ATLANTA — It may trip up native Atlantans but the renowned Mercedes-Benz Stadium will no longer be the advertised name when soccer lovers trek down to the city in two years. Instead, it will be known as Atlanta Stadium during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, according to the stadium's spokesperson.
This is because FIFA has a regulation prohibiting corporate sponsors in the name of the venue where the World Cup will be held. Therefore, it will only be referred to as Atlanta Stadium.
This is the same across all venues for the tournament and is not solely for Atlanta. The city was selected to be a host for the 2026 World Cup back in June 2022, but the full schedule was released over the weekend.
Atlantans learned the city will have the second most World Cup matches in North America with eight -- only trailing Dallas.
Soccer fans in The A can expect five group-stage matches. However, The United States Men's National Team will not play in a group stage match in the city as those will take place in Los Angeles and Seattle. But, if the USMNT advances out of the group stage and into the knockout rounds, fans could see them here.
Below are the dates for the group stage and knockout games at Atlanta Stadium:
- June 15, 2026 (Group stage)
- June 18, 2026 (Group stage)
- June 21, 2026 (Group stage)
- June 24, 2026 (Group stage)
- June 27, 2026 (Group stage)
- July 1, 2026 (Round of 32)
- July 7, 2026 (Round of 16)
- July 15, 2026 (Semifinal)
According to data collected by AMB Sports and Entertainment, it's estimated the World Cup will generate $415 million in revenue for Atlanta.
The Mercedes-Benz Stadium is in the heart of the city. It replaced the Georgia Dome and opened in 2017. Since then, Atlantans have commonly referred to the multi-purpose facility as The Benz or MBS.