The 2026 World Cup left its mark on the US city of Atlanta, which hosted 8 matches, the last of which was a semifinal clash between Argentina and England, as the city turned into a gathering place for football fans from around the world throughout the month.

Atlanta welcomed more than 544,000 spectators across the eight matches, including three knockout-stage games, while a free fan festival attracted more than 500,000 visitors over 19 days, with the participation of over 2000 volunteers from the city and the state of Georgia.

The head of the local organizing committee, Dan Corso, said the tournament created an emotional bond between Atlanta and its visitors, expressing hope that fans had discovered the city's diversity and the unique experience it offers.

He explained that the journey to host the World Cup began in 2017, when the city received an invitation to join the US bid, before preparations kicked off immediately, benefiting from the growing popularity of football, the success of Atlanta United, and major investments in infrastructure, including a $50 million donation from club owner Arthur Blank to establish the National Training Center for Football.

Argentina fans celebrate qualifying for the World Cup final in Atlanta (Reuters)

Although Atlanta did not host matches for the 1994 World Cup, it hosted the 1996 Olympic Games, and continues to cement its status as a destination for major sporting events, as it will host the NFL Super Bowl again in 2028 for the fourth time.

The tournament also left a lasting legacy in the city, represented by the creation of a new community field in collaboration with the local transportation company and the 'Street Football' program, which allows children to play the game for free.

Argentina fans celebrate during the match at the fan festival in Atlanta (Reuters)

Atlanta's ambitions do not stop at the 2026 World Cup, as it prepares to launch a team in the US women's league in 2028, and hopes to be one of the host cities for the 2031 Women's World Cup.