FIFA Fan Festival Turns Centennial Olympic Park Into a Global Celebration…AGAIN

If there was ever a question as to whether Atlanta is a soccer city, the FIFA Fan Festival answered it loud and clear.

From June 24 through July 1, Atlanta’s Centennial Olympic Park transformed into an international celebration of culture, community, music, and the beautiful game. As one of the official host cities the weeks-long festival wasn’t simply about soccer. It became a living demonstration of why Atlanta continues to serve as one of the world’s premier destinations for culture, creativity, and connection.

Check out the event recap on SHEENTV

Sheen Magazine had the opportunity to experience the festivities firsthand, and every day offered a new passport stamp without ever leaving the city.

For Haiti

The week kicked off on June 24 with one of the festival’s most unforgettable moments.

Thousands of supporters dressed in red and blue flooded downtown Atlanta as fans of Haiti’s national team proudly represented their homeland. The atmosphere was electric as Haiti scored its first FIFA tournament goal in more than 50 years. Although the team ultimately did not advance, the celebration extended far beyond the final score. As the birthplace of black liberation and the earliest slave rebellions, this moment captivated the heart and soul of Haitian people. The streets filled with the sounds of Kompa, people brought griot, and haitian treats, but most of all Haiti shared her story with us all. 

“We are here, we won BECAUSE  we are here, AYITI!” said Arol Beniton a fan visiting all the way from Los Angeles

Every chant, every flag waving in the air, and every drumbeat reflected a community celebrating its resilience, culture, and place in the global game. It was a powerful reminder that soccer isn’t always about winning—it’s about identity, pride, and belonging.

As the evening transitioned into celebration, Atlanta took center stage.

BellyGang  Kushington gave us his fan favorites and even brought out hometown favorite YK Niece, delivering one of the week’s most authentic Atlanta moments. Surrounded by familiar faces, local creatives, and Atlanta royalty, the performance reminded visitors that while the world had come to Atlanta, Atlanta wasn’t about to lose its voice.

Davido Brings the World Together

On June 26, a record breaking number of fans packed Centennial Olympic Park once again following exciting international matchups, including Uruguay vs. Spain and Cape Verde vs. Saudi Arabia. These matches might be long, but the excitement and anticipation of each goal, and every play, you can see the patriotism for each country in the faces of all who attend,  Then came the night’s main event.

International superstar Davido transformed the park into a massive celebration as thousands of fans filled the lawn, dancing beneath the Atlanta skyline. The performance perfectly captured what the FIFA Fan Festival represented, cultures from every corner of the globe sharing one stage, one soundtrack, and one unforgettable experience.

Around the World Without Leaving Atlanta

Perhaps the greatest surprise throughout the week wasn’t found on the field—it was on the sidewalks. Every corner of downtown felt like another country waiting to be explored.One block introduced visitors to authentic Haitian cuisine.

The next featured Salvadoran pupusas made fresh to order.

Around another corner came Lebanese street food, Greek gyros, tropical beverages, Caribbean flavors, and international desserts.

One stand caught our eye, no fancy signs, no tap to pay, but a line of people who were eager for the taste of Padrona-Maria, a sweet older woman from El Salvador as a nun and sharing her beautiful smile with all of her “children” as she calls her customers. Aside from being the best Pupusa and Agua Fresca I’ve had, the sense of community and care from both Padrona-Maria and the other customers made this dining experience feel a welcoming home to a new family. 

The city’s food trucks and independent vendors became stars in their own right, proving that Atlanta’s culinary scene is every bit as global as its population.

For one week, Atlanta became the world’s dinner table. This has always been the spirit of my beautiful city, to embrace, engage and encourage the world to seek the best parts of one another.

Immersive Experiences Around Every Corner

Beyond the matches, fans experienced an impressive lineup of interactive activations from global brands and community partners.

One of our favorite stops was the Bank of America Fan Experience, where attendees eagerly lined up for the now-viral custom charm bracelets that quickly became one of the festival’s must-have souvenirs.

We might be grown now but who doesn’t love playing in paint and your dad’s tools. Which is why the artist hub presented by Home Depot was absolutely a treat for my crazy inner child. Families poured into the installation to leave their mark on Atlanta and the historic legacy that will remain after Fifa. 

From immersive exhibits to interactive games and fan challenges, every activation encouraged visitors to participate rather than simply spectate.

MARTA Scores Big for Atlanta

As an Atlanta native, one stop felt especially meaningful.

The MARTA x Atlanta United Merchandise Pop-Up at the SEC District Station celebrated both our iconic Atlanta transit and Atlanta soccer culture through exclusive, limited-edition FIFA merchandise available only during the tournament.

The activation also gave visitors an opportunity to connect with MARTA community leaders while experiencing the system’s newly launched rail cars—another example of Atlanta investing in experiences that will continue serving residents long after the tournament concludes.

“Marta plays such a big role in how natives and visitors are able to not only navigate, but experience the city, and we wanted to give an opportunity for FIFA fans, and Atlanta Natives to take a piece of this historic time with them.”

The SEC station is perfectly nestled between Atlanta’s premiere entertainment venues, The Statefarm Arena, The Mercedes Benz Stadium, Centennial Olympic Park, and the CNN center. What is intended as a platform as you navigate the MARTA routes, became an epicenter of Atlanta’s history and connection to its people.

Atlanta Welcomed the World

Throughout the week, dozens of languages echoed through Centennial Olympic Park.

Families danced together.

Children traded scarves with fans from countries they had only read about.

Complete strangers celebrated goals together despite speaking different dialects. For a moment, Atlanta wasn’t simply hosting the world. Atlanta became the world.

As The 2026 FIFA World Cup continues, one thing has become abundantly clear: this city is ready. Ready to welcome visitors. Ready to celebrate cultures.Ready to showcase the creativity, hospitality, and resilience that have defined Atlanta for generations.

Because beyond the skyline, the concerts, and the competition, what visitors experienced was something far more valuable.They experienced the heart of Atlanta.

If this past week proved anything, it’s that there’s truly no place like ATL.

By the way… Atlanta is DEFINITELY a soccer city.