Red, white, and blue stretched as far as the eye could see on Friday, June 19, as thousands of fans packed Decatur Square to watch the U.S. take on Australia in the FIFA World Cup.
The crowd erupted as Team USA secured a 3-1 victory, punching their ticket to the knockout rounds and keeping their group-winning hopes alive heading into Thursday's showdown with Turkey.
Decatur WatchFest '26 has become the go-to destination for ITP soccer fans who want to avoid the downtown crush. The freshly renovated $8.5 million town square, with its modernized performing arts stage and expanded greenspaces, has proven ready for its moment.
The festival will air more than 60 World Cup matches through the tournament, alongside 34 free concerts from regional and national music artists. No tickets required.
After Big Boi's opening-night performance for the Mexico vs South Africa match, organizers have kept the entertainment coming between matches. The square's central location and MARTA accessibility make it an easy alternative to Centennial Olympic Park.