The city of Decatur plans to host a monthlong festival concurrent with Atlanta's role as a host city for the FIFA World Cup 2026. The event, named WatchFest’26, is set to run for 34 days in June and July 2026, featuring opportunities for public viewing of soccer matches, live music, and various activities.
Atlanta is scheduled to host eight matches at Mercedes-Benz Stadium between June 11 and July 19, 2026. Decatur is preparing to welcome visitors expected in the metro Atlanta region for the international soccer tournament.
City officials aim to foster a welcoming atmosphere where people can gather to watch the games and enjoy related festivities. The festival will include outdoor screenings, live music, games, and food and beverages. The newly renovated Decatur Square will serve as a central location for activities, according to the plan.
Mayor Patti Garrett stated the event represents an opportunity similar to when Atlanta hosted the Olympics, allowing Decatur to capitalize on its proximity to the main host city. She noted that while most people will not attend the matches in person, they will seek places to watch games and experience the atmosphere.
Some local businesses plan to show every match during WatchFest’26. The city anticipates showing certain games on a large screen on the Square, accompanied by pre- and post-match concerts nightly. Mayor Garrett added the event allows fans to experience Decatur and celebrate a global event. She also expressed hope for the Women's World Cup potentially coming to the United States in 2031, calling the 2026 event a potentially transformational opportunity to bring people together.
Commissioner Kelly Walsh described Decatur as a city suited for soccer events. Speaking during an announcement event on May 6, Walsh emphasized the community-building aspect of the festival alongside economic development goals. “Our town was built for this,” Walsh stated, highlighting the dual objectives of inviting the world and strengthening local bonds.
DeKalb County CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson commented that metro Atlanta will be a focus of international attention. She compared the economic impact of the World Cup to five Super Bowls, projecting billions in revenue and emphasizing the need for locations across the metro region to host events that bring people together for the experience.
Soccer holds local interest in Decatur, with community support for teams like Atlanta United and Decatur FC, as well as various recreational leagues. The transit system is also preparing. MARTA chief of staff Steven Parker said the agency, experienced in moving large crowds for events like sold-out Atlanta United games, is developing plans for the FIFA World Cup 2026. MARTA ran extra trains for the Club World Cup this summer and is working to enhance service reliability, according to Parker.
The city recently celebrated the opening of a new track and field at Legacy Park, which includes lines and goals for soccer use. Mayor Garrett noted the field's use by residents and saw WatchFest as an opportunity to build on existing soccer interest in the community.
More details regarding WatchFest’26 are expected to be finalized and shared on the official website as plans progress. Mayor Patti Garrett discussed how the city gears up for the festival in an interview with LaShawn Hudson. News writer Zoe Seiler also reported on the city's plan.
DeKalb County CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson concluded, “Across DeKalb County and the metro region, we must activate locations that bring people together for what is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that will happen right here.”
