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Mercedes-Benz Stadium has been one of the most prominent venues in the United States over the past decade. Since its opening in 2017, the stadium has hosted a string of massive events, from Super Bowls to international soccer matches. Now, it is set to take on another global stage as one of the venues for the 2026 World Cup.
After hosting six matches at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, the home of the Atlanta Falcons, Atlanta United, Atlanta Drive GC, and PGA TOUR Superstore will stage eight World Cup games in 2026. Located in the heart of downtown Atlanta, the venue is expected to drive a major wave of tourism as fans pour into the city for the tournament.
World Soccer Talk spoke with AMB Sports and Entertainment Chief Operating Officer Dietmar Exler, the former Mercedes-Benz USA CEO. Ahead of the 2026 World Cup, he discussed the lessons learned from the Club World Cup and why Mercedes-Benz Stadium could serve as inspiration for PSG’s new home.
Even beyond the Club World Cup, operations never slow down. Mercedes-Benz Stadium currently hosts 55 to 60 public events each year, ranging from international soccer to NFL preseason games and concerts in between. And according to Exler, every single event is treated with the same importance.
Post Malone performing at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
“The most important event for us is always the next event. Whoever is the promoter, even if it’s a relatively small event in the international scale, for that promoter is a huge event. We always as a stadium have to give that promoter and everybody our full, undivided attention. Some events are bigger than others, there’s no doubt about that. And there’s also the big events where the entire city is involved, not only the stadium, but its entire infrastructure, but every event is majorly important.”
Mercedes-Benz Stadium’s preparation for 2026 has been shaped by its role in hosting major international soccer events, including the Club World Cup and Copa América. Those experiences, along with friendlies featuring national teams, have provided valuable opportunities to work with governing bodies.
FIFA World Cup
