Atlanta hosts eight World Cup matches at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, one of the most modern and spectacular venues in the tournament, and the city pairs it with southern hospitality, a walkable downtown and a food scene that punches well above its weight. Atlanta is also one of the more affordable US host cities, making it a smart base for fans. Here is the full guide.

Mercedes-Benz Stadium in downtown Atlanta is an architectural showpiece: a retractable roof that opens like a camera aperture, a giant halo video board and a capacity of around 75,000. It hosts eight matches, including a semi-final, making Atlanta one of the tournament's most important cities. The stadium sits in the heart of downtown, surrounded by hotels, restaurants and attractions, and it is served by the MARTA rail system, which makes match-day travel straightforward.

Atlanta's MARTA rail network is the key to match days: the Vine City and Dome stations serve the stadium directly, and the system connects the airport, downtown, Midtown and Buckhead. A reloadable fare card covers all rides, and match-day services are stepped up for big crowds. Downtown itself is walkable, and rideshares fill the gaps for areas beyond the rail lines. Staying near a MARTA station is the single best decision a visiting fan can make in Atlanta.

Downtown puts you closest to the stadium and the main attractions, Midtown offers a livelier bar and restaurant scene with good rail links, and Buckhead provides upscale shopping and dining at higher prices. All three are well connected by MARTA. Atlanta's hotel prices, while rising during the tournament, remain below those of the coastal host cities, and booking early secures the best rates in the most convenient locations.

Atlanta's food scene ranges from southern classics like fried chicken and shrimp and grits to an international array reflecting the city's diversity, with the Ponce City Market food hall a favourite gathering spot. Between matches, the Georgia Aquarium, the World of Coca-Cola, the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park and the Atlanta BeltLine trail offer varied days out. The BeltLine, a network of trails and parks built on old rail lines, is ideal for a relaxed non-match day.

Summer in Atlanta is hot and humid, so plan for heat: light clothing, water and sunscreen for the walk to the stadium, and a layer for the air-conditioned interior. Arrive early to enjoy the stadium precinct and to clear security without rushing, and keep your digital ticket ready. After the match, MARTA is the fastest way out of downtown, but expect crowds: waiting a few minutes for the first crush to pass makes the journey far more comfortable.

Beyond downtown, Atlanta's neighbourhoods reward exploration: Little Five Points for alternative shops and street art, Decatur for a small-town feel with excellent restaurants, and Virginia-Highland for leafy streets and brunch spots. The BeltLine trail connects several of these areas, and cycling or walking a section of it is one of the city's great pleasures. Each neighbourhood has its own character, and spending a non-match day wandering one of them gives you a sense of the real Atlanta beyond the stadium district.

Atlanta combines a world-class stadium, a semi-final, easy rail access and southern warmth at a reasonable price. For fans who want big matches without big-city costs, Atlanta is one of the strongest choices in the tournament. Come for the football, stay for the southern welcome. Plan early, travel light, and enjoy every minute of the tournament in this great southern city.