India, June 15 -- Atlanta officially opened its FIFA Fan Festival at Centennial Olympic Park in downtown Atlanta, marking the city's return to global sporting history 30 years after hosting the 1996 Summer Olympic Games.

The festival runs across 18 select days from June 11 through July 15, 2026.

Atlanta mayor Andre Dickens and Georgia governor Brian Kemp both spoke at the opening ceremony on June 11. Dickens told the crowd, "Hosting the World Cup is now a part of Atlanta's rich history, and we are thrilled to welcome all of our national and international visitors to this great city."

Program highlights included performances from Summer Walker, the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, Universoul Circus, and DJ Rasta Root. Atlanta is set to host ...