The City of Decatur (located just six miles outside of Downtown Atlanta) is gearing up for soccer’s biggest matches coming to the United States, Canada and Mexico with Decatur WatchFest ‘26. The 34-day free soccer and music festival will connect Decatur to FIFA World Cup 26™ matches in June and July of 2026. The City created WatchFest ‘26 to welcome tourists visiting for the World Cup and encourage them to choose Decatur as their home base. Learn more about planning your visit at Visit Decatur.

Decatur visitors can enjoy more than 80 eating and drinking establishments, historic parks, walking and biking trails, and an award-winning central square that serves as its main gathering spot.

“Decatur will be the place to be when soccer kicks off in the Americas and we’re looking forward to hosting and entertaining visitors from around the world,” says Sherry Jackman, Executive Director, Decatur Tourism Burau 

FIFA World Cup 26™ runs from June 11, 2026 through July 19, 2026, with eight matches taking place at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. Easily accessible by MARTA, Atlanta’s rapid rail and bus system, Decatur will join greater Atlanta to celebrate the arrival of world class soccer to Atlanta.

Decatur WatchFest ‘26 will offer music, games, activities and food and beverages on and around the newly renovated Decatur Square as fans watch the world’s top soccer matches. 

• Every FIFA World Cup 26™ match will be shown in Decatur during WatchFest ‘26 

• All matches will be shown in Decatur’s 40+ Official WatchFest Soccer Pubs and Restaurants 

• Select matches will be shown (pending FIFA approval) on a large screen on the newly renovated Decatur Square

• Nightly pre/post match concerts will feature named and local acts during Decatur WatchFest ‘26

With a MARTA stop in the middle of the City immediately beneath the festival site, Decatur is an easy direct train ride to the action at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

Highlights for Visitors

• Decatur’s square ranks as one of the top 5 on USA Today’s 10 Best Readers Choice Awards for Best Public Square and  Southern Living named Decatur as one of the South’s Best Small Towns

• Dining - Decatur has more than 80 restaurants and pubs ranging from fine dining at James Beard award winning and Michelin-recognized establishments to delicious ice cream and everything in between

• Things to Do - Decatur is a family friendly town with parks, festivals, and events almost every weekend. WatchFest ‘26 will provide daily events over the entire FIFA World Cup 26™

• Places to Stay - Decatur has two luxury hotels steps away from the square and many rentals available within walking distance to the action

“We are looking forward to welcoming everyone and showcasing all that Decatur has to offer to the world’s soccer fans,” said City of Decatur Mayor Patti Garrett. “The events around soccer’s biggest matches will give our residents and those from surrounding areas and beyond a chance to be a part of the energy and excitement of this once in a lifetime top-level soccer competition.” 

Decatur is a Soccer Town 

Soccer is huge in Decatur. From international viewing parties and pub crawls to Atlanta United and Decatur FC to the many recreational soccer leagues for adults and children, the four-square miles of Decatur are a soccer mecca. DecaturFC set a new WPSL attendance record twice in their inaugural season and was awarded franchise of the year (2024).

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