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Fan Fest kicks off Atlanta's World Cup events
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Atlanta's FIFA Fan Festival officially opened Thursday in Centennial Olympic Park. Thousands of soccer fans turned out for the downtown Atlanta event.
The free venue promises concerts, activities and watch parties as the city hosts eight matches in the World Cup.
Fans gathered Thursday to watch Mexico take on South Africa in the tournament opener, which Mexico won 2-0 in Mexico City.
The Fan Festival is expected to draw thousands of people over the next several weeks, even on days when Atlanta isn't hosting a match. The free festival runs from June 11 through July 19 at Centennial Olympic Park. Organizers say it will feature watch parties for more than 60 matches, along with live entertainment, food and beverage offerings, a marketplace and other fan activities.
Speakers included Gov. Brian Kemp, Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens, Atlanta World Cup Host Committee President Dan Corso and Georgia World Congress Center Authority CEO Kevin Duvall.
Dickens reflected on Atlanta’s history of hosting major global events, drawing parallels to the 1996 Centennial Olympic Games and previous leaders like Billy Payne, and Shirley Franklin and Mayor Bill Campbell and Andrew Young.
“Hosting the World Cup is now a part of Atlanta’s rich history, and we are thrilled to welcome all of our national and international visitors to this great city,” Dickens said.
Kemp also welcomed visitors ahead of the tournament festivities.
“This is an opportunity of a lifetime here on the 250th anniversary of this great country, and we are thankful to welcome our friends from around the world,” Kemp said.
"We have put in the work," he said. "We have made the necessary preparations. And now FIFA World Cup 2026 is here. Let's kick off the celebration that we'll never forget."
Atlanta hosts its first World Cup match Monday, when Spain takes on Cape Verde at Atlanta Stadium (the FIFA-designated name for Mercedes-Benz Stadium during the tournament).
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