Overview
- England and the Democratic Republic of the Congo meet at Mercedes‑Benz Stadium with a 12 p.m. kickoff on Wednesday in Atlanta’s first 2026 World Cup knockout match.
- Stadium gates open three hours before kickoff while match parking lots open four hours early and require pre‑purchased passes sold only to ticket holders.
- FIFA Fan Fest at Centennial Olympic Park has general admission sold out for the day, VIP passes remain, and organizers will offer free water and allow neck and handheld fans to address a dangerous heat advisory covering 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.
- Dozens of local watch parties and pre‑match events are running across metro Atlanta, including Founders Green Futbol Fest, Georgia State’s campus event, Decatur Watchfest, The Battery Atlanta and Smyrna’s Village Green Park.
- A U.S. pause on visas for DR Congo nationals linked to an Ebola outbreak has kept some supporters from attending the match, including noted fan Michel Nkuka Mboladinga known as 'Lumumba Vea'.