Aerial tour: How downtown Atlanta is prepped for 2026 FIFA World CupJosh GreenThu, 06/11/2026 - 15:37After four years of planning, hype, and seismic expectations, it’s here. With 2026 FIFA World Cup matches now underway, Atlanta’s official FIFA FAN FESTIVAL™ has kicked off at Centennial Olympic Park as the centerpiece of downtown gathering points. Blocks away, business openings have begun in South Downtown, Centennial Yards’ “Rise ATL” pop-up has kicked off, and Underground Atlanta’s soccer-themed blowout is scheduled to launch Friday, among other happenings. CNN Center’s reincarnation as The CTR also recently opened.  Mercedes-Benz Stadium (“Atlanta Stadium” for the next month) is sporting FIFA branding. Note the massive Mercedes emblem is still visible atop the retractable roof. Urbanize AtlantaFIFA FAN FESTIVAL™ in relation to the core of downtown (right) and Midtown in the distance. Urbanize AtlantaMeanwhile, Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens and Showcase Atlanta announced today that a summer of free programming is going to culminate with a live screening of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final in Piedmont Park on July 19—alongside a free, full concert from Atlanta’s own Ludacris and other local artists, as produced by ONE Musicfest. For now, the main thrust of city-backed World Cup action is downtown (and in Decatur). Head up to the gallery for our latest installment of Aerial Tours over Atlanta for a closer look.  **…**Follow us on social media:Twitter / Facebook/and now: Instagram  • Downtown news, discussion (Urbanize Atlanta)TagsCentennial YardsCentennial Olympic ParkGulchAtlanta ParksDowntown AtlantaFIFA World Cup 2026FIFA World CupAtlanta World Cup EventsWorld Cup in AtlantaONE MusicfestLudacrisAndre DickensMayor Andre DickensUnion Fit Hubrunningnerdsaerial toursImagesBroad view Wednesday over Centennial Olympic Park, where Atlanta’s official FIFA FAN FESTIVAL™ begins today. Urbanize AtlantaMercedes-Benz Stadium (“Atlanta Stadium” for the next month) is sporting FIFA branding. Note the massive Mercedes emblem is still visible atop the retractable roof. Urbanize AtlantaWhere the festival’s main viewing and performance stage (top) is located in the park. Urbanize AtlantaWhere World Cup preparations are underway at Underground Atlanta, as MARTA’s demolition of Five Points station continues. Urbanize AtlantaVillage setup in The Home Depot Backyard, just north of Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Urbanize AtlantaBarriers have been removed this week between Centennial Olympic Park Drive and Centennial Yards’ Entertainment District, where a multi-block “Rise ATL” pop-up kicks off today. Urbanize AtlantaFIFA FAN FESTIVAL™ in relation to the core of downtown (right) and Midtown in the distance. Urbanize AtlantaTowering new signage at The CTR, a food-and-beverage hub made from the former CNN Center, which recently debuted for World Cup festivities.Urbanize AtlantaUrbanize AtlantaUrbanize AtlantaUrbanize AtlantaUrbanize AtlantaUrbanize AtlantaUrbanize AtlantaWelcome, world, to Atlanta. Urbanize AtlantaSubtitleElsewhere, city announces free concert with Ludacris, more in Piedmont Park for Finals matchNeighborhoodDowntownBackground ImageImageBefore/After ImagesSponsored PostOff

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