World Cup 2026: Key Matches Likely In Atlanta

ATLANTA, GA — Some of the most crucial matches in the 2026 World Cup are likely to be played in Atlanta.

Soccer fans woke up Wednesday to news that a joint bid by the United States, Canada and Mexico had won the right to host the wildly popular tournament eight years from now.

The so-called United Bid by the three North American countries beat out a bid by Morocco to host the games. Click here to see how the 134-65 vote played out at the 68th FIFA Congress ahead of the start of the 2018 World Cup in Russia on Thursday.

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While not binding, the bid by North America listed Atlanta as a crucial hub for the tournament. The bid proposed that Atlanta and Dallas could host the tournament's two semifinal matches. Atlanta's matches would be held at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, where the MLS's Atlanta United FC play.

The bid also said that one of those two cities could act as an international broadcast center for the entire tournament. As the home to CNN, arguably the world's most global news network, Atlanta seems a logical choice for that duty.

The 2026 World Cup will have 48 teams playing a total of 80 games — 60 will be played in the United States. and 10 each in Canada and Mexico.

Atlanta also could host some earlier-round games in the tournament. The North American "bid book" listed 23 cities in the U.S., Canada and Mexico, including Atlanta, that could host matches. That number will be cut down to 16 by 2021.

An economic analysis by a Boston consulting firm estimates that host cities for the games could reap benefits of up to $500 million for doing so.

"Working to bring the World Cup to Atlanta," Atlanta United FC posted on Twitter Tuesday morning.

"The 2026 World Cup is coming to North America – and a key part of it perhaps to Atlanta!" the city tweeted from its official account.

Photo courtesy Atlanta United FC