The FIFA World Cup has made its way to North America, holding matches in 16 different cities across Mexico, Canada and the United States. Eight of the tournament’s 104 total matches will be held in Atlanta at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, attracting spectators from all over the globe to GCSU’s home state.
Atlanta has hosted multiple international soccer games, as Mercedes-Benz Stadium has hosted events like the Copa America tournament in 2024 and the Premier League summer series in 2025.
The upcoming World Cup, however, is projected to bring more than 300,000 people to the “City in a Forest,” a number greater than both other events combined.
“It’s definitely going to attract a lot of tourists, and that’s why the prices are so high, but I’m pretty hyped that the World Cup is going to be at Mercedes-Benz”, said Evan Angeles, a freshman exercise science major. “If my parents want to splurge for the World Cup, then I’ll be attending.”
The FIFA World Cup is the largest soccer event across the planet, and has been held every four years since its first match in 1930.
This year, 48 different countries will compete, a noteworthy increase from the 32 teams of the 2022 tournament. The 2026 edition will be both the first to include this many competing nations and is to be co-hosted by three separate nations.
“Soccer is a major sport in all other countries, so [the World Cup] kind of unites everybody together,” said Kaiden Blazina, a freshman biology major.
The international unity the event creates is exactly what makes it so large. It produces an atmosphere where different cultures come together to enjoy and celebrate the same thing: watching their countries’ teams go at it.
“I live in England, so I guess it kind of brings home here,” said Caleb McCormick, a freshman business major. “It’ll be less travel and bring fans over, and make soccer have a bigger influence here.”
Even though soccer is not as popular in the United States as in other countries, GCSU is home to many dedicated World Cup watchers. Some spectators place their faith in the teams they think are strategically the best, but family and tradition have a great deal of influence on who others are rooting for.
“It’s a tradition in my family that we all get together and watch it. My dad is from Munich, so we definitely have to root for Germany,” said Ari Johns, a senior biology major. “I don’t want to be biased, but I think Germany is going to win.”
Aside from attracting international fans, the 2026 World Cup is also bringing many world-famous players to Atlanta. Mercedes-Benz will even get to see Portugal’s superstar Cristiano Ronaldo for the United States friendly match against Portugal, in what he has stated to be his last international tournament. Though, Atlanta is no stranger to international stars, this tournament in particular is getting GCSU fans excited for their favorite overseas soccer celebrities.
“I’m excited to watch [Jamal] Musiala and [Joshua] Kimmich play for the German National team,” Johns said. “Musiala is just really special to watch because he’s like magic, and he just came back from a pretty horrific injury, so I’m just glad that he’ll be able to play.”
As Mercedes-Benz prepares to be the center of the world’s attention for eight matches, GCSU’s international soccer fans are planning their watch schedules. The 2026 World Cup has the potential to be the biggest soccer influence on America yet.