The World Cup is coming to Atlanta. Small businesses hope it pays off.

The World Cup is coming to Atlanta, presenting a potential economic boost for small businesses along Edgewood Avenue and the city’s Sweet Auburn corridor. Atlanta hosts eight matches from June 15 through July 15, 2026, with about 65,000 spectators per game and an estimated 520,000 attendees across all eight games. Cyrei Daniel, owner of Sweet Me Good bakery on Edgewood, pursued grants and vendor opportunities ahead of the tournament and received two. Brand activations near Mercedes‑Benz Stadium and a new on‑site clinic concept by CollabMD Direct Primary Care target international visitors, with language support and same‑day appointments. Ona Utuama’s Tribal Eyes eyewear brand, carried in Nordstrom and Bloomingdale’s, plans to vend during the first qualifier window (June 15–27) and projects $50,000 to $90,000 in World Cup revenue across her ventures. Marriott Marquis and Hartsfield‑Jackson airport are exploring on‑site clinic options, highlighting public‑private collaboration as a pathway to neighborhood benefit.