Atlanta, are you ready for the 2026 FIFA World Cup? Here Are Some Business Tips To Make Your Business A Winner!
As the world prepares to visit Atlanta for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, taking place from June 15th through July 15th, construction crews are working overtime to make South Downtown Atlanta businesses structurally ready and more appealing for the event. Whether retail, restaurant, or hotel, large corporations and small companies are all seeking business tips to help them stand out from the crowd for the Atlanta 2026 FIFA World Cup economy boom. And some of these changes are more than just to the businesses themselves. Communities are getting ready as well with expanded sidewalks, more public “gathering” entertainment spaces like the Founders Green, and Atlanta suburb restaurants, such as the Brewhouse Café, are opening new locations in the south downtown area to hopefully attract the FIFA World Cup crowds.Background on the 2026 FIFA World Cup
- The FIFA Cup originated in the 1920s as the vision of FIFA President Jules Rimet.
- The first FIFA tournament took place in 1930 and was hosted by Uruguay, with 13 teams participating.
- Beginning with 13 teams, the event has expanded to incorporate more nations and now accommodates 48 teams.
- Attractive to cities, the FIFA World Cup can have massive economic benefits for the cities and surrounding regions. For Atlanta and the state of Georgia overall, the estimated economic boost is presently $503.2 million.
- Atlanta visitors for the 2026 FIFA World Cup are expected to spend between $300 and $500 per Day.
- Estimated tournament projections put the total live stadium headcount at 5.5-6 million across all 104 games.
- Over 6 Million Unique Out-Of-Town And International Visitors
- 2 Million To 3 Million Individual Hotel Room Nights
- Millions of Fans Are Expected to Attend the Official, Free FIFA Fan Festivals. Across All 16 Locations, These Fan Zones Are Designed To Handle Concurrent Daily Crowds Of 100,000+ People, Adding Millions More To The Overall Event Footprint.
- The 2026 FIFA World Cup has prompted the construction of a brand-new $50 million Arthur M. Blank US Soccer National Training Center in Fayetteville, Ga.
Atlanta 2026 FIFA World Cup Business Tips
Attracting Customers (Retail, Hospitality, and Restaurants)
- Play up the World Cup–themed promotions. Get creative and design menus and window displays that play to fans and highlight competing nations.
- Translate signage and menus into Spanish, Portuguese, French, and Arabic. These are the top languages expected for the fan base. Use Google Translate to help staff and customers.
- List your business in Atlanta tourism directories such as DiscoverAtlanta.com, Google Business Updates, and FIFA fan guides.
- Partner up with local hotels for cross-promotion (drink vouchers, retail discounts, shuttle deals). This can be especially effective for small businesses in local neighborhoods and suburbs.
- Jump on Canva and create a free version of “Local Tips” with your branding to offer visitors that highlight specific tips for your local area.
Be “Overflow” Ready!
- This should already be done but be sure to audit inventory. Double or even triple up on your stock of high-turnover items 2–3 weeks ahead.
- Fans will be excited, hungry, and eager to celebrate. Consider offering some “2026 FIFA World Cup” food and drink items that are quick-order to table.
- Get online and download the games’ schedule. Extend your business hours to match the days and the days surrounding them.
- Get your technology team moving. Set up mobile ordering, QR code menus, and contactless payment across multiple currencies/wallets.
- Extreme Tip! Cross-train staff so any team member can cover front-of-house, back-of-house, or floor needs. Be sure to adjust team shift hours so they arrive early and are ready. Keep in mind that traffic can be extremely heavy in some areas. If you are in a highly trafficked business near the venue, you may want to consider housing key staff at local hotels, if available. Or consider incentives like reimbursements for Uber, Lyft, and Marta fees.
Reduce Parking Headaches Now – Plan Ahead
- Decide on Overflow Parking. Get with your neighbors and pre-arrange overflow parking with neighboring lots, churches, or office complexes.
- Have Clear Signage about Parking and Parking Prohibited Spots. Use rideshare-friendly pickup zones with clear signage. And be sure to make it well known where parking is prohibited. Nothing can kill the fun like a booted car.
- Implement digital waitlists. Use apps like Yelp and OpenTable to keep guests off the sidewalk.
- Keep traffic flowing. Add stanchions, line markers, and a greeter to manage flow during peak windows. Include some activities, implement trivia games for small prizes like free appetizers or coloring pages (with crayons) for the younger visitors. *Don’t forget accommodations for handicap visitors who may need benches or special seating- be sure to mark these appropriately.
Don’t Forget Critical Security for Customers and Staff
- Fans can be a lot of fun, but they also can get rowdy. Hire off-duty officers or licensed security on match days. Scheduled these now, as many businesses will have a great need for security support.
- Train staff ahead of time. Be sure everyone understands how to use de-escalation, lost-child protocols, and emergency exit routes.
- Be sure your security cameras are up to date. Audit camera coverage at entrances, registers, and parking lots.
- Establish a buddy system for closing shifts. Make sure everyone understands cash-handling procedures. In addition, ensure female employees have escorts after dark.
“Leadership creates hospitality-centric culture. Culture shapes employees’ customer-centric behavior. This behavior creates the customer experience.”
Steve Rudolph, Steve Rudolph Coaching
Is Your Team Trained and Ready?
- Do you have Service-Recovery Scripts in place for language barriers, customer service issues, and long waits?
- Have you held cultural awareness briefings for customers from key visiting nations?
- Have you started speed-of-service drills and station-by-station timing benchmarks?
- Study up and educate your team on tip-pooling and gratuity customs education (many international guests tip differently)?
- Are you Prepared for Game Days? Be sure to plan for daily pre-shift huddles focused on the day’s match schedule and expected rush windows.
Highlight Georgia Giving Business Tips for The Atlanta 2026 FIFA World Cup and Beyond
With any luck, the 2026 FIFA World Cup will be only the beginning for your business. Follow Highlight Georgia for ongoing tips, spotlights, and resources to help your business thrive during the 2026 World Cup and beyond.
