The 2026 FIFA World Cup & Atlanta’s Real Estate Landscape

Atlanta will host eight matches as part of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including high-profile group stage and knockout games at Mercedes-Benz Stadium next summer. This global sporting event — one of the largest in the world — isn’t just a win for fans; it also has real economic and housing implications for the city.

Here’s how the World Cup could influence local real estate:

📈 1. Short-Term Rental Demand Will Spike

Even before the tournament begins, short-term rental demand in Atlanta is rising rapidly, with Airbnb and VRBO listings showing year-over-year spikes as high as several thousand percent in some areas.

Airbnb projects that the World Cup could contribute an estimated $70 million to Atlanta’s economy, with local hosts earning thousands of dollars by renting their homes to visitors during the event.

What investors and homeowners should consider:

• Listing your property as a short-term rental during World Cup weeks could yield substantial income.

• If you’re thinking long-term, increased demand may justify renovations or professional property management to maximize returns.

🏗 2. Neighborhood & Infrastructure Improvements

World Cup preparations are driving enhancements — both temporary and long-term — across Atlanta’s urban core. Projects like the Atlanta Beltline’s World Cup readiness plan include festivals, cultural activations, and improved pedestrian access connecting neighborhoods to stadium areas.

Additionally, leaders are stepping up support for small business upgrades, helping local restaurants, shops, and storefronts beautify and prepare for increased foot traffic.

These enhancements not only make the city more attractive to visitors but also can boost local property values and neighborhood desirability for residents.

🧠 3. Buyer & Seller Timing Considerations

Hosting a major global event often shifts the rhythm of local housing demand:

✔ Sellers:

• Summer listings may attract interest from investors and buyers relocating to the region for jobs or lifestyle upgrades connected to World Cup-driven economic activity.

✔ Buyers:

• Increased short-term demand may temporarily tighten housing availability in some areas — especially in Midtown and Downtown intown districts.

• However, timing your purchase before the World Cup could position you ahead of a potential mid-year surge in interest.

🏡 Looking Ahead

Atlanta’s real-estate market in 2026 continues to benefit from strong fundamentals — demand, diverse neighborhoods, and quality of life — while once-in-a-generation events like the World Cup add a unique twist to opportunity and strategy.

Whether you’re thinking of selling, buying, investing, or even renting out your property short-term, it’s worth planning with both today’s market conditions and 2026’s event-driven activity in mind.

Keshia Appkins MBA
REALTOR® | Atlanta, GA