A Three-Day Celebration of the Opening of the World Cup 2026

ATLANTA, GA – The Old Fourth Ward Neighborhood Association (O4WNA) is proud to announce the O4W Kickoff Festival, a three-day community celebration marking the start of the FIFA World Cup 2026™ in Atlanta.

Running from June 11–13, 2026 in the Historic Fourth Ward Park, this festival highlights the O4W as Atlanta's most iconic neighborhood and a central hub for the world's biggest sporting event.

The festival features a 3-day schedule of events designed to connect residents, fans and visitors through soccer, culture, and community spirit.

Festival Events

1. USA vs. Paraguay Viewing Party (June 12): The festival’s crown jewel event occurs on Friday night with a massive live viewing of the USA team’s opening match. Fans will gather in Historic Fourth Ward Park for a free, high-energy outdoor experience featuring jumbo screens, Atlanta Own and 8x Winner Best DJ, DJ EU, the Francisco Vidal Band and Old Fourth Ward food vendors.

2. O4W Youth Soccer Program Launch (June 13): On Saturday, the festival will host a Kids Soccer Event with pickup games and fun skills games for all Intown Atlanta kids. June 13 serves as the official introduction to the new O4W Youth Soccer Program, a longer-term program of youth soccer especially for the underserved kids in the O4W.

3. The O4W Bar Crawl (June 11): Celebrating the local hospitality entrepreneurs that make the neighborhood a destination, a curated bar crawl will lead fans through some of the O4W’s most beloved establishments, featuring specific country-themed food or events at each stop.

Official Statements

"As the third largest neighborhood in Atlanta, the Old Fourth Ward wants to welcome Atlantans and the world to this historic event," said Tom Boyle, President, O4W Neighborhood Association. "We are thrilled to welcome everyone in Atlanta and beyond to our backyard and showcase the unique spirit of community that makes this neighborhood one of Atlanta’s most iconic neighborhoods."

“Showcase Atlanta is proud to sponsor the O4W Kickoff Festival because the World Cup shouldn't be something Atlantans only watch on TV, it should be something they can walk to," said Lamar Stewart, Interim Executive Director of Showcase Atlanta. "The Old Fourth Ward is one of many neighborhoods that make Atlanta, Atlanta. This is the first of several community celebrations across the city during the World Cup. Whether you have a ticket to a match or not, there will be a place for you to show up, celebrate, and feel like this moment belongs to you. Because it does.”

Event Details

• Dates: June 11–13, 2026

• Program: 4:00pm Field Opens · 4:30pm Francisco Vidal Band · 6:00pm DJ EU · 8:30pm Livestream Begins

• Location: Historic Fourth Ward Park, 680 Dallas Street, Atlanta, GA

• Admission: Free and open to the public

For more information and a full schedule, visit www.o4wna.org

Media Contact: Tom Boyle, President, O4W Neighborhood Assoc. — 404-428-4786