With the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaching in less than 150 days, Atlanta is accelerating preparations at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, starting with the installation of a natural grass field on January 31. Stadium officials detailed the transformation process, including turf removal and branding coverups, during a recent host committee update. Fulton County anticipates over 300,000 visitors and a significant economic boost from the eight matches hosted in the city.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted across 16 cities in North America, will bring eight matches to Atlanta from June 15 to July 15, including a semifinal on July 15. Mercedes-Benz Stadium, the venue for these games, began transforming its surface on January 31 by removing the artificial turf to install a natural sod field grown in Colorado. The grass includes a synthetic component for stability, as explained by Adam Fullerton, vice president of stadium operations.
"Our playing surface is the biggest project that we have," Fullerton said during a January 16 press conference hosted by the Atlanta World Cup Host Committee. The stadium has been preparing for two years, testing grass mixtures with growing labs. Atlanta United will play eight home matches on the new surface, followed by U.S. Men's National Team friendlies against Portugal and Belgium in March. Crews will then install an exclusive FIFA grass surface in the coming months to test systems ahead of the tournament.
FIFA's "clean site principle" requires covering over 2,000 brand logos inside and outside the stadium, including the Mercedes-Benz emblem on the retractable roof. Additional upgrades include improvements to audio systems, field lighting, and wireless capabilities. Fullerton emphasized the stadium's design for major events: "This stadium was designed to host these types of events."
Fulton County received an update on January 7 about public safety and economic impacts, expecting more than 300,000 visitors and a statewide $500 million boost. The county is coordinating with neighboring areas for viewing parties and community engagement, while debating a $1 million advertising request for the "Experience Fulton" campaign. Commissioner Marvin Arrington Jr. questioned the spend, noting visitors are already arriving.
The Atlanta Host Committee, led by figures like Dan Corso and Dietmar Exler, highlighted community collaboration and preparations for fan festivals at Centennial Olympic Park. MARTA is enhancing transit with tap-to-pay options and volunteers at stations. Corso affirmed Atlanta's readiness: "We’re an international city. We’re easy to get to and easy to work with."
Stadium concessions will prioritize local brands where possible, though some FIFA partnerships may adjust menus. The tournament underscores Atlanta's soccer growth since Atlanta United's 2017 debut and 2018 MLS Cup win.
