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Tens of thousands of fans packed Downtown Atlanta on Wednesday as Argentina defeated England, capping the city's whirlwind run as a World Cup host.

Why it matters: Argentina's dramatic semifinal victory brought some of the biggest crowds yet and marked the city's final World Cup match before Sunday's tournament finale festivities.

Zoom in: The official Fan Fest was at capacity and Underground Atlanta was a sea of sky blue and white jerseys. Virtually every England fan passed through Brewhouse Cafe and The Irish Exit at some point.

What they're saying: Christian Turner, the United Kingdom's ambassador to the United States, told Axios that an estimated 50,000 fans from both England and Scotland traveled to the United States for the World Cup matches.

"All those fans coming here are going to take away memories," Turner said. "They're going to make friendships. It's been a story of the tournament that a lot of fans are saying how much they have enjoyed meeting Americans.

"You're polite, you're hospitable, you're welcoming, and I know that's very true down here in Atlanta."

What's next: Mercedes-Benz Stadium has finished hosting World Cup matches. But Atlanta isn't finished celebrating. 

On Sunday, Piedmont Park will host a free watch party, family-friendly events, and a concert by Ludacris. RSVP is required.

Here are photos of the craziness before, during and after the match.

A crowded urban protest with blue and white flags and banners; a mural of a hand holding a microphone on a beige building, and tall glass skyscrapers rise under a bright blue sky.

Argentina fans made Underground Atlanta their home base for the semifinal. Photo: Thomas Wheatley/Axios

Busy sports bar full of fans in jerseys, crowded tables with drinks, and a back bar. Large screens show a man in a black tank top running outdoors.

England fans piled into South Downtown's bars and restaurants like Brewhouse Cafe. Photo: Thomas Wheatley/Axios

Children and adults splash in a circular fountain in a sunny plaza; vibrant geometric sculptures rise behind them, with trees, flags, and a striped tent on the right.

Families took advantage of the park's splash pad to cool off. Photo: Kristal Dixon/Axios

An aerial view of a city street parade showing a large blue-and-white banner with a sun emblem; crowds in blue-and-white striped outfits fill the road between modern buildings and trees.

Argentina fans marched from Underground Atlanta to Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Photo: Thomas Wheatley/Axios

Outdoor event with a right-stage setup, LED screens and cameras. A dense crowd in white Manchester United jerseys (Rashford 11) faces the stage; green trees and a modern building in the background.

Men In Blazers broadcast from Founders Green in South Downtown. Photo: Thomas Wheatley/Axios

Large colorful soccer ball sculpture on a pedestal at an outdoor festival. A bright PLEASE DO NOT TOUCH sign in the foreground; crowd, trees, and city skyline in the background.

Volunteers answered questions, gave directions and snapped the occasional photo. Photo: Kristal Dixon/Axios

A photo of a large crowd of people wearing white and light blue jerseys gathered in a large outdoor urban area with crowds lining a railing looking at the festivities below.

Argentina fans flocked to Underground Atlanta after the team's victory. Photo: Thomas Wheatley/Axios

Argentina boots England in World Cup semifinal

Downtown showed its best for the final match hosted in Atlanta.

Packed soccer stadium full of spectators watching a World Cup match. Large banners say FIFA World Cup 2026 and Atlanta. A bright green pitch with players and blue advertising boards along the sidelines.

Mercedes-Benz Stadium reported a "full house" attendance of 68,239 people. Photo: Thomas Wheatley/Axios

Tens of thousands of fans packed Downtown Atlanta on Wednesday as Argentina defeated England, capping the city&#x27;s whirlwind run as a World Cup host.Why it matters: Argentina&#x27;s dramatic semifinal victory brought some of the biggest crowds yet and marked the city&#x27;s final World Cup match before Sunday&#x27;s tournament finale festivities.

Sports

The city of Mableton wants to split from Cobb County and start its own police department, and while Mableton's leaders are optimistic, they should prepare for a few bumps along the way, those with experience told Axios.

Why it matters: Hurdles will likely be easier to clear if the city prioritizes hiring sworn officers, civilians and a command staff who can set aside personal agendas and serve Mableton first, said Maj. Mike Lindstrom of the Sandy Springs Police Department.

Driving the news: Mableton leaders on Monday voted to establish a 4.5 millage rate that would generate about $21 million needed for its own police force, which it wants to stand up by next year.

Friction point: Mableton's path has been met with backlash from residents who said they've had no issues with Cobb County police and have expressed concerns that the city's estimates may fall short.

State of play: Sandy Springs police on July 1 marked 20 years since it took over patrols from Fulton County.

When the department started, it included officers who transitioned from Fulton County and cops and command staff from surrounding agencies, including DeKalb County and MARTA, Lindstrom told Axios.

In other words, a lot of big personalities brought different perspectives and experiences on how run a police department — and those diverging opinions created tension.

"We have our own culture, but it took forever to get to that point where we're saying, 'No, it's the Sandy Springs way,'" said Lindstrom, who started his career with Fulton County police.

Zoom out: At least two other metro Atlanta cities that have incorporated within the last 15 years — Tucker and Peachtree Corners — are discussing whether they should start their own police departments.

Zoom in: Peachtree Corners has an intergovernmental agreement with Gwinnett County for policing, but city manager Brian Johnson said the county's police force is understaffed.

"We've had instances where there is not any Gwinnett police officer inside our city limits because they've been called outside our city for more serious crimes," he said, adding the city pays Gwinnett about $11 million for public safety services.

Peachtree Corners began studying whether it would be feasible to start its own police force, and Johnson said the cost projections came back higher than expected.

Johnson told Axios that residents are mixed on the idea, and the city is in ongoing talks with Gwinnett County to address concerns.

The bottom line: Along with a good return on investment, getting community buy-in is a critical first step in any effort to establish a police department, according to Lindstrom.

That means going to town hall meetings and speaking with residents to "match up what the needs of the community are to what the officers are able to do," Lindstrom said. 

"You definitely want to go in there with some people that are familiar with the community," he said.

Starting a police department is easier said than done, local leaders say

The city of Mableton hopes to establish its own police force by 2027.

A glossy black Sandy Springs Police Dodge Charger parked in a wet parking lot at sunset. The side shows a bold white and blue "SANDY SPRINGS POLICE" logo with a diagonal blue stripe.

The Sandy Springs Police Department began operating on July 1, 2006. Photo: Courtesy of Sandy Springs Police Department

The city of Mableton wants to split from Cobb County and start its own <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="police department" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2026/07/15/mableton-new-police-department-cobb-county" data-vars-content-id="89e28fad-c6a0-4ad1-b6ed-b28d0a4d85f4" data-vars-headline="Starting a police department is easier said than done, local leaders say" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2026/07/15/mableton-new-police-department-cobb-county" target="_self">police department</a>, and while Mableton&#x27;s leaders are optimistic, they should prepare for a few bumps along the way, those with experience told Axios.Why it matters: Hurdles will likely be easier to clear if the city prioritizes hiring sworn officers, civilians and a command staff who can set aside personal agendas and serve Mableton first, said Maj. Mike Lindstrom of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Sandy Springs" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2026/02/17/sandy-springs-20th-anniversary-georgia" data-vars-content-id="89e28fad-c6a0-4ad1-b6ed-b28d0a4d85f4" data-vars-headline="Starting a police department is easier said than done, local leaders say" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2026/02/17/sandy-springs-20th-anniversary-georgia" target="_self">Sandy Springs</a> Police Department.

Public Safety

It's summer time in Atlanta, but don't let the heat and humidity keep you from enjoying the city. 

Hydrate, put on some sunscreen and check out these events: 

🏖️ Take a trip down memory lane with The Beach Boys, who will take the stage at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Center. (Fri.)

🎸 AJ Ghent & His Singing Guitar take over the Tabernacle. (Fri.)

⚾ The Braves play the Texas Rangers in a three-game series at Truist Park. (Fri.-Sun.)

🎤 State Farm Arena will host J.Cole's The Fall-Off Tour. (Fri.-Sat.)

🎶 That will be followed by Lionel Richie and Earth, Wind & Fire's Sing A Song All Night Long Tour. (Sun.)

🌭 The Great Food Truck Tour makes a stop at Atlantic Station. (Fri.)

👻 Little 5 Points brings a sampling of spooky season with the 2026 Monster Ball. (Sat.)

🥇 Learn more about how the 1996 Olympic Games landed in Atlanta with a screening of "The Games in Black and White." (Sat.)

⚽ You have two more days to check out the last two World Cup games at Decatur WatchFest. Note that Sunday's concert featuring the Indigo Girls is sold out. (Sat.-Sun.)

🎉 Watch the final World Cup match at the free Celebration of Soccer & Sound festival at Piedmont Park. Rapper Ludacris will headline the show. (Sun.)

🏀 The Atlanta Dream host Chicago Sky at Gateway Center Arena. (Sun.)

💍 Getting married, but you haven't a clue how to start planning? Check out the Lanier Islands Resort Bridal & Wedding Expo. (Sun.)

Weekend events: Ludacris, The Beach Boys, final World Cup games

Rapper Ludacris will headline performances at the free Celebration of Soccer & Sound on Sunday at Piedmont Park.

A man dressed in blue jean vest, blue jean shorts and a white shirt sings on stage as a large crowd watches. 

Ludacris performs during FIFA Fan Festival 2026 at Centennial Olympic Park on Tuesday, July 14 in Atlanta. Photo: Courtesy of Prince Williams/Getty Images

It&#x27;s summer time in Atlanta, but don&#x27;t let the heat and humidity keep you from enjoying the city. Hydrate, put on some sunscreen and check out these events: 🏖️ Take a trip down memory lane with The Beach Boys, who will take the stage at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Center. (<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Fri." data-vars-click-url="https://www.ticketmaster.com/the-beach-boys-atlanta-georgia-07-17-2026/event/0E00646CC1CDA0C4?irgwc=1&amp;afsrc=1&amp;clickid=V5GQEfUxpxyZR2JwVnS8V34hUkuVf83drTu0xA0&amp;camefrom=CFC_BUYAT_1387536&amp;impradid=1387536&amp;REFERRAL_ID=tmfeedbuyat1387536&amp;wt.mc_id=aff_BUYAT_1387536&amp;utm_source=1387536-Seated&amp;impradname=Seated&amp;utm_medium=affiliate&amp;ircid=4272" data-vars-content-id="a5029171-6de6-48ed-8ae1-d6f87805a503" data-vars-headline="Weekend events: Ludacris, The Beach Boys, final World Cup games" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.ticketmaster.com/the-beach-boys-atlanta-georgia-07-17-2026/event/0E00646CC1CDA0C4?irgwc=1&amp;afsrc=1&amp;clickid=V5GQEfUxpxyZR2JwVnS8V34hUkuVf83drTu0xA0&amp;camefrom=CFC_BUYAT_1387536&amp;impradid=1387536&amp;REFERRAL_ID=tmfeedbuyat1387536&amp;wt.mc_id=aff_BUYAT_1387536&amp;utm_source=1387536-Seated&amp;impradname=Seated&amp;utm_medium=affiliate&amp;ircid=4272" target="_blank">Fri.</a>)

Things to Do

Despite opposition and lingering questions from residents, Mableton leaders are moving ahead with standing up the city's own police department. 

Why it matters: Mableton's elected officials say breaking up with Cobb County will allow it to have better control over how police services are allocated in the city.

But many residents have said they are happy with the Cobb County Police Department patrolling Mableton, located west of Atlanta. 

It also signifies Mableton's shift from the "city-lite" form of government residents said they thought they would have if they incorporated. 

The latest: The Mableton City Council voted Monday to establish a 4.5 millage rate to fund its own public safety division. The rate would be applied like a property tax, but revenue generated from the millage rate would only be used for public safety. 

Zoom in: City leaders estimate the rate would generate the $21 million needed to start its own police department.

"Instead of collecting the money and giving it over to the county, I think if we're going to spend that kind of money, we might as well have control," said City Manager William "Bill" Tanks.

What they're saying: Several residents spoke out against the new tax rate, noting many of their neighbors are on fixed incomes and may struggle to pay the annual tax, which is about $630 on a home valued at $300,000. 

Residents also said they don't think $21 million would be enough to start a police department and called on the city to slow down the process. 

"Mableton was built on a city-lite model, and now here we are, three years later, going into full-service mode," one resident said.

Debora Herndon, the only council member to vote against the tax rate, said she understands the desire for Mableton to create its own police department, but "to do it with our backs against the wall and in such a short period of time ... is a disservice to our citizens here."

Between the lines: Mableton has not discussed whether a fire department would be part of its new public safety division.

Flashback: Voters in November 2022 approved incorporating Mableton, which has nearly 80,000 residents.

Mableton was touted as a "city-lite" form of government, meaning it would only provide a few, smaller-lift services and rely on the county for meatier services like public safety, stormwater and road maintenance. 

Cobb County would continue providing the more costly services like police, fire and public works.

Friction point: When Mableton and Cobb County began negotiating its intergovernmental agreement earlier this year, the city halted the process because it wanted citations issued by Cobb police to be funneled through its Municipal Court.

"We felt that any municipal court revenue should stay in the city of Mableton, and that was something we were unwavering on," Mayor Michael Owens said at a town hall meeting last month.

State law says municipal courts shall have jurisdiction over traffic offenses that happen in their cities — except in counties like Cobb, where a state court has that authority.

The county said in a statement that change would be impossible to implement, and the contract expired on May 31.

With no agreement, the Cobb County Sheriff's Office had to deputize Cobb police officers so they could continue patrolling the city.

Both parties eventually signed the agreement, which Cobb County said was largely unchanged, and it went into effect on June 15.

What we're watching: When Mableton will release more information about its planned police department, including how many sworn officers it will need and how much the agency will cost to operate annually.

Mableton moves forward with police department despite criticism

The City Council approved a new tax that would generate the roughly $21 million needed to create the city's own police department.

Illustration of police lights shown through the shape of a police hat.

Despite opposition and lingering questions from residents, Mableton leaders are moving ahead with standing up the city&#x27;s own police department. Why it matters: Mableton&#x27;s elected officials say breaking up with Cobb County will allow it to have better control over how police services are allocated in the city.

The Atlanta City Council Zoning Committee voted Monday to hold an ordinance that would allow data centers to operate in the Adair Park neighborhood and Historic West End District.

Why it matters: Holding an ordinance in committee doesn't mean it's dead; it just pumps the brakes on the process.

The latest: The committee's vote came at the request of Council Member Antonio Lewis, who sponsored the legislation.  

Council Member Mary Norwood, who chairs the committee, said no reason was provided for the request.

Zoom in: The controversial request sparked widespread backlash, with Neighborhood Planning Unit V and the Zoning Review Board both recommending a denial.

The Bezos Earth Fund has awarded $9.4 million to Park Pride to create a new park in Atlanta's Peoplestown neighborhood.

Driving the news: The award is part of the fund's Greening America's Cities program, which awarded $100 million to eight cities across the country to create green space and parks in underserved communities.

Park Pride will lead the project to develop the 4.8-acre site known as Four Corners Park.

According to Park Pride's news release, the design calls for "accessible play and recreation areas that will ensure that every child, regardless of ability, can fully participate."

Park Pride worked with the neighborhood to create a comprehensive plan for the park, which calls for installing basketball courts, a wetland area, a stormwater catchment system, playground, community garden and composting and open lawns.

Scaffolding at the hollowed-out Campanile building at Peachtree and 14th streets in Midtown collapsed early Sunday, according to WSB.

A person interviewed by WSB said they saw evidence that a vehicle crashed in the walkway below the scaffolding. 

It's the latest incident in the long-running saga plaguing the building. Last month, the City Council voted to use the city's blight tax to prod owner John Dewberry to do more to complete the structure. 

The penalty, which has never been used, would increase Dewberry's city property taxes from roughly $90,000 to more than $2.3 million until he puts the tower back into use, according to reports.

Politic-ATL: Data center ordinance held in committee

The Atlanta City Council Zoning Committee on Monday voted to hold the proposal in committee.

Illustration of a podium with a gold seal; the seal has a peach and says "POLITIC-ATL."

The Atlanta City Council Zoning Committee voted Monday to hold an ordinance that would allow data centers to operate in the Adair Park neighborhood and Historic West End District.Why it matters: Holding an ordinance in committee doesn&#x27;t mean it&#x27;s dead; it just pumps the brakes on the process.

Kristal Dixon

Featured stories

Starting a police department is easier said than done, local leaders say

Argentina boots England in World Cup semifinal

Weekend events: Ludacris, The Beach Boys, final World Cup games

Mableton moves forward with police department despite criticism

Politic-ATL: Data center ordinance held in committee