Things to Do in Georgia During FIFA World Cup 2026™
Explore these top cities and attractions throughout the state when you attend FIFA World Cup 2026™ soccer games in Atlanta, Georgia.
In summer 2026, Atlanta, Georgia, will host some of the most exciting days in sports: FIFA World Cup 2026™. Georgia loves its sports fans and hosts sporting events throughout the year, including six FIFA Club World Cup 2025™ matches last year, but these games are big. FIFA World Cup 2026™ will be the biggest sporting event in history, with 48 teams participating in 104 games across 16 cities in North America. Between June 15 – July 15, 2026, Atlanta will host eight matches, including five group stage matches, a round of 32 match, a round of 16 match, and a semifinal match – in Atlanta Stadium (known year-round as Mercedes-Benz Stadium).
While visiting Atlanta during the World Cup, give yourself time to get outside of the city and embark on outdoor adventures from the North Georgia mountains to the Georgia coast; discover live music, art, and culture at events and festivals; venture to museums and historic sites that bring Georgia’s past and contributions to our present to life; and experience the variety of professional and amateur sports in Georgia that give fans and athletes so much to cheer about. With easy day trips and weekend escapes in every direction, it’s simple to experience more while you’re here for World Cup games – and find a reason to come back.
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Outdoor adventures in Georgia
Hiking
Explore an endless variety of scenic hiking trails in the North Georgia mountains. Only 80 miles north of Atlanta, experience the excitement of starting a hike from the southern terminus of the Appalachian Trail, or hike to the top of 729-foot Amicalola Falls, the tallest waterfall in Georgia, for magnificent views of cascading water. Just a little farther north, trek to an overlook at Tallulah Gorge, the two-mile Grand Canyon of the East. Don’t miss the views from the top of Brasstown Bald, Georgia’s highest mountain, which offers 360-degree views of the Southern Appalachian Mountains and valleys.
Find more: 10 Georgia Hikes Locals Love
Rafting and kayaking
Cool off with a whitewater rafting trip on the Toccoa River in the North Georgia mountains or on the Chattahoochee River, which forms Georgia’s western border in Columbus. Paddle along the Flint River, one of 50 water trails in Georgia, to run the rapids south of Atlanta. Kayak waterways like the Altamaha River, located in the southeastern part of the state, for truly awe-inspiring scenery.
Find more: Great Places to Kayak in Georgia
Ropes courses and adventure parks
For those drawn to elevated obstacles, Georgia boasts a collection of exciting ropes courses and adventure parks that challenge body, mind, and spirit. One of the largest adventure parks in Georgia is Historic Banning Mills Resort in Whitesburg, which holds the Guinness World Record for the World’s Largest Zip Line Canopy Tour, with more than 100 zip lines totaling nearly 12 miles. At Nacoochee Adventures in Helen, you can zip through the trees for hours in the North Georgia forest, navigate rope bridges and obstacles on the challenge course, and free fall on a giant swing.
Find more: The Best Adrenaline-pumping Adventures in Georgia
Wildlife watching
Just over four hours from Atlanta, Georgia’s 100 miles of coastline and 15 barrier islands ensure great beaches, boating, and wildlife watching – from dolphins to sea turtles and hundreds of species of birds. Experience the captivating horses on Cumberland Island, and see alligators and other wildlife on a boat ride in the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge.
Events and festivals in Georgia
The top events in Georgia include fairs and festivals offering plenty of local food, music, culture, family fun, and more. You can enjoy a great atmosphere and pick up Georgia souvenirs, too.
Don’t miss these Georgia events and festivals happening in June and July:
- June 6-7: Georgia Mountain Scottish Festival & Highland Games in Hiawassee
- June 11-July 15 (on FIFA World Cup 2026™ match days): Georgia, the Whole Day Through in Atlanta
- June 19-21: Juneteenth Atlanta Parade & Music Festival
- June 26-28: AthFest Music & Arts Festival in Athens
- Independence Day: The Best 4th of July Celebrations in Georgia
- July 25: Bragg Jam Concert Crawl in Macon
Celebrate America’s 250th anniversary in Georgia at commemorative events throughout the state. From community festivals to art exhibits and parades to fireworks shows, you’ll find a variety of opportunities to mark the semiquincentennial at Georgia250.com.
Georgia history and culture
History buffs will find plenty to see and do in Georgia, including history and heritage museums, historic homes, tours, and trails. From inspirational stories of courage to awe-inspiring works of art, Georgia’s museums and historic sites take you on a journey through history, culture, and the seemingly infinite possibilities of human ingenuity.
Georgia is home to more than 60 Georgia State Parks and Historic Sites, spanning features like blackwater swamps, rugged Appalachian peaks, and ancient Native American cities. See artifacts, volunteers dressed in period costumes, battle re-enactments and more at Georgia’s historically significant sites.
Georgia sports and teams
From professional sports teams to amateur competitions and premier venues, Georgia hosts the world’s best athletes and sporting events year-round.
Soccer
Looking for more soccer in Georgia? Atlanta United will be on the road in July but will return to play at home in Mercedes-Benz Stadium in August. Atlanta United 2, the reserve team, will play several home games in June and July at Turner Soccer Complex at the University of Georgia in Athens. Matches are open to the public at no charge. And, don’t miss the excitement of Women’s Premier Soccer League team Decatur FC when they play at home in June in Decatur, just a 20-minute MARTA ride from Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Baseball
In June, July, and beyond, baseball fans have several chances to catch the Atlanta Braves playing at home at Truist Park, as well as Atlanta Braves minor league affiliates the Rome Emperors, the Gwinnett Stripers, the Columbus Clingstones, and the Augusta GreenJackets playing at their home stadiums. Join the fun at Macon Bacon home games, where nearly every game has a unique theme. Check the theme night schedule so you know what costume to wear!
Basketball
Check out the fast-paced action on the court at Gateway Center Arena in College Park as the Southeast’s only WNBA team, the Atlanta Dream, plays several games at home in June and July. Schedule highlights include three Commissioner’s Cup games, a matchup with the Indiana Fever, and an afternoon game on July 4 against the Golden State Valkyries.
Motorsports
Be here when NASCAR returns to Georgia for Atlanta’s Night Race weekend July 11-12, headlined by the Quaker State 400 Available at Walmart. Experience high-speed, intense NASCAR racing in Hampton at EchoPark Speedway as drivers race door-to-door with their sights set on Victory Lane and finish under the lights.
Running
An Atlanta (and Georgia) tradition is the world’s largest 10K race: the Northside Hospital Peachtree Road Race. It winds from Buckhead to Midtown every July 4. Runners can also participate virtually by running 6.2 miles wherever they choose. Even if you’re not up for the race itself, make a sign to cheer on the competitors!
Make yourself at home
Don’t miss out on all of the excitement this summer in Georgia! Start planning your trip now to fill your itinerary with things to do while you’re in Georgia. Follow Explore Georgia on Facebook and Instagram, and subscribe to our email newsletter to gather great ideas for your trip.
