match on July 15, which will determine one of the finalists for soccer’s most prestigious trophy.
This isn’t the first time Mercedes-Benz Stadium has hosted international soccer competitions. The venue successfully hosted matches during the 2024 Copa America, including the tournament’s opening game between Argentina and Canada, providing valuable experience for organizing high-profile international soccer events.
The World Cup matches at Mercedes-Benz Stadium are expected to draw capacity crowds, with fans traveling from across the globe to witness the action. The semifinal match, in particular, will likely see intense demand for tickets, as it represents one of the final steps on the road to crowning a world champion.
Preparations for the World Cup: Stadium Upgrades and Changes
To prepare for hosting World Cup matches, Mercedes-Benz Stadium will undergo several significant upgrades in the lead-up to the 2026 tournament. These improvements are part of a planned $200 million investment to enhance the venue over the next few years.
One of the most important changes will be the installation of a new playing surface. Like other World Cup venues with artificial turf, Mercedes-Benz Stadium will need to replace its FieldTurf CORE surface with natural grass to comply with FIFA regulations. This conversion represents a substantial undertaking, but it’s essential for meeting the international governing body’s standards for World Cup play.
Beyond the playing surface, the stadium will likely see upgrades to its facilities, technology infrastructure, and security systems. These improvements will ensure that Mercedes-Benz Stadium not only meets but exceeds FIFA’s detailed requirements for hosting such a prestigious global event.
The preparations will be conducted in phases, with the final modifications completed shortly before the tournament begins in June 2026. Stadium officials have extensive experience hosting major events, from the Super Bowl to college football championships, providing confidence that the venue will be fully ready to showcase the beautiful game on the world stage.
Transportation and Access to Mercedes-Benz Stadium
For visitors planning to attend World Cup matches at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in 2026, understanding the transportation options will be essential for a smooth experience. The stadium benefits from an excellent location in downtown Atlanta with multiple access points.
Public transportation offers perhaps the most convenient way to reach the stadium. The venue is served by two MARTA rail stations: Vine City and GWCC/CNN Center. These stations connect directly to Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, making it relatively easy for international visitors to reach the stadium without renting a vehicle.
For those who prefer to drive, Mercedes-Benz Stadium offers ample parking options. There are more than 20,000 parking spots available within a 20-minute walk of the facility. Stadium officials strongly recommend pre-purchasing parking passes, as spots typically sell out before major events.
For the 2025 season, the stadium has partnered with ParkHub for parking reservations, a system that will likely remain in place for the World Cup.
Rideshare services provide another convenient option for reaching the stadium. Designated pickup and drop-off areas are located around the venue to facilitate smooth arrivals and departures.
When entering the stadium, visitors should be aware of the clear bag policy. For quickest entry, officials recommend not bringing a bag at all. If necessary, bags must be clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC and cannot exceed 12″ x 6″ x 12″ in size.
Small non-clear bags measuring no more than 4.5″ x 6.5″ are also permitted. These security measures help ensure a safe environment for all attendees.
FAQs
1. What is the capacity of Mercedes-Benz Stadium for World Cup matches?
Mercedes-Benz Stadium has a capacity of 71,000 for soccer matches, which can be expanded to 75,000 for special events like World Cup games.
2. How many World Cup matches will Mercedes-Benz Stadium host in 2026?
The stadium will host eight matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup: five group stage matches, one Round of 32 match, one Round of 16 match, and one semifinal match.
3. Will Mercedes-Benz Stadium change its name during the World Cup?
Yes, the stadium will be temporarily renamed “Atlanta Stadium” during the World Cup to comply with FIFA’s regulations on corporate sponsorship.
4. What transportation options are available to reach Mercedes-Benz Stadium?
Visitors can access the stadium via MARTA public transit (Vine City and GWCC/CNN Center stations), personal vehicles with pre-purchased parking, or rideshare services.
5. What other major events has Mercedes-Benz Stadium hosted?
The stadium has hosted Super Bowl LIII in 2019, the MLS Cup, Copa America matches, and various college football games including the Peach Bowl and College Football Playoff games.
6. What special features make Mercedes-Benz Stadium unique?
The stadium features a retractable roof with eight triangular panels, a 360-degree halo-shaped video board, and floor-to-ceiling windows offering views of the Atlanta skyline.
7. Who owns and operates Mercedes-Benz Stadium?
The stadium is owned by the state of Georgia through the Georgia World Congress Center Authority and operated by AMB Group, the parent organization of the Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta United FC.
8. What upgrades will Mercedes-Benz Stadium undergo before the World Cup?
The stadium will receive approximately $200 million in upgrades, including replacing the artificial turf with natural grass to comply with FIFA regulations.
9. When did Mercedes-Benz Stadium open?
Mercedes-Benz Stadium opened on August 26, 2017, replacing the Georgia Dome as the home of the Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta United FC.
10. What is the bag policy for Mercedes-Benz Stadium events?
The stadium enforces a clear bag policy. Bags must be clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC and cannot exceed 12″ x 6″ x 12″ in size. Small non-clear bags measuring no more than 4.5″ x 6.5″ are also permitted.
