Atlanta United 2026 Season Preview

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Major League Soccer

·16 February 2026

Atlanta United 2026 Season Preview

By MLSsoccer staff

2026 Schedule

First game: Feb. 21 - 4:45 pm ET at FC Cincinnati
Home opener: March 7 - 7:30 pm ET vs. Real Salt Lake
Full schedule
Watch on Apple TV

Team Snapshot

Tata Martino is back as Atlanta United's head coach. The Argentine, who takes over from Ronny Deila, previously steered the club to the 2018 MLS Cup title.

OneFootball Videos

Much of Martino's success hinges on steadying the defense and maximizing their three Designated Players: Miguel Almirón, Emmanuel Latte Lath and Alexey Miranchuk. Almirón is poised to lead Paraguay at the 2026 FIFA World Cup this summer.

Key Signings

Elías Baez: The defender arrives from San Lorenzo in his native Argentina. He’s on a U22 Initiative deal.
Adrian Gill: After progressing through FC Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy, the US youth international midfielder returns stateside.
Lucas Hoyos: The veteran Argentine goalkeeper will compete for the starting spot alongside Jayden Hibbert. Hoyos last played for Newell’s Old Boys.
Tomás Jacob: The Argentine defender developed at Newell’s Old Boys before spending last season with Necaxa in LIGA MX.

Full roster

Coming 🔜 to a stadium near you
– Tuesday, 30 December 2025

Key Departures

Brad Guzan: The legendary American goalkeeper, who spent nine seasons with Atlanta and won MLS Cup in 2018, retired following the 2025 season.
Brooks Lennon: The veteran right back had his contract option declined after making nearly 200 appearances in five seasons with Atlanta.
Bartosz Slisz: The Polish midfielder, who spent two seasons in Atlanta, was transferred to Danish powerhouse Brøndby IF.
Jamal Thiaré: The forward was traded to the Columbus Crew after spending two and a half seasons with Atlanta.