FIFA to announce 2026 World Cup host cities today and Atlanta likes its chances

ATLANTA — The 2026 FIFA World Cup is still four years away, but fans will finally learn which cities will host the games.

FIFA will unveil 16 host cities Thursday night and Atlanta is considered high on their list.

FIFA awarded the 2026 World Cup to a co-bid submitted by the United States, Mexico and Canada. Ten cities in the U.S., three in Canada and three in Mexico will be selected as hosts. All of the quarterfinals, semifinals and the World Cup final will be played in the U.S.

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Atlanta has grown into one of the hottest soccer cities in the world. Atlanta United’s success has shown that the city not only loves soccer, but the crowds have smashed attendance records since the team started.

Channel 2 Action News tagged along with FIFA back in September as officials toured the city and Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

The city applied in hopes to land a semifinal match or the World Cup Final. The games would be played at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

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Atlanta is no stranger to hosting large-scale sporting events.

In addition to hosting the historic 1996 Centennial Olympic Games, the city has hosted three Super Bowl games, four NCAA Men’s Final Four tournaments and the SEC Championship game every year since 1994.

Atlanta United’s success has shown that the city not only loves soccer, but the crowds have smashed attendance records since the team started.

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Atlanta is in the running to possibly host the 2026 World Cup World Cup

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