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The World Cup is here. Here's how to plan your commute around the games

A new commute guide estimates the best and worst times to travel Downtown on match days.

Travel

With about 300,000 people expected to visit Atlanta for the city&#x27;s eight World Cup matches, you&#x27;ll want to avoid the accompanying traffic in and around Downtown over the next month.Why it matters: Dodging Atlanta traffic <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="is stressful" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2025/10/29/were-spending-more-time-stuck-in-traffic-in-atlanta" data-vars-content-id="772a249b-26c2-4c01-a7e8-c8fa2813c469" data-vars-headline="The World Cup is here. Here&#x27;s how to plan your commute around the games" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2025/10/29/were-spending-more-time-stuck-in-traffic-in-atlanta" target="_self">is stressful</a> on a normal day, and the World Cup will likely put even more strain on the region&#x27;s congested roads.

Where doulas are covered by Medicaid

More than half of U.S. states now reimburse for doula care under Medicaid.

Wellness Brief

More than half of U.S. states now reimburse for doula care under Medicaid — a dramatic shift from just a few years ago.By the numbers: 28 states and D.C. are actively reimbursing, according to the National Health Law Program. Before 2020, only Oregon and Minnesota did.

Atlanta's FIFA Fan Festival is open. Here's how to enjoy your experience

The FIFA Fan Festival in Atlanta includes places where you can grab food and drinks, listen to live entertainment and partake in activities.

Things to Do

Atlanta&#x27;s official gathering spot for FIFA World Cup 2026 opened Thursday, and thousands of people donning the jerseys of their favorite teams ventured to Centennial Olympic Park to kick off the opening ceremony.Why it matters: Thirty years ago, the city hosted the world at the same location where the 1996 Olympics were held in Atlanta. <ul><li>Now, Atlanta is among 16 cities across Canada, Mexico and the U.S. that are doing that exact same thing, Mayor Andre Dickens said.</li></ul>

Your guide to FIFA World Cup watch parties in metro Atlanta

You'll be hard-pressed to find an event that doesn't suit you over the next month.

The World Cup <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="has started" data-vars-click-url="https://www.fifa.com/en/tournaments/mens/worldcup/canadamexicousa2026" data-vars-content-id="3bfb71f1-9d36-4dc1-ae3a-65e679f9da5b" data-vars-headline="Your guide to FIFA World Cup watch parties in metro Atlanta" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.fifa.com/en/tournaments/mens/worldcup/canadamexicousa2026" target="_blank">has started</a>, and you&#x27;re probably thinking about gathering a few friends and checking out a watch party around town. Why it matters: This is a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="once-in-a-lifetime" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2026/06/10/atlanta-fifa-world-cup-readiness-marta" data-vars-content-id="3bfb71f1-9d36-4dc1-ae3a-65e679f9da5b" data-vars-headline="Your guide to FIFA World Cup watch parties in metro Atlanta" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2026/06/10/atlanta-fifa-world-cup-readiness-marta" target="_self">once-in-a-lifetime</a> event for Atlanta, so don&#x27;t shy away from immersing yourself in the experience — and watching your favorite teams compete for the FIFA World Cup <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="trophy" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2026/05/11/fifa-world-cup-trophy-tour-atlanta-mercedes-benz-stadium" data-vars-content-id="3bfb71f1-9d36-4dc1-ae3a-65e679f9da5b" data-vars-headline="Your guide to FIFA World Cup watch parties in metro Atlanta" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2026/05/11/fifa-world-cup-trophy-tour-atlanta-mercedes-benz-stadium" target="_self">trophy</a>.

"It's officially here, y'all": Atlanta says it's ready for World Cup

The first match in Atlanta will be at noon Monday between Spain and Cabo Verde.

News

Four years ago this month, Atlanta <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="was named one" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2022/06/16/fifa-chooses-atlantas-world-cup-bid" data-vars-content-id="bfad9ab3-cd2b-4baa-808f-47767fdaf684" data-vars-headline="&quot;It&#x27;s officially here, y&#x27;all&quot;: Atlanta says it&#x27;s ready for World Cup" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2022/06/16/fifa-chooses-atlantas-world-cup-bid" target="_self">was named one</a> of 16 cities across Canada, Mexico and the U.S. that would host 2026 FIFA World Cup games. Why it matters: After years of meetings, readiness exercises, drills, planning and training, all eyes will soon be on Atlanta when it hosts the first of eight matches that will be played at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

Pickleball craze slows, but still strong in Atlanta

The city has 73 pickleball courts, or 1.4 courts for every 10,000 residents, according to the Trust for Public Land.

Sports

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="pickleball" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/04/04/walmart-free-pickleball-game-subway-sub" data-vars-content-id="3ad5e58a-000c-4c61-9345-9a7310496925" data-vars-headline="Pickleball craze slows, but still strong in Atlanta" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/04/04/walmart-free-pickleball-game-subway-sub" target="_self">pickleball</a><a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text=" craze" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/04/04/walmart-free-pickleball-game-subway-sub" data-vars-content-id="3ad5e58a-000c-4c61-9345-9a7310496925" data-vars-headline="Pickleball craze slows, but still strong in Atlanta" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/04/04/walmart-free-pickleball-game-subway-sub" target="_self"> craze</a> — so hot in the pandemic and immediately afterwards — may be cooling off. Don&#x27;t tell that to Atlanta players, however.Why it matters: America&#x27;s one-time fastest-growing <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="sport" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2021/02/24/pandemic-sport-pickleball" data-vars-content-id="3ad5e58a-000c-4c61-9345-9a7310496925" data-vars-headline="Pickleball craze slows, but still strong in Atlanta" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2021/02/24/pandemic-sport-pickleball" target="_self">sport</a> is also possibly one of the most <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="polarizing" data-vars-click-url="https://www.reddit.com/r/Pickleball/comments/1lzr8aw/why_is_there_such_an_immense_hate_stigma_on/" data-vars-content-id="3ad5e58a-000c-4c61-9345-9a7310496925" data-vars-headline="Pickleball craze slows, but still strong in Atlanta" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.reddit.com/r/Pickleball/comments/1lzr8aw/why_is_there_such_an_immense_hate_stigma_on/" target="_blank">polarizing</a>.

Atlanta to host food truck alley during World Cup games

Between 20 and 30 food trucks will be stationed along Walton Street between Centennial Olympic Park Drive and Broad Street on game days and a day before each match.

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Food Truck Association of Georgia" data-vars-click-url="https://www.foodtruckassociationofgeorgia.com/" data-vars-content-id="3016d0d1-0955-43d8-8a6d-41178a22fdcc" data-vars-headline="Atlanta to host food truck alley during World Cup games" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.foodtruckassociationofgeorgia.com/" target="_blank">Food Truck Association of Georgia</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Showcase Atlanta" data-vars-click-url="https://showcaseatlanta.com/" data-vars-content-id="3016d0d1-0955-43d8-8a6d-41178a22fdcc" data-vars-headline="Atlanta to host food truck alley during World Cup games" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://showcaseatlanta.com/" target="_blank">Showcase Atlanta</a> is joining forces to bring dozens of food trucks to residents and visitors flocking to Downtown for the World Cup. The latest: The pedestrian food truck corridor called Global Grub Alley <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="is expected" data-vars-click-url="https://www.atlantaga.gov/Home/Components/News/News/15738/1338" data-vars-content-id="3016d0d1-0955-43d8-8a6d-41178a22fdcc" data-vars-headline="Atlanta to host food truck alley during World Cup games" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.atlantaga.gov/Home/Components/News/News/15738/1338" target="_blank">is expected</a> to feature 20 to 30 food trucks along Walton Street between Centennial Olympic Park Drive and Broad Street.

How to see the FIFA World Cup trophy in Atlanta

Fans can visit The Home Depot Backyard for soccer experiences Friday and Saturday.

Fans of soccer and shiny gold objects will have an opportunity this weekend to see the FIFA World Cup trophy in person.Driving the news: The Coca Cola-sponsored Trophy Tour will make a stop at The Home Depot Backyard at Mercedes-Benz Stadium this Friday and Saturday from 2-9pm.

U.S. Soccer opens first-ever permanent home in Fayette County

The 200-acre complex gives American soccer a base to develop players and write history.

U.S. Soccer Federation officials were looking for the organization&#x27;s first permanent home in its 113-year history. They found it in Fayette County.Why it matters: The newly opened Arthur M. Blank U.S. Soccer National Training Center deepens metro Atlanta&#x27;s soccer footprint and fuels more housing and retail growth on the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="booming southside" data-vars-click-url="https://www.georgiatrend.com/2026/02/28/south-metro-atlanta-the-next-chapter/" data-vars-content-id="854e9680-da1a-4777-883f-f37d9a7198a2" data-vars-headline="U.S. Soccer opens first-ever permanent home in Fayette County" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.georgiatrend.com/2026/02/28/south-metro-atlanta-the-next-chapter/" target="_blank">booming southside</a>.

South Downtown Atlanta sprints to open before World Cup

Crews are rushing to open restaurants, parks and pop-ups ahead of eight matches downtown.

Development

The FIFA World Cup is 45 days away, and more than 10 contractor crews are working simultaneously against the clock to turn South Downtown Atlanta into a food, retail and activity hub.Why it matters: South Downtown is undergoing a multi-block construction blitz to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="rebuild a walkable historic neighborhood" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2024/04/11/south-downtown-jon-birdsong-david-cummings" data-vars-content-id="22e50859-c5ff-4e4d-b9c9-e75569ac41c0" data-vars-headline="South Downtown Atlanta sprints to open before World Cup" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2024/04/11/south-downtown-jon-birdsong-david-cummings" target="_self">rebuild a walkable historic neighborhood</a> with local businesses before the city hosts eight games, including one semifinal match.Yes, but: Most of the investments — wider sidewalks, new public spaces — and new businesses are meant to last long after the World Cup ends.

Georgia Tech turns dorms into World Cup stays

With 500,000 visitors expected, Tech is offering $237-a-night rooms near Atlanta's Fan Zone.

Georgia Tech is joining your neighbors (and maybe you) and getting in on the FIFA World Cup <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="home-sharing bandwagon" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2026/04/10/airbnb-fifa-world-cup-rentals-cost" data-vars-content-id="a9433540-7fc5-4044-a199-4b1373b35f5d" data-vars-headline="Georgia Tech turns dorms into World Cup stays" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2026/04/10/airbnb-fifa-world-cup-rentals-cost" target="_self">home-sharing bandwagon</a>.Why it matters: Atlanta&#x27;s host committee expects hundreds of thousands of people to visit the city during <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the six-week tournament" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2025/06/12/2026-fifa-world-cup-atlanta" data-vars-content-id="a9433540-7fc5-4044-a199-4b1373b35f5d" data-vars-headline="Georgia Tech turns dorms into World Cup stays" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2025/06/12/2026-fifa-world-cup-atlanta" target="_self">the six-week tournament</a>, which starts on June 11.<ul><li>Those visitors need a place to sleep. As with college students, sometimes anywhere will suffice.</li></ul>

Braves use Opening Day to mark 60 years in Atlanta

An on-field ceremony Friday before the first pitch will mark the team's 60 years in Atlanta.

The Atlanta Braves kick off the 2026 season at home Friday with a three-game stretch against the Kansas City Royals, and fans are invited to join the festivities.Why it matters: This season marks 60 years since the Braves have called Atlanta home.

NBA cancels Hawks' Magic City Night after backlash

The NBA canceled the Atlanta Hawks' planned "Magic City Night" promotion days after the idea went viral and sparked backlash online.

The NBA late Monday canceled the Atlanta Hawks&#x27; planned &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Magic City" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2025/08/15/magic-city-documentary-debuts-today-on-starz" data-vars-content-id="1fd2b3af-e5ac-42f3-b04a-3764ba2cb1b3" data-vars-headline="NBA cancels Hawks&#x27; Magic City Night after backlash" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2025/08/15/magic-city-documentary-debuts-today-on-starz" target="_self">Magic City</a> Night&quot; promotion after backlash, commissioner Adam Silver said.Driving the news: The league pulled the plug just days after the team announced the idea and it quickly went viral online.

Falcons close the book on Kirk Cousins era in Atlanta

After eight playoff misses, releasing the veteran QB frees cap space and hands the reins to Michael Penix Jr.

The Atlanta Falcons plan to cut ties with veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins, closing out a $180-million investment that never produced sustained success.Why it matters: The Falcons&#x27; short-lived quarterback experiment created confusion about the team&#x27;s direction and stalled momentum during another losing season.<ul><li>The team plans to release the veteran from the roster when the new league year starts next month, Falcons general manager Ian Cunningham <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="announced" data-vars-click-url="https://www.ajc.com/sports/2026/02/new-gm-ian-cunningham-says-falcons-plan-to-release-quarterback-kirk-cousins/" data-vars-content-id="8c6f71a6-4a5f-4d2b-a5b9-2741aab0d70a" data-vars-headline="Falcons close the book on Kirk Cousins era in Atlanta" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.ajc.com/sports/2026/02/new-gm-ian-cunningham-says-falcons-plan-to-release-quarterback-kirk-cousins/" target="_blank">announced</a> Tuesday at the NFL Scouting Combine.</li></ul>

Sports 🏅

Atlanta soccer culture gets its own map

"It's officially here, y'all": Atlanta says it's ready for World Cup

How ready U.S. cities are for the World Cup

Pickleball craze slows, but still strong in Atlanta

Atlanta to host food truck alley during World Cup games