World Cup 2026 Southeast Road Trip: Miami & Atlanta Match Week
TL;DR: A one-of-a-kind road trip through the American Southeast that lets you catch 2026 World Cup action in both Miami and Atlanta. Start in sun-soaked Miami for a late-June group stage match amid beaches and Cuban culture. Then drive north through Florida’s wild wetlands and charming towns to Atlanta, where an early-July knockout game and Southern hospitality await. This itinerary balances match days, city exploration, scenic stops, and local eats for an unforgettable World Cup week.
Trip at a Glance Miami to Atlanta
- Duration: ~9 days (flexible)
- Host Cities: Miami → Atlanta
- Approximate Distance: 650–700 miles
- Best Start / End Airports:
- Ideal Vehicle: Mid-size SUV or sedan comfortable for long highway stretches; one-way rental friendly
Why This Route Works for World Cup 2026
- Optimal Match Timing: Miami hosts several group-stage games in late June, and Atlanta hosts knockout rounds in early July. For example, you can attend a group match in Miami on June 24 and then a Round of 32 game in Atlanta on July 1. The official schedule aligns perfectly to catch live action in both cities during the same trip.
- Manageable Distance: Miami and Atlanta are around 660 miles apart roughly a 10-hour direct drive. Splitting the drive into two or three days with fun stops makes the journey enjoyable. It’s a logical northbound route and far more doable than crisscrossing the country.
- Electric Atmosphere: Both cities are serious about soccer. Miami’s huge international fan base (fueled by its Latino culture and Inter Miami CF following) means watch parties and celebrations spill into the streets. Atlanta, home of the wildly popular Atlanta United, will bring its record-breaking fan energy to the World Cup. In each city you’ll find fan festivals, packed sports bars, and a buzzing game-day vibe citywide.
- Stadium Showcase: You get to experience two of the tournament’s premier venues. Hard Rock Stadium in Miami (branded “Miami Stadium” during FIFA26) hosts five group matches plus a quarter-final and the third-place game. Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta (“Atlanta Stadium”) hosts five group matches, a Round of 32, a Round of 16, and even a semi-final. Each is a world-class stadium with top-notch facilities and unique local flavor.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Miami (Days 1–3)
Day 1: Arrival in Miami Fly into Miami and get settled. Pick up your rental car at the airport (Miami International offers plenty of choices). Take the afternoon to relax and acclimate it’s summer in South Florida, so expect heat and humidity (average highs around 87–89°F with afternoon thunderstorms). Maybe dip your toes in the ocean at South Beach or stroll the Art Deco district to soak in Miami’s iconic vibe. In the evening, head to Little Havana for a low-key welcome: savor authentic Cuban food (try a classic Cubano sandwich or ropa vieja) and join locals at Domino Park for some cigars and music. Early to bed if you can tomorrow is a big day!
Day 2: Miami Match Day Game Day has arrived! Start with a leisurely morning to conserve energy perhaps a swim or an espresso at a Cuban ventanita (window cafe). If kickoff is in the afternoon or evening (e.g. 6pm local time for the June 24 Group C clash of Scotland vs. Brazil), plan a light pre-game adventure: the Wynwood Walls arts district is perfect for colorful Instagram shots and pre-match excitement. Grab lunch in Wynwood or nearby Brickell (Miami’s downtown/financial hub with great gastropubs and lounges). As game time approaches, make your way to Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, about 15 miles north. Aim to arrive at least 2 hours early traffic will be intense, and you’ll want to soak up the atmosphere. Hard Rock Stadium is surrounded by massive parking lots that will be filled with tailgating fans from around the world. Unless you’ve pre-booked a parking pass, consider rideshare or shuttle options to avoid parking headaches. Miami-Dade Transit is laying on express buses to the stadium area one option is taking Metrorail to a northern station like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Plaza, then hopping a rideshare for the last few miles.
Once there, join the FIFA Fan Festival outside the stadium if available, or the impromptu fan zone parties in the parking area. The palm-lined stadium entrance will be buzzing with chants, flags, and jerseys from every corner of the globe. Settle into your seats (Hard Rock holds ~65,000 fans) and enjoy world-class football! After the final whistle, expect an easygoing exit if you linger perhaps stick around for the post-game celebrations. Post-game: If you’re not completely drained, head back toward downtown and hit Miami Beach or Brickell for nightlife. South Beach’s clubs will be alive (it’s Miami, after all), and sports bars in Brickell or Coral Gables will be replaying match highlights late into the night. Toast the night with a mojito you’ve earned it.
Day 3: Flex/Off Day in Miami Use this day to explore Miami beyond the matches. After a late breakfast (try a Cuban cafecito and pastelito pastry to wake up), you have options depending on your interests:
- Beach & Relaxation: Spend a lazy day on Miami Beach. Stake out a spot on South Beach’s white sands for sun and swim, and cool off with a fresh juice or cocktail at a beachfront bar.
- Culture & Art: Visit Vizcaya Museum & Gardens, a historic bayside villa with lush gardens that offers a peaceful escape. Or check out the Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM) for modern art with a view. Street art lovers can dive deeper into Wynwood’s galleries and maybe find that perfect mural backdrop.
- Nature Excursion: If you need a break from city life, consider a half-day trip to Everglades National Park. An airboat tour in the Everglades is an unforgettable way to see alligators in the wild. Yes, Florida has real gators and Everglades “Alligator Alley” is famous for them. Just remember it’s about an hour’s drive each way; plan a morning tour before the afternoon storms.
- Food & Neighborhoods: Miami’s food scene is second to none. Take a DIY food tour by sampling tacos in Little Havana, fresh ceviche in Wynwood, and key lime pie in Coconut Grove. Walk it off exploring Bayfront Park and Bayside Marketplace downtown, or head to Brickell City Centre for shopping. By night, you could catch live Latin music in Little Havana or go dancing in the trendy clubs of Wynwood and Miami Beach.
This extra day is your buffer you’ve got a long drive ahead tomorrow, so enjoy Miami at your own pace and get a good night’s rest.
Drive to Atlanta (Days 4–5)
Day 4: Miami to North Florida Bid farewell to Miami’s swaying palms and hit the road northward. The goal is to cover roughly half the distance to Atlanta today (about 350 miles). Take Interstate 75 North which will carry you across the Everglades via Alligator Alley. As you cruise this stretch of I-75, enjoy the unique scenery of sawgrass marshes and keep eyes peeled for wildlife in the canals alongside (spotting an alligator from the highway isn’t uncommon!). There are few services in the Alley, so fuel up in Broward County before you cross into the wetlands.
Emerge on Florida’s Gulf Coast side near Naples. A great first stop to stretch your legs is Fort Myers or Sarasota (about 2–3 hours from Miami). If time permits, visit Sarasota’s white sand Lido Key beach or the Ringling Museum of Art for a dose of Florida culture. Continuing north, consider a lunch or afternoon stop in Tampa (4 hours from Miami). Tampa offers a nice city break: you could ride a coaster at Busch Gardens if you’re a theme park fan, or simply stroll the Tampa Riverwalk downtown for views of the bay. History buffs might detour to Ybor City, Tampa’s historic Cuban district, for amazing Cuban sandwiches and a look at old cigar factories.
After Tampa, press on into Florida’s interior. As the sun starts to dip, aim to reach somewhere around northern Florida or the Georgia state line to spend the night. Gainesville, FL (home to University of Florida) is a convenient overnight stop ~5 hours from Miami. Just south of Gainesville lies Paynes Prairie Preserve, where wild horses and even bison roam the marshy prairie a surprising Florida wildlife haven. If you arrive early enough, take the boardwalk trail at Paynes Prairie for sunset; you might catch glimpses of wild horses grazing in the distance. Alternatively, push a bit further to Valdosta, GA right across the state border, which positions you closer to Atlanta for tomorrow. Either way, enjoy a relaxed evening. Perhaps find a local barbecue joint for dinner (you’re in the South now slow-smoked BBQ or fried chicken with sweet tea is a must-try).
Day 5: North Florida/Georgia to Atlanta Get an early start for the remaining drive to Atlanta (approximately 4–5 hours from the FL/GA border). As you drive through rural South Georgia on I-75, take advantage of quirky roadside attractions and charming towns. One fun quick stop is in Ashburn, GA (if you need a rest break around mid-morning): look for the giant World’s Largest Peanut statue visible near I-75 a perfect kitschy photo op honoring Georgia’s peanut farming heritage. Continue on and consider pausing in Macon, GA, about 1.5 hours south of Atlanta. Macon is a city steeped in musical history and makes for an enriching lunch stop. This is Little Richard’s hometown and where Southern rock giants The Allman Brothers Band made their mark. You can tour The Big House Museum in Macon, the former Allman Brothers home-turned-museum filled with rock memorabilia. Even just a picnic in Macon’s Amerson River Park or a stroll down the historic Cotton Avenue will break up the drive nicely.
From Macon, Atlanta is about a 1-hour drive north. As you approach the big city, traffic will thicken. Atlanta’s highways are infamously busy, so try to time your arrival outside of late-afternoon rush hour if possible (arriving before 4pm or after 7pm is ideal). Welcome to Atlanta, Georgia’s capital and a World Cup host extraordinaire! Return your rental car at the Atlanta drop-off (if your hotel is downtown, you might hold onto it one more day for flexibility, though Atlanta’s MARTA transit and walkable center mean you can also ditch the car now). Settle into your accommodations perhaps in Midtown or Downtown for proximity to the stadium and fan fest. This evening, reward yourself for the drive with a hearty Southern dinner: think fried chicken and waffles or Georgia barbecue. You’re here during one of the most exciting times to visit Atlanta, so rest up for the festivities ahead.
Atlanta (Days 6–8)
Day 6: Exploring Atlanta’s Culture & Fun Today is an off-day in Atlanta with no matches, giving you a chance to experience the city. Start your day at Centennial Olympic Park downtown, which is ground zero for World Cup fan activities. The official FIFA Fan Festival is set to take over this park during the tournament even on non-match days you might find food trucks, live music, and fellow fans from around the world hanging out. From Centennial Park you can easily walk to several top attractions:
- The Georgia Aquarium, one of the world’s largest aquariums, is a must-see for families (and frankly, anyone intrigued by whale sharks and dolphins). It’s right next to the park.
- The World of Coca-Cola museum is another Atlanta classic across the street here you can taste Coke flavors from around the globe and learn the history of the iconic ATL-based company.
- For history enthusiasts, the National Center for Civil and Human Rights is adjacent as well, offering powerful exhibits on the civil rights movement. And a few miles east (a short Uber or streetcar ride away) is the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site, encompassing Dr. King’s birth home and the Ebenezer Baptist Church. Walking through MLK’s neighborhood provides meaningful context to Atlanta’s role in history.
By afternoon, explore some intown neighborhoods. Atlanta is a city of distinct districts: Midtown is known for its arts scene and Piedmont Park; Little Five Points is the spot for bohemian shops and street art; Old Fourth Ward mixes history with trendy eateries and is accessible via the BeltLine Eastside Trail (a popular walking/biking path lined with murals and cafes). If you’re a foodie, head to Buford Highway a bit outside downtown it’s an international dining corridor where you can grab authentic tacos, dim sum, pho, and more. For something uniquely Atlanta, you might visit Ponce City Market (a food hall and marketplace in a converted Sears building) or Krog Street Market both offer a taste of the city’s culinary creativity in restored historic spaces.
Nightlife: As a World Cup host, Atlanta will be buzzing at night. For a chill evening, find a local brewery in West Midtown or on the Eastside (Atlanta has a thriving craft beer scene). If you’re up for nightlife, make your way to Midtown’s Crescent Avenue or Downtown’s Edgewood Avenue, where clubs and bars keep the party going. From upscale rooftop lounges with skyline views to down-home blues clubs, Atlanta has it all. Just remember to get some sleep another huge match day is coming.
Day 7: Atlanta Match Day (Knockout Round) It’s game day in the ATL! The stakes are higher now, as Atlanta is hosting a knockout round match possibly a Round of 16 or even a semi-final depending on your schedule. For example, on July 1 Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium features a Round of 32 midday match, and on July 7 it will host a Round of 16 showdown. Whenever your match, plan your day smartly:
Hard Rock Stadium (Miami) hosts multiple World Cup matches, including group games and a quarter-final, and will draw international crowds with its festive pre-game tailgates. If you don't have a stadium ticket, Miami's official Fan Festival at Bayfront Park is a great alternative to soak up the game-day atmosphere. (Image: Fans outside Hard Rock Stadium during Super Bowl LIV, showing the stadium’s lively event vibe.)
Start with a hearty brunch in Downtown or Midtown perhaps chicken and biscuits or shrimp and grits to fuel up Southern-style. Transportation to the Stadium: Forget about driving to Mercedes-Benz Stadium if you can Atlanta’s traffic is notoriously dense, and parking around the stadium will be limited. Instead, join the throngs of fans on public transit. Take MARTA rail (Atlanta’s subway) to the GWCC/State Farm Arena/CNN Center Station, which is a 5-minute walk from the stadium. Trains are frequent and will be packed with fans singing and chanting, which is part of the fun. If you must drive, pre-book a parking spot near the stadium via ParkMobile or the stadium’s official parking site but expect traffic jams. Another option is to park at a MARTA station farther out and train in.
Arrive early to soak up the scene. Right outside Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Centennial Park’s Fan Fest will be in full swing on match days, with big screens, live entertainment, and food vendors. The stadium gates open a couple hours before kickoff; inside, don’t miss the chance to try some local ATL concessions (perhaps Chick-fil-A or ATL BBQ if available in the stadium). Mercedes-Benz Stadium is a marvel of modern design its retractable roof and 360-degree halo screen are sights to behold, and it can expand to over 70,000 screaming fans. Get ready for an epic match!
During the game, relish the knockout-round intensity every goal could be a country’s ticket to glory or elimination. Atlanta’s crowd, known for energy, will make this an unforgettable experience. After the final whistle and any award ceremonies, ease out with the crowd. Post-game celebration: If Atlanta’s hosting a Round of 16 or quarter-final that you just witnessed, there will be celebrations downtown. Join other fans at a nearby sports pub like Hudson Grille or Meehan’s Public House downtown for post-match pints. The downtown streets around CNN Center and Marietta Street may even be closed for pedestrian party zones. Alternatively, ride MARTA up to Buckhead and hit Fadó Irish Pub a famous soccer bar to mingle with fans from all nations. It’s your last night of the trip, so enjoy Atlanta’s hospitality and maybe a final cheers to a successful road trip!
Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta will host eight World Cup matches, including a semi-final, and is renowned for its passionate fan base and spectacular modern design. On match days, the area around this stadium transforms into a sea of team colors and Southern fanfare. (Image: Fans outside Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium during a college bowl game, showcasing the stadium’s striking facade and crowd energy.)
Day 8: Departure or Additional Atlanta Time Depending on your schedule, this might be departure day or an extra day to unwind. If flying out, ATL Airport is about a 20-minute drive or a quick MARTA ride from downtown. Build in a little buffer for airport security ATL is the world’s busiest airport, and it will be busy with World Cup travelers. If you have more time in Atlanta, you could visit attractions you missed: perhaps the Atlanta Botanical Garden (lovely outdoor gardens in Midtown), or take a CNN Studio Tour for a behind-the-scenes look at news production. Sports fans could visit the College Football Hall of Fame (next to Centennial Park) or tour Truist Park (Atlanta’s MLB stadium) if baseball’s in season. For a more leisurely local vibe, spend time in Piedmont Park, dubbed Atlanta’s “Central Park,” or drive out to Stone Mountain Park for a nature fix and panoramic views. Whenever you head out, you’ll do so with a camera full of memories from Miami’s beaches to Atlanta’s skyline and the satisfaction of having experienced World Cup 2026 in two dynamic host cities.
For this two-city adventure, a one-way rental car is the way to go. Plan to pick up in Miami and drop off in Atlanta. Major rental companies (Enterprise, Hertz, Avis, etc.) allow inter-city one-way rentals; just be sure to check for any drop-off fee when booking. Pickup/Drop-off Points: It’s simplest to pick up at Miami International Airport upon arrival, and drop off at Atlanta’s airport or a downtown location before you depart. This saves you from having a car during your final Atlanta days if you’d rather use transit. Both MIA and ATL airports have large rental car centers with many options.
Ideal Vehicle: A comfortable mid-size SUV or sedan is recommended. You’ll be covering long highway stretches, so prioritize ample luggage space, good AC (Florida heat is no joke), and fuel efficiency. An SUV might be nice if you have a group of friends or family (and for handling any sudden summer downpours), whereas a sedan is perfectly fine for 1-2 people. The drive is all on well-maintained highways, so no special vehicle capabilities are needed even a compact can do the job if it’s just two of you traveling light. If you opt for an electric vehicle, note that charging stations are available in cities and along major routes, but you’ll need to plan stops accordingly (and Alligator Alley is a long stretch, so charge up beforehand).
One-Way Rental Tips: Try to book your rental as early as possible one-way rentals can be in high demand during major events. Some companies waive drop fees during promotional periods; others might charge around $100–$300 extra. It can help to rent from airport locations for better fleet selection, but compare prices. Before leaving Miami, double-check that your car has a SunPass or toll transponder for Florida’s toll roads (many Florida highways are cashless tolls). This will make your journey smoother and avoid billing hassles later.
Travel Tips for the Southeast Road Trip
- Weather & Timing: June–July in the Southeast means hot days, warm nights, and frequent afternoon thunderstorms. Dress for summer (light clothes, hat, sunglasses) and stay hydrated. Keep a poncho or umbrella handy for sudden rain storms blow over quickly but can drench you. If driving long stretches, start early in the morning to avoid the worst heat and afternoon storm timing.
- Traffic & Driving: Both Miami and Atlanta are known for heavy traffic. In Miami, I-95 can be a parking lot during rush hour (7–9am and 4–7pm), and Atlanta’s I-75/I-85 Downtown Connector is equally notorious. Plan to drive through major metro areas during off-peak times (late morning or early afternoon) to save headaches. Drive Defensively locals in Miami tend to drive fast and unpredictably, while Atlanta’s interstates have multiple lanes and swift merging. Use GPS navigation (with live traffic) for the best routes; it might steer you onto Florida’s Turnpike or other toll roads to save time again, have that SunPass ready for seamless toll payment.
- Fuel & Rest Stops: Gas stations are plentiful on I-95 and I-75. The longest sparse stretch is Alligator Alley (about 80 miles of Everglades) fill up around Naples or Fort Lauderdale before crossing. Take regular breaks to stretch, especially on Day 4 and 5 drives. Highway rest areas in Florida and Georgia are generally clean and have vending machines and restrooms; some even have picnic tables under shade. Keep some cash or snacks for rural stops that might not take cards.
- Stadium Access: On match days, arrive early to both Hard Rock Stadium and Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Security lines can be long (FIFA will have airport-style security). Bags are restricted check the host city rules (usually clear bags only). Public transit and rideshares are strongly recommended. Miami will likely run shuttle buses from central locations to Hard Rock check Miami’s host committee site for updates. In Atlanta, MARTA trains are the best bet. If you do drive, pre-book parking through official channels (both stadiums sell parking passes online). For Atlanta, parking downtown near a MARTA station and riding in can bypass the worst jams. After games, expect delays leaving perhaps hang out at a nearby restaurant or fan zone until traffic thins.
- Local Driving Quirks:Miami uses a lot of highway exit ramps on the left, which can surprise unfamiliar drivers stay alert and don’t panic if you miss an exit (GPS will reroute, or you can loop back). In Atlanta, street names can be confusing (there are dozens of variations of “Peachtree” Street!). Pay close attention to directional suffixes (St, Ave, Rd) and use the ZIP code or district in your GPS to ensure you’re navigating to the right place.
- Parking in Cities: In Miami, hotel parking can be pricey and street parking is scarce in South Beach and downtown use garages or apps like ParkMobile to find spots. In Atlanta, many downtown hotels have parking but charge extra; alternatively, some Midtown hotels offer free parking on weekends. For city exploration, consider parking once and using rideshares or transit to get around to avoid multiple re-parking (especially in Atlanta where attractions like the Aquarium and MLK site have separate parking fees).
- Safety & Etiquette: The areas you’ll visit are generally safe, but as with any big city event, keep an eye on your belongings in crowded fan zones. Both Miami and Atlanta have enthusiastic but friendly fan cultures feel free to wear your team’s jerseys proudly. You’ll likely experience good-natured banter between rival fans; just keep it respectful. And a tip: In the South, a little politeness goes a long way expect people to say “please” and “y’all” and maybe chat with you in line. Embrace the southern hospitality!
Who This Trip Is For
This road trip is designed for fans who want it all. It’s perfect for a group of friends or a family that loves soccer but also craves a vacation experience. Families will appreciate the mix of sports and sightseeing kids can enjoy the Miami beaches, zoo, or aquarium visits in Atlanta between matches. The driving legs are reasonable and can be adjusted if little ones need more stops. Foodies will be in heaven: you’ll feast on Miami’s Latin American flavors (from Cuban sandwiches to ceviche) and Atlanta’s Southern comfort cuisine (don’t leave without trying peach cobbler or some Georgia barbecue!). The itinerary also sprinkles in foodie destinations like Ybor City and Buford Highway for global eats. Nightlife seekers can go from cheering in the stadium to dancing in Miami’s mega-clubs or bar-hopping in Atlanta’s hip neighborhoods there’s no shortage of nightlife in either city. And if you’re a culture or history lover, the trip has you covered too, with world-class museums, street art, and historic landmarks along the way.
Crucially, this trip is for those with a bit of time flexibility who want to maximize the World Cup experience without spending the entire tournament on the road. In about 9–10 days, you’ll catch multiple matches (both group stage and knockout) and enjoy a full-fledged American road trip. It’s a condensed World Cup adventure that balances the thrill of live games with the joy of travel. Whether you’re chanting in the stands, swapping stories with fellow fans at a roadside diner, or snapping photos of a Florida sunset, you’ll be making lifelong memories. So pack your scarf, grab your sunglasses, and get ready to chant “¡Vamos!” and “U-S-A!” from Miami to Atlanta this is one road trip that truly scores. Safe travels and enjoy the World Cup 2026 match week in the Southeast!
Check Out Our Ultimate World Cup 2026 Road Trips Guide – Built for the Ultimate Fan
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