The World Comes to Decatur in 2026

Decatur WatchFest '26 celebrates the FIFA World Cup during the summer of 2026

Yesterday in downtown Decatur, the Decatur WatchFest '26 was introduced. It will be a 34-day free soccer and music festival taking place alongside the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States. Atlanta's Mercedes-Benz Stadium will host eight matches during the tournament.

Photo: John Stephens, Decatur WatchFest '26

"You can be at the official FIFA Fan Fest and matches in Atlanta in less than 15 minutes," said Decatur Mayor Patti Garrett when speaking about the events on the Decatur Square which sits directly above the MARTA station. MARTA Chief of Staff Steven Parker said, "MARTA will be ready, both for the Club World Cup this summer and the World Cup next year." Parker added that there will be extra trains run before and after all Club World Cup matches this summer and the organization is building its service plans for the World Cup next summer. "Let MARTA drive you to the matches, to the activations, to the block parties, let MARTA drive you to Decatur WatchFest '26," said Parker.

While it is one county away from the matches themselves, DeKalb County is anxiously awaiting the World Cup and the potential impact it can bring to not just Decatur, but the rest of the county as well. "As one of Georgia's most diverse and vibrant counties, we are uniquely positioned to support the success of the World Cup," said DeKalb County CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson.

Decatur has long been a soccer hotbed in the metro Atlanta area, and last summer's successful launch of WPSL club Decatur FC adds to the city's credentials. The club set attendance records for the league in its first year and was named the WPSL Franchise of the Year. In addition, new fields have been added and existing fields renovating throughout the community.

Decatur FC owner Gareth O'Sullivan said about Decatur WatchFest '26, "It isn't just a viewing party, it's a reflection of who we are, a city that shows up and stands together. From our parks to our patios, our schools to our streets, soccer lives here."