World Cup by the numbers. A look back at what it meant to Atlanta

The Atlanta leg of the FIFA 2026 World Cup added up to a significant final chapter for the city and its venues, with the tournament officially ending after more than 100 matches. For Atlanta, the event drew global fans to Mercedes-Benz Stadium and Centennial Park for eight matches, one of the most by any host city. The article ties the World Cup’s arrival to the city’s sports history, noting it came about 30 years after Atlanta hosted the 1996 Summer Olympics, with Olympic infrastructure, statues and emblems still present. Spain also began its campaign in Atlanta, playing Cape Verde in its first-ever match in the city, helping launch the side’s undefeated run. FIFA data cited 544,516 fans attending matches in Atlanta this summer, while around 500,000 people visited the Fan Festival in Centennial Park. More than 2.5 million riders used MARTA, a 200% increase, despite pre-tournament concerns about delays and security incidents, though no major safety issues were reported.