Atlanta's rich sporting history now has a new chapter.
The Summer of Soccer has been full of the things that make the world's sport so beautiful. People from all walks of life and all corners of the globe coming together, shocking results from underdogs, domination from powerhouses, trailblazers, and above all a whole lot of celebration.
Let's recap some of the best moments from Atlanta's five group stage matches:
History: For Atlanta, For Cape Verde
The city did something it has never done before Monday, June 15 when it hosted its first FIFA 2026 World Cup™ match. A sellout crowd gathered at Atlanta Stadium to welcome history in the form of a David-and-Goliath-esque matchup: Spain vs. Cape Verde.
The 2010 men's champions Spain came into the match looking to cement their status as one of the leading favorites to win the entire tournament, but debutants Cape Verde had other plans. The island nation of just over 500,000 people stood strong despite facing a barrage of 27 shots. Goalkeeper Vozinha, a 40-year-old veteran, made seven saves, and the Blue Sharks earned their first-ever point at the World Cup in a remarkable display of defensive stamina and concentration.
Czechia, South Africa square off as women officials write their own records
In the second match of Atlanta's group stage campaign Thursday, June 18, two Group A sides battled to a share of the points. Czechia and South Africa's 1-1 draw saw the Europeans strike first and the Africans draw level with a penalty kick in the 83rd minute.
Referee Tori Penso and assistant referees Brooke Mayo and Kathryn Nesbitt took to the pitch and became the second all-woman referee trio to officiate a World Cup match and the first and only of the 2026 tournament.
Spain secures the first World Cup win in Atlanta and a young star arrives
It wasn't long before Spain got things going, and in their second match in Atlanta, La Roja put four on the board against Saudi Arabia Sunday, June 21.
Lamine Yamal, the 18-year-old phenom, made his first start of the tournament and took no time to make an impact. He scored just 10 minutes into the match as Spain poured on three by halftime. The Spaniards ended with a 4-0 victory over Saudi Arabia, their first of the 2026 group stage and one that would propel them to a first-place finish in Group H.
A six-goal special includes Haiti's first in 52 years
Wednesday, June 24 saw last tournament's dark horse semifinals Morocco face Haiti for their third match in Group C. What went down was utter chaos — six goals, rampant celebrations from two wildly passionate fanbases, and of course, more history.
Haiti had to wait to celebrate, but it was worth it. The Caribbean nation's first goal in 52 years came in the 10th minute after a back-heeled flick from forward Lenny Joseph forced an own goal. The stadium erupted with a wall of sound, one that was matched only when the Haitians scored again from a wild Wilson Isidor longshot in the 43rd minute.
Morocco were determined, though, and they punched back after each goal and went on to tack on two more unanswered in a 4-2 win, the most goals in an Atlanta group stage match on the tournament.
DR Congo advances to Knockouts with first-ever World Cup win
The final Atlanta group stage match came from Group K, with Marietta-based Uzbekistan facing the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The Asian side, who set up base camp at Atlanta United's training ground, got a warm ATL welcome and scored their second goal of the tournament to take the lead in the 10th minute.
But the Congo were there to meet them. Yoane Wissa had a brace, and the Africans clinched their spot in the Knockouts for the very first time and became one of nine African teams to make the Round of 32 in 2026.
