Argentine, Egypt Round of 16 match kicks off at Atlanta Stadium
ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — Atlanta is set to host its seventh FIFA World Cup match Tuesday when Argentina takes on Egypt in the Round of 16 contest.
Thousands of fans are expected at Atlanta Stadium — the temporary name for Mercedes-Benz Stadium due to FIFA branding rules — in Downtown Atlanta and at the nearby FIFA Fan Festival.
Fans from both countries have poured into Atlanta. In Midtown on Monday, Argentines took over a park — and don’t forget the Argentine Fan Festival, which started at 8 a.m.
Argentine Fan Walk
Argentine fans began marching from Underground Atlanta to Atlanta Stadium ahead of Tuesday’s match.
Liel Drabelsi said he grew up idolizing Lionel Messi, so he flew from San Diego to see him play in person in Atlanta.
“He was my idol since first day. Now, I’m 26 years old, so when he started, I was like super young, so I grew up with him, and for me it’s like a dream come true,” he said.
Egyptian Fan Walk
Egyptian fans also started marching and cheering around 9 a.m.
World Cup Match: What to know if you go
If you’re going to the match at Atlanta Stadium, here’s what you need to know:
- Doors open at 9 a.m., but the match is set to begin at 12 p.m.
- If you bring a bag, it must be clear.
- Reusable water bottles are not allowed, but you can bring a sealed one.
Getting there
MARTA says its trains will run every five minutes on match days and FIFA Fan Festival days. Downtown MARTA stations closest to the stadium include the SEC District station (formerly GWCC/CNN Center) and Vine City Station.
RELATED: Everything to know about getting to Atlanta Stadium on World Cup matchdays
MARTA will have police officers and ambassadors on site to assist passengers.
If you choose to ride public transit, alcohol and fireworks are prohibited.
You can find parking here.
FIFA Fan Festival
Thousands are expected to attend the match in person. Big crowds will also be watching from the FIFA Fan Festival at Centennial Olympic Park.
The free general admission and GA+ tickets have sold out, and only the VIP package, which includes free drinks, AC and private bathroom access, is still available.
Where to watch the match
Can’t make it to the match? No sweat. Atlanta has watch parties galore from downtown spots to suburban venues.
Also, there are numerous Atlanta United-approved soccer bars that will be showing the game.
Atlanta is hosting one more World Cup match — a semi-final on Wednesday, July 15, 2026 — before the tournament ends with the third-place playoff and grand final.
MORE COVERAGE:
- FIFA Fan Festival Atlanta welcomes the most fans of any US host city, organizers say
- Atlanta officials say ‘we are executing in every phase’ as World Cup hosts
- FIFA Fan Festival urges early arrival as GA entry not guaranteed at Centennial Olympic Park
- World Cup 2026: Here’s where the nations playing at Atlanta Stadium are located
- Everything to know about getting to Atlanta Stadium on World Cup matchdays
Copyright 2026 WANF. All rights reserved.
