ATLANTA - As the FIFA World Cup continues in Atlanta, fans are searching for ways to take home a piece of the tournament.
Collectibles become must-have souvenirs
One of the most sought-after items has been a series of collectible charm bracelets available at the FIFA Fan Festival. The bracelets feature charms tied to the tournament and Atlanta, including peaches, FIFA logos and country-specific designs. Fans and even stadium workers have been asking where they can find them as the accessories gain popularity on social media.
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Viral charm bracelets at World Cup Atlanta
Good Day Atlanta's Paul Milliken and Kelly Price check out the charm bracelet available at World Cup Atlanta that has gone viral on social media.
Beyond charm bracelets and collectible cups, fans are also snapping up World Cup-themed blind bags featuring miniature mascot toys and other tournament characters known as Squishems or Squooshems.
The surprise packages contain one of several possible collectibles, including official host country mascots from the United States, Canada and Mexico, as well as soccer balls, referees and fan-themed characters. The appeal is that buyers do not know which item is inside until they open the package.
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Paul Milliken & Kelly Price open World Cup Squishems
Good Day Atlanta's Paul Milliken and Kelly Price check out a couple of the World Cup "Squishems" (also called Squooshems) for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. ) are 2.5-inch soft, squishy foam blind-bag figures produced by Jazwares. The collection features fan-favorite characters like the World Cup mascots (Clutch the Bald Eagle, Maple the Moose, and Zayu the Jaguar), soccer balls, and the iconic gold trophy.
Another popular keepsake is a reusable Coca-Cola souvenir cup sold at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, which has temporarily been renamed Atlanta Stadium. Each cup is customized for a specific match, featuring the teams playing that day, making them unique collectibles for fans attending games in Atlanta. The cups reportedly cost $4, which make them an affordable souvenir.
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Souvenir cups and wings at World Cup Atlanta
Good Day Atlanta's Paul Milliken and Kelly Price check out the souvenir cups and chicken wings at Atlanta Stadium for the FIFA World Cup.
Stadium food highlights Atlanta flavors
Inside Atlanta Stadium, fans are also getting a taste of local favorites.
Executive Chef Matt Cooper and the stadium's culinary team are serving game-day staples including wings and fries, with some presentations featuring Atlanta-themed branding. Additionally, the stadium is still serving its very affordable items, including a $2 hot dog, $3 slice of pizza, $5 cheeseburger and $5 beer.
Arthur Blank, owner of the Atlanta Stadium, is widely applauded for his "fan-first" concession pricing. He confirmed in May that the stadium would maintain its affordable pricing model for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
"It never got past the first discussion with FIFA because we said it is a given; this is who we are. We have to make fans feel treasured and appreciated," Blank said in an interview with The Athletic.
The food experience extends beyond the stadium, with visitors frequently asking locals where to eat while they're in town.
International fans discover American favorites
The World Cup has also introduced many international visitors to classic American foods.
Good Day Atlanta's Paul Milliken and sports reporter Kelly Price highlighted a viral social media trend showing overseas fans trying American dishes for the first time. One British creator gained attention after enthusiastically sampling Popeyes fried chicken and discovering the combination of dipping chicken into mashed potatoes and gravy.
Ranch dressing has become another unexpected sensation among visitors. The condiment has become so popular that TSA (Transportation Security Administration) jokingly reminded travelers to pack bottles of ranch in checked luggage rather than carry-on bags when returning home.
Some fans have even joked about gaining the "FIFA 15," a World Cup version of the "Freshman 15," after spending weeks enjoying American food.
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FIFA fans are loving American food
Soccer fans who have traveled to the U.S. for FIFA World Cup fans have been enjoying American food and some fans have become obsessed with ranch dressing and TSA is giving advice on how to transport it home.
Paul and Kelly's Atlanta dining picks
For visitors looking to venture beyond the stadium, Milliken and Price offered several recommendations showcasing different parts of metro Atlanta.
Milliken's picks included Cueva de Alta Toro in Midtown's Colony Square, known for its immersive atmosphere and entertainment; Food Terminal on Buford Highway for authentic international flavors; and other Midtown dining destinations.
Price recommended Taqueria del Sol in Decatur, Emmy Squared Pizza in West Midtown and Delbar in Inman Park, encouraging visitors to explore Atlanta's neighborhoods while sampling the city's diverse culinary offerings.
RELATED: World Cup Atlanta: Menu and dining specials in metro Atlanta
With thousands of fans arriving from around the world, Atlanta's food scene is proving to be nearly as much of a draw as the matches themselves.
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Paul & Kelly's picks for World Cup Atlanta dining
Good Day Atlanta's Paul Milliken and Kelly Price give their picks for where to eat in Atlanta during World Cup Atlanta.