​On Wednesday, Atlanta finished its hosting run for the FIFA World Cup 2026, featuring the semifinal match between England and Argentina at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.Throughout the city’s hosting run, the Atlanta World Cup Hosting Committee said it showcased its capabilities as a world-class host during eight matches.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementOfficials said Atlanta’s portion of the tournament was defined by sold-out crowds, a highly attended FIFA Fan Festival, fan-first pricing and seamless operations.[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]During the FIFA World Cup in Atlanta’s events, cities across the metro hosted events for visitors, fans and residents to take part in the tournament fun.The FIFA Fan Festival at Centennial Olympic Park opened on June 11 and operated for 19 days, welcoming more than 500,000 fans. This made it one of the most attended fan festivals of any U.S. Host City.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementMercedes-Benz Stadium maintained its “Fan First” pricing policy throughout the tournament, offering $2 sodas, $2 hotdogs, $3 bottles of water and $5 cheeseburgers.MORE FIFA STORIES:Arthur Blank calls hosting World Cup semifinal one of highlights of his life FIFA World Cup: Argentina defeats England in Atlanta semifinal, 2-1 After World Cup, state works to lure FIFA fans back to Georgia FIFA World Cup: Nearly 100 drones seized flying around for Atlanta Stadium World Cup finals: What to know as Spain takes on ArgentinaThe host committee said Centennial Olympic Park was the heartbeat of Atlanta’s FIFA World Cup celebration, turning into a global gathering place with live match broadcasts, concerts, international food and beverage offerings, interactive activations and family-friendly entertainment.“The success of FIFA Fan Festival™ Atlanta is a testament to what happens when a city embraces the world with authenticity, hospitality and heart,” Joe Bocherer, chief commercial officer of Georgia World Congress Center Authority, highlighted the event’s success. said in a statement. “For more than a month, Centennial Olympic Park became the gathering place for more than a half million fans representing every corner of the globe.”AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementMercedes-Benz Stadium was the only venue named the No. 1 stadium of the FIFA World Cup 2026 by three independent national outlets.The AWCHC said USA Today, Sports Illustrated and The New York Times all highlighted the stadium’s state-of-the-art climate-controlled environment provided protection from the elements for players and fans.The matches played in Atlanta included a semifinal between Argentina and England. Lionel Messi and Argentina achieved a dramatic Round of 16 comeback victory over Egypt and two group stage matches featured eventual the semifinalist Spain.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementAtlanta also hosted several underdog moments.Cabo Verde marked its World Cup debut by holding Spain to the only draw