Atlanta: Safety Guide for Fans

Atlanta: a safety guide for fans

SIHASO · FIFA World Cup 2026

It kicks off tomorrow. As for safety, the biggest risk in Atlanta isn't pickpockets, but car break-ins – plus a few situations you won't run into at home. All of them are easy to avoid once you know what to watch for.

Theft: mainly from the car

In Atlanta it's less about the classic pickpocket than about theft of opportunity. The most common is a break-in to a parked car – a visible backpack or phone, a smashed window and it's gone in seconds. Watch out too for a phone left on a patio table. Leave nothing in sight in the car, not even for a minute.

Carjacking

A carjacking happens most often at traffic lights, in parking lots and at gas stations. Keep your doors locked and windows up, and watch your surroundings when getting in. If it happens, hand over the car without resistance – a thing can be replaced, you can't.

ATMs and „jugging“

An American specialty: someone at an ATM picks out a person withdrawing cash and follows them to their car, where they strike. It's called jugging. Withdraw inside banks and shops, put the cash away while still inside, and afterwards watch whether anyone is following you. If in doubt, don't drive straight to your car – head to a public, well-lit place.

Getting around

On match day the easiest option is MARTA (Atlanta's metro and buses; a station is right by the stadium), otherwise Uber or Lyft. A car downtown means parking hassle and theft risk. Whatever you take, don't leave belongings unattended – nothing in sight in the vehicle, nothing left lying on MARTA – and expect a big surge after the match.

Money: tips and tax

Pay mainly by card and contactless and choose dollars at the terminal. Reckon with two American customs: prices are shown without tax (it's added at the register) and a tip of 15–20 % is expected in restaurants and for many services.

Nightlife: alcohol, cannabis and firearms

A few things are different than you'd expect in the US. An open container of alcohol on the street is usually an offense. Cannabis is illegal in Georgia – don't bring it even from other states. And carrying firearms is common, so a conflict can escalate fast: watch your drink, stick with your group and avoid arguments.

Stadium entry

At Mercedes-Benz Stadium expect airport-style screening – you'll pass through a detector and your bag will be checked. A clear-bag policy applies: only a small clear bag is allowed inside, so leave larger backpacks and bags elsewhere. Arrive with a margin – the lines and screening at the gates take time.

Crowds and crushes

A dense crowd forms at the gates of Mercedes-Benz Stadium and at MARTA stations after the whistle. In a dangerous crush you can't breathe while standing, so it's crucial to spot the density building early: keep your hands at your chest, stay on your feet and move with the waves toward the edge. Leave with a margin, not in the biggest surge.

When things go bad: Run – Hide – Fight

An active shooter is a US reality, and there's a simple protocol for it. If you hear gunfire:

Before you go

A few habits sidestep most problems:

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Prepared by SIHASO – security technologies. This material is informational and does not replace official sources or instructions from authorities on site.