The Mercedes-Benz Stadium will be hosting eight matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, starting on June 15th and ending on July 15th. It’s anticipated that these events will draw in huge crowds and a substantial international audience. With teams from Spain, Uzbekistan, Saudi Arabia, and many other countries coming to Atlanta, these games will bring excitement to the city’s diverse international communities.
You may have noticed by the uptick in road construction and cleaning crews that Atlanta has been preparing for the influx for weeks now. The city is currently expanding and upgrading public transportation, investing in public safety, and planning community engagement events, such as the Fan Festival, a 16-day event at Centennial Olympic Park.
Though these events are very exciting for our city, it is still crucial to exercise caution and stay safe, especially if you’re planning on traveling during the games.
If You Are On The Road
Atlanta is expecting over half a million visitors during the World Cup games. The Atlanta Sports Council has warned that this year’s games are expected to be the biggest World Cup in World Cup history. In turn you can expect this to undoubtedly affect our already slow traffic patterns.
Now, traffic will not be isolated to only game days. The teams will be traveling from Buckhead to Downtown and all the training centers around the city. World leaders and celebrities will also be receiving police escorts that may slow traffic.
To avoid crowds and delays, be sure to plan! Make sure you’re leaving your homes with plenty of extra time from June 15th to July 15th, but especially on game days. Certain roads may be closed or blocked, especially in downtown areas. You can also expect parking prices around the city to be extremely inflated.
- Atlanta World Cup Game days:
- June 15: Spain vs. Cabo Verde
- June 18: South Africa vs. Czechia
- June 21: Spain vs. Saudi Arabia
- June 24: Morocco vs. Haiti
- June 27: Uzbekistan vs. Congo DR
- July 1: Elimination round
- July 7: Elimination round
- July 15: Semi-Finals
If you normally commute through Downtown, Five Points, Vine City, College Park, or near the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, plan an alternate route or expect significant traffic and detours on match days. Prices on ridesharing apps like Uber, Lyft, and Waymo will surge heavily, so that may not be a great alternative for most residents.
If you can, we encourage drivers to begin carpooling to take advantage of carpool lanes, as well as utilizing the Atlanta MARTA subway system.
What To Expect
Atlanta has been preparing for these events for years. The city has spent millions on infrastructure projects to make public transit and emergency response times more efficient. The city is recommending MARTA as the best way to get around the city on game days.
MARTA will be deploying MARTA subway cars every 5 minutes on match days. Brand new shuttles will be allocated from the airport directly to downtown. If you are attending a match or need to go downtown during game days, the cheapest, safest, and quickest way to get to your destination is to park at a suburban MARTA station (Sandy Springs, Dunwoody, North Springs) and ride into the city on a MARTA train.
The Atlanta airport is already the busiest airport in the world, and during these events, the airport and the surrounding areas are going to be significantly more crowded. Local businesses will also experience a surge in visitors. Wait times should be expected to increase all around the city, which is great for the city and local businesses, but be sure to plan!
Uber, Lyft, Waymo Safety during The World Cup
Taking a ride-hailing service to the games is highly discouraged. Do not count on ride-hailing to get you to where you need to be promptly. There will be massive traffic congestion near the stadium, severe “surge” pricing, and long waits. During drop-off/pick-up, rideshares will have their own designated area half a mile from the stadium, which will be monitored and directed by safety officers to keep things moving.
With the massive influx of Ubers, Lyfts, and Waymos on the road, the number of accidents on the road will undoubtedly increase dramatically.
If you’re in an accident in an Uber, Lyft, or Waymo:
- Call 911.
- Take note of the ride details.
- Driver’s name.
- License plate number.
- Ride ID.
- Take photos of the scene.
- Report in the app.
- Do not give recorded statements.
- Seek medical attention.
- Contact Jones & Swanson for a FREE consultation to see if you’re eligible for compensation.
If You Are Going To the World Cup in Atlanta
- Stay safe by staying sober! Do not get behind the wheel if you have had anything to drink before or at the games.
- Utilize ride-sharing services in the event you can no longer drive yourself, and do not have a designated driver.
- Utilize services like SafeRide America. SafeRide America is an Atlanta-based, non-profit rideshare business that provides services that take care of you and your vehicle when you’re unable to drive.
- Parking near the stadium will be limited, and prices will be inflated.
- It is recommended to park at MARTA stations instead and ride the subway to the stadium.
- While prices are also inflated, keep in mind Uber, Lyft, and Waymo will have a designated drop-off/pick-up area half a mile from the stadium. Plan for the walk.
- MARTA will be the best way to get to and from the stadium.
- Know that there will be plenty of safety officers, MARTA ambassadors, and security personnel to keep things running smoothly.
- If you are injured in an accident on route to or from the games, seek medical attention, then contact Jones & Swanson for a FREE consultation!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is the best way to get around during the Atlanta World Cup?
MARTA. The MARTA transit system will be closely monitored to ensure efficiency. On match days, a subway car will be deployed every 5 minutes. It will also be the cheapest option at only $2.50 for a one-way ticket.
How can I celebrate the World Cup if I don’t have tickets?
Centennial Olympic Park is hosting an 18-day-long FIFA Fan Festival! The park is celebrating 30 years since it was built for the 1996 Summer Olympics by throwing a high-energy celebration with FIFA viewing parties, live music, and special guest appearances. General admission passes are free, and international food and beverages are available for purchase!
What to do if I get into an accident during World Cup traffic?
- Prepare ahead by carrying a first aid/safety kit in the event of a crash.
- Because of the overcrowded roads, it may take EMS longer to arrive at the scene.
- If your car is still drivable, move it out of the flow of traffic.
- Call 911 immediately, even if the accident is minor.
- Take photos of everything, jot down parties involved, witnesses, and insurance information.
- Get a police report number before leaving the scene.
- If you are injured in the accident during the World Cup, call Jones & Swanson for a FREE consultation to see if you are eligible for compensation.
Jones & Swanson Is A Georgia-based Personal Injury Attorney. If You Have Any Questions, call Jones & Swanson For A Free Consultation or Contact Us On Awjlaw.com. We have Decades Of Combined Experience Representing Individuals In Accidents. We Are More Than Happy To Answer Any Questions You May Have.
Categories: Auto Accidents, Car Accident, Defensive Driving, FAQ, Motorcycle Accident, Pedestrian Accident, Personal Injury, Safety Tips, Summer Safety
