Big Boi will headline a free live performance on Decatur Square to launch Atlanta’s 2026 FIFA World Cup celebrations, marking a significant milestone for the Grammy-winning rapper simply months after OutKast’s Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction announcement.

The OutKast legend confirmed his efficiency for Thursday, June 11, 2026 – the event’s opening day – as a part of Decatur WatchFest ’26.

The announcement comes as Atlanta gears as much as host a number of World Cup matches, with Big Boi serving as the proper ambassador given his deep Atlanta roots and well-documented ardour for soccer.

“As an Atlantan and huge soccer fan, performing for Decatur WatchFest ’26 to kick off our World Cup festivities is a great honor,” Big Boi acknowledged. “I’ve seen the energy the World Cup creates, and I’m excited to get the party started for music and soccer fans in my backyard.”

The timing is especially vital for Big Boi, whose legendary Hip-Hop duo OutKast was not too long ago introduced for induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame on November 8, 2025.

The recognition celebrates Atlanta’s lasting impact on Hip-Hop culture, making Big Boi’s World Cup position much more symbolic of the town’s cultural affect.

Big Boi’s soccer fandom runs deeper than informal curiosity. The rapper grew to become an Atlanta United FC supporter when the MLS group launched in 2017, commonly attending matches and embracing the Five Stripes tradition.

His sports activities connections lengthen past soccer – he’s continuously seen supporting the Atlanta Falcons and has carried out at main Atlanta sporting occasions, together with the 2025 Peach Drop celebration.

Decatur City Manager Andrea Arnold expressed pleasure concerning the collaboration.

“The City of Decatur is so excited to kick off Decatur WatchFest ’26 with Big Boi, an artist who has such a deep connection to Atlanta,” Arnold stated. “We are thrilled to welcome Big Boi to the Square to start the Decatur WatchFest ’26 celebration.”

The live performance represents the primary main announcement for Decatur WatchFest ’26, which can function reside performances all through the 34-day event.

Additional headliners and native artists will be part of the celebration, making a complete leisure expertise alongside World Cup viewing events.

Fans can anticipate free music, video games, actions, meals and drinks on the newly renovated Decatur Square whereas watching matches that includes the world’s high soccer expertise.

Organizers plan to announce the particular timing and extra particulars in January 2026, following the December World Cup draw, when groups and match schedules are finalized.

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