FIFA’s Atlanta Host Committee and Atlanta United brought fans together on Friday, Dec. 5, for an official watch party of the 2026 World Cup Final Draw at Buckhead Village. Supporters packed Buckhead Avenue as the U.S. Men’s National Team landed in Group D, set to face Paraguay and Australia, with a fourth opponent to be decided in March through a playoff among Turkey, Romania, Slovakia, and Kosovo.
A massive outdoor screen livestreamed the draw from Washington, D.C., while booths from Atlanta United, Explore Georgia, and the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau offered games, swag, and giveaways. DJ EU kept the atmosphere lively before the announcements.
Sports commentator Mike Conti emceed the event alongside Atlanta United goalkeeper Brad Guzan, and fans had the chance to meet U.S. defender Walker Zimmerman. The watch party wrapped up with a drawing for two tickets to a 2026 World Cup match in Atlanta.
As one of 16 host cities, Atlanta will welcome eight matches, including a semifinal, during the expanded 48-team tournament. The city is slated to host five group-stage games, featuring teams from Groups A, C, H (two matches), and K.
During the ceremony, FIFA President Gianni Infantino also awarded U.S. President Donald Trump the organization’s first-ever Peace Prize, prompting mixed reactions.
Fans at the watch party shared their excitement for next summer’s global event. Supporters of Mexico, the U.S., Paraguay, Haiti, and others discussed potential matchups, including fan-favorite possibilities like France–Senegal, Croatia–England, and USA–Paraguay.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup runs June 11 to July 19, and Atlanta soccer fans are already counting down.
