Mercedes-Benz Stadium

Mercedes-Benz Stadium stands in Atlanta, Georgia, and opened in 2017. It is the home ground of the NFL's Atlanta Falcons and MLS side Atlanta United FC, seating close to 71,000 spectators beneath a distinctive retractable roof and oculus design regarded as one of the most striking in North American sport.

The venue has hosted major events well beyond its resident franchises, including Super Bowl LIII in 2019, and was established as a premier American sporting venue long before the 2026 World Cup arrived on its calendar.

Mercedes-Benz Stadium is one of the 16 host venues for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and staged the tournament's opening match. Its build-up was rocky for the co-hosts: the USMNT lost 2-5 to Belgium on 28 March and then 0-2 to Portugal on 31 March , two defeats at their own tournament venue that Left the hosts' form under scrutiny heading into the finals.

Once the group stage began, the stadium delivered happier nights for others: Spain beat Saudi Arabia 1-0 there on 21 June, a Lamine Yamal goal moving Spain to within a point of the round of 32.

The stadium's run culminated in the second semi-final on 15 July 2026: Argentina beat England 2-1, Lautaro Martinez heading a stoppage-time winner from a Messi cross to send Argentina into the Final. The result was overshadowed by its aftermath: Argentina players were pictured with a "Las Malvinas Son Argentinas" banner referencing the Falklands, triggering a diplomatic row between London and Buenos Aires and an active FIFA Disciplinary Committee review opened on 16 July.