Downtown walkability and rail connectivity could be game changers when 2026 FIFA World Cup fans start funneling into Atlanta in a couple of weeks, according to an analysis of all 16 North American host cities. 

Only Seattle ranks higher than Atlanta when it comes to fan experiences offered by U.S. cities for World Cup games scheduled between June 12 and mid-July, according to officials with Action Network, a U.S.-based sports betting platform. 

The new study—titled 2026 World Cup Fan Experience Index: Best Host Cities for Fans—ranked all cities across metrics that include cost, accessibility (including transit), atmosphere, hotel access, and weather/safety.

With MARTA, Atlanta ranked first in terms of the quickest airport-to-stadium travel time in the index, at roughly 27 minutes. 

Surprisingly or not, Atlanta also scored a strong 79 out of 100 for walkability, bested only by Seattle (89) among host cities in the U.S. 

Also working in downtown’s favor near Mercedes-Benz Stadium is bar density—6.26 bars per square mile—which gives fans more options for rejoicing (or drowning sorrows) before and after matches, per the analysis. 

Looking west across Piedmont Park to downtown and Midtown Atlanta in 2023. Shutterstock

On the downside, Atlanta’s overall score was held back by hot-weather and safety factors, according to Action Network. 

“Atlanta stands out as one of the strongest U.S. host cities because it offers one of the most convenient airport-to-stadium journeys in the index, alongside strong walkability and a solid local soccer footprint,” said a company spokesperson, in a statement provided to Urbanize Atlanta. 

“When you combine accessibility, atmosphere, hotel access, and the wider matchday experience, Atlanta looks well placed to offer supporters one of the smoother trips among U.S. host cities.”

Atlanta ranked fifth globally, behind Vancouver, Toronto, Seattle, and Mexico City, respectively. 

Vancouver’s score of 82.2 of 100 put it first of all 16 cities, a ranking driven by “elite walkability, the highest hotel density, and strong nearby bar density.”

Meanwhile, with a total score of just 16.7 of 100, Kansas City was slotted last on the global ranking, due to “long travel times, low walkability, and very limited nearby hotel density,” per Action Network’s findings. 

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