WatchFest ’26 will bring global energy, local flavor and a whole lot of soccer to the heart of the city
By Michael J. Pallerino
Photography courtesy of John Stephens
It’s a warm summer evening in Decatur and a group of kids are passing a soccer ball around in a patch of green near the Square while their parents chat nearby. It’s the kind of everyday scene that quietly defines a community—simple, familiar and full of connection. About a year ago, that same sense of connection sparked a bigger idea. A cross-departmental team of Decatur city staff—joined by commissioners and consultants with experience in major sporting events—began envisioning a moment on a larger scale. With Atlanta set to host matches for FIFA World Cup 26™, they asked, “Why not make Decatur part of the celebration? Why not create a city-wide moment that feels just as spirited, just as rooted in community—only on a global stage?”
The end result is WatchFest ’26—a 34-day festival of soccer, music, community and culture that will unfold across Decatur’s pubs, patios and the newly renovated Square. Running June 11 through July 19, the free, city-hosted festival will become the ultimate viewing experience for locals and visitors alike during FIFA World Cup 26™, providing a global experience with a distinctly local flavor.
“We looked back to 1996, when Decatur hosted the Irish delegation during the Olympics, and how that moment helped put us on the map,” says Decatur Mayor Patti Garrett. “We thought, ‘Why not build on that experience and go even bigger for the World Cup?’ It’s an incredible opportunity to come together as a community and welcome visitors from around the world.”
If you want an exclamation point on the community’s passion for FIFA World Cup 26™, look no further than a citywide contest a few years ago where one of the winning entries proclaimed: “Decatur. There’s a festival for that.” Garrett says Decatur abides. “We’re a city that comes together around community events—it’s in our DNA. From the book festival to the beer and wine festivals, and now that we’re bringing back the beach party, there’s always something happening here.”
There’s no question that WatchFest ’26 is one of the most ambitious and exciting events yet. With its walkable streets, MARTA access (complete with a new tribute to Congressman John Lewis), historic (and newly renovated Square) and thriving restaurant scene, Decatur is uniquely positioned to serve as both host and home base for visitors headed to Atlanta’s eight FIFA World Cup 26™ matches.
Pending FIFA approval, some matches will even be shown on a massive screen in the center of the Square, transforming downtown into a communal living room for fans from near and far. “Our local restaurants, pubs and retailers have really embraced the idea of WatchFest,” Garrett says. “They’re part of the planning process, and they see the opportunity—not just during the 34 days of the World Cup, but in the long run. If people are looking for a home base during the World Cup, we want them to feel like Decatur is that place.”
Dan Corso, President of the Atlanta Sports Council and Atlanta Cup Host Committee, says the group is thrilled to see events like Decatur’s WatchFest ’26 help bring the energy and spirit of the FIFA World Cup 26™ to life across the region. “Moments like these – organized in cities and neighborhoods throughout the state—show how our entire community is rallying around this historic opportunity to showcase our hospitality and grow the game of soccer.”
Kicking with Purpose
One of WatchFest ’26’s most endearing qualities is how closely it ties to Decatur’s identity—both as a soccer town and a community that knows how to come together. From youth rec leagues to adult teams and a strong backing of Atlanta United and Decatur FC, a rising star in the Women’s Premier Soccer League (WPSL), the Decatur community lives and breathes soccer.
The community also is home to StationSoccer at the East Lake MARTA station, a program run by Soccer in the Streets—a nonprofit founded in 1989 to provide free soccer opportunities for underserved youth across metro Atlanta.
Launched in 2016 at Five Points as the world’s first soccer field inside a transit station, StationSoccer followed that success and expanded to West End in 2018, with more stations joining as part of “The League of Stations.” In this transit-powered league, communities represent their stations and compete across MARTA’s network. Key partners include the Atlanta United Foundation, MARTA and the City of Atlanta.
“Soccer is a massive component of the youth sports community,” says Gareth O’Sullivan, owner of O’Sullivan’s Pub and Executive Director of the Tucker Youth Soccer Association (TYSA). “Our numbers at TYSA are continually growing and other local clubs are seeing the same trends. There is a reason it’s considered the No. 1 sport globally.
That soccer culture is something O’Sullivan knows well. He has had a firsthand look at how deep the local passion runs—on the pitch, in the pub and in the energy that spills across the Square. “The city will be buzzing and the visitors will love Decatur with the square, restaurants, pubs, MARTA, hotels and welcoming locals. We expect WatchFest ’26 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.”
On the grassroots level, O’Sullivan says the potential impact is massive—not just for the economy, but for the next generation of players. TYSA and other youth soccer organizations plan to host clinics, scrimmages and special activities throughout the month to engage young fans. “The city will see a sporting event on a global scale on their front door. They will love the fun and banter that comes with the traveling fans.”
Looking ahead, organizers hope the legacy of WatchFest ’26 goes far beyond the final whistle. “It’s a chance to create memories that last a lifetime,” Garrett says. “We want people to say, ‘When the World Cup came to the U.S., I was in Decatur.’ That’s the legacy we’re aiming for.”
Whether you’re coming for the matches, the music or the magic of the moment, one thing is clear: Decatur isn’t just joining the FIFA World Cup 26™ celebration—it’s redefining what a host city can be. And in true Decatur fashion, there’s a festival for that.
Hometown Advantage
Decatur leaders on hosting WatchFest ’26
John Spear, Associate Creative Director, GTB
This is an opportunity to put Decatur on the world map. People from all over will be coming to Atlanta. It is an invitation to come to Decatur and discover our community as a great place to stay and enjoy the games. I’m a huge believer in the power of local when it comes to international travel. Meeting local people goes beyond just being a tourist; it has the potential to create lasting impressions.
Cara Scharer, PE, Assistant City Manager, City of Decatur
We have great anticipation harkening back to the ’96 Olympic Games in Atlanta. What WatchFest’26 means exactly, I think we’ll find out together.
Jon Katinsky, founder & President, HotHouse
Having World Cup matches hosted in our backyard—with the whole world watching—will bring unprecedented attention to what’s happening with soccer in the U.S. It is an opportunity to invite the world to sample what makes Decatur such a welcoming place to live and visit—a communal viewing environment that’s the next best thing to being there.
Gael Doyle, Marketing & Communications, Decatur Parks & Recreation Department
When young people and families see their community come alive around a global event like the World Cup, it builds excitement and inspiration. WatchFest ’26 serves as a gateway to grassroots soccer—it raises visibility, creates enthusiasm and shows that the sport is accessible to everyone. It’s a celebration of culture, sport and belonging, all in line with our values of inclusion and community well-being.
Road to 2026
How FIFA World Cup 26™ Qualifying works
Before the FIFA World Cup 2026™ comes to Atlanta, the battle to see who gets in—and how is on. What we know is that this year’s event will be the biggest yet, featuring 48 teams and hosted for the first time across three nations: the United States, Canada and Mexico. As co-hosts, all three nations automatically qualify. That leaves 45 spots up for grabs through qualifying tournaments held by each of FIFA’s six continental confederations.
Here’s how the 48 spots are divided:
- Europe (UEFA): 16 spots
- Africa (CAF): 9 spots
- Asia (AFC): 8 spots
- North/Central America & Caribbean (CONCACAF): 6 spots (includes the 3 hosts)
- South America (CONMEBOL): 6 spots
- Oceania (OFC): 1 spot
The final two spots will be decided through a global playoff tournament involving six teams—one from each confederation except UEFA, plus an extra team from the host region. Two higher-ranked teams will be seeded, while the others face off in knockout matches for a shot at qualifying.
The top 48 teams from around the world will ultimately compete across North America in summer 2026, including the defending champions Argentina, who lifted the trophy in 2022 after a legendary final.
