Showcase Atlanta and the Food Truck Association of Georgia Unveil Global Grub Alley, A Food Destination for Every FIFA World Cup Match Day in Atlanta
Walton Street becomes a pedestrian-only corridor for all eight World Cup match days and the day before each match, with up to 30 Atlanta trucks on the street at a time.
ATLANTA - Showcase Atlanta and the Food Truck Association of Georgia (FTAG) today announced Global Grub Alley, a pedestrian-only activation that will run on Walton Street for every FIFA World Cup match day, plus the day before each match, in Atlanta in 2026. Twenty to 30 Atlanta-area food trucks will operate daily from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. along a quarter-mile stretch between Centennial Olympic Park Drive and Broad Street, with the block from Walton and Cone to Broad closed to vehicle traffic. The rotating food trucks only add to the existing corridor, and visitors are encouraged to come the trucks, but stay for the street.
Atlanta is hosting eight matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which means sixteen days of Global Grub Alley spread across the tournament. The activation is free and open to the public. No ticket required. The corridor sits one block from Centennial Olympic Park, home to the official FIFA Fan Festival, running June 11 through July 15. Fans walking between the park and Mercedes-Benz Stadium can pass directly through Global Grub Alley. Applications are now open for food truck vendors. A full lineup will be released as match dates approach, and can be viewed here: https://streetfoodfinder.com/global-grub-alley
"Atlanta food trucks have been asking for this kind of moment for years," said Kelsey Maynor, Director of Small Business Engagement for Showcase Atlanta. "The World Cup is one of the largest sporting events the city has ever hosted. We told Atlanta from the beginning that this would be done with the city, not to it. Global Grub Alley puts our small business owners and our food culture on the street, next to the biggest stage in the world. You will not need a ticket to be a part of it. You will just need to be hungry.”
The activation is part of a broader Showcase Atlanta strategy to ensure that major global events arriving in the city, including the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Super Bowl, leave a footprint of opportunity for local small businesses long after the events themselves end.
The Food Truck Association of Georgia is the operating partner for vendor selection, scheduling, and compliance. FTAG represents food truck operators across the state and will manage participation through Street Food Finder, the industry-standard scheduling platform.
"Our members are some of the most resilient small business owners in this state," said Montrella Rhodes, Administrator of FTAG. "This is the kind of opportunity that pays off for years after the final match. A truck on Walton Street in front of a global audience is a truck whose phone keeps ringing in 2027 and 2028. We are proud to be the front door for trucks that want to be part of it."
Vendor slots are managed by FTAG and their members receive first priority, but spaces are also available to non-members and prospective members where space allows. Trucks interested in participating should contact FTAG for details. All participating trucks must meet Georgia permitting and compliance requirements.
“We are truly excited and grateful for the opportunity to participate in Global Grub Alley during the World Cup Tournament in Atlanta. Events like this create a powerful platform for food truck owners to showcase their brand, connect with new customers from all over the world, and grow within the community,” said Sherman Gartrell with Wing Kingh Food Truck. “For Wing Kingh Food Truck, this opportunity is bigger than just serving food. It’s about bringing people together through great flavors, culture, and hospitality. We believe Global Grub Alley helps food truck businesses gain valuable exposure, build lasting relationships, and opens doors for future opportunities in the food and entertainment industry. We’re proud to be part of such an exciting event and look forward to serving the Atlanta community and visitors from around the globe.”
Global Grub Alley operates on the following schedule, tied to Atlanta's eight confirmed FIFA match dates and the day preceding each match. Specific match dates will be confirmed by FIFA. Hours are 11 AM to 7 PM each day.
What to know if you go:
Location: Walton Street between Centennial Olympic Park Drive and Broad Street
Pedestrian-only zone: Walton and Cone Streets to Broad Street
Hours: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., all match days and the day before each match
Cost: Free to attend. Pay per item at each truck.
Accessibility: Sidewalk and street-level access throughout. Portable restrooms on site.
Transit: MARTA's GWCC/CNN Center and Five Points stations are within walking distance.
About Showcase Atlanta. Showcase Atlanta is the city's initiative to ensure major global events, including the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Super Bowl, happen with Atlanta, putting the city's small businesses, communities, and culture at the center of the experience.
