Atlanta United enter the 2026 season with Tata Martino returning for a second stint as head coach, a squad significantly overhauled during the summer window, and the urgent task of reversing an alarming decline. The Five Stripes sit 13th in the Eastern Conference on 27 points after 27 matches, with seven wins, six draws, and 14 defeats, having scored 32 goals and conceded 45. Martino’s side has shown recent signs of life, entering the international break on a three-match unbeaten run that includes back-to-back clean sheets on the road and a hard-fought 2-2 draw with New York City FC at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Technical Leadership & Coaching Profile
Manager: Tata Martino
Martino returned to Atlanta United for a second stint with the club, replacing Ronny Deila after a 2025 season that produced just five wins in 34 matches and a last-place finish in the Eastern Conference. The Argentine coach, who led Atlanta to MLS Cup glory in 2018, was tasked with restoring the competitive identity that had eroded in the intervening years.
Martino’s preseason emphasis on physical conditioning and tactical discipline was immediately evident. Defender Juan Berrocal described the preparations as “intense” and “hard but necessary,” while Steven Alzate noted the squad’s growing understanding of Martino’s philosophy: “The more we train as a group, the more we’re going to gel together, the more we’re going to understand the manager’s tactics, the way he wants to play.”
The coach has placed his trust in Miguel Almirón as club captain following Brad Guzan’s retirement. “Miguel is captain because he’s the most influential player we have, because he’s the leader of the team, and because the story he’s built in Atlanta,” Martino explained. The challenge now is translating preseason promise into consistent results.
Tactical Philosophy
Martino has implemented a 4-3-3 system, a structure that prioritises pressing, patience in possession, and directness on the counterattack. The formation has been a consistent feature of Atlanta’s play, with Martino showing little deviation across the campaign.
The attacking structure is built around the Designated Player trio of Miguel Almirón, Alexey Miranchuk, and Emmanuel Latte Lath. Almirón remains the creative hub, his streak of creating multiple chances in 11 consecutive matches surpassing Thiago Almada’s club record. Miranchuk provides technical quality in the attacking third, while Latte Lath was expected to deliver a significant step forward after a seven-goal debut season.
The summer arrivals have reshaped the squad’s spine. Breel Embolo has provided a physical focal point since his debut on 5 September, ranking fifth in MLS in duels won (28) and tied for second-most fouls won (16) through his first four matches since 2010. Giuliano Galoppo, on loan from River Plate, scored his first MLS goal against NYCFC and offers creativity from midfield.
Defensively, the partnership of Júnior Alonso and Paulo Díaz forms the preferred centre-back pairing, both arriving in the summer window. Their presence has coincided with Atlanta’s recent defensive improvement, though the absence of both players on international duty exposed the squad’s depth against NYCFC. Lucas Hoyos has started 26 matches in goal, recording two clean sheets, both against D.C. United.
Preferred Formations
4-3-3 (primary system under Martino)
Strategic Transfer Activity
Atlanta United’s summer 2026 window was defined by significant reinforcement across the spine of the team. The club completed five Secondary Transfer Window signings, all of whom featured together for the first time in the starting XI against Portland on 19 September.
The headline additions were Júnior Alonso and Paulo Díaz, both centre-backs with World Cup experience for Paraguay and Chile respectively. Alonso arrived from Krasnodar, while Díaz joined from River Plate, forming an experienced partnership that has stabilised a defence that conceded 60 goals in 2025.
Breel Embolo arrived to provide a physical presence in attack, the Cameroonian international bringing Bundesliga and Ligue 1 pedigree. His early performances have demonstrated his value in hold-up play and drawing fouls, though goals have been harder to come by.
Giuliano Galoppo joined on loan from River Plate through June 2027, the 27-year-old Argentine midfielder offering creativity and goal threat from central areas. His first MLS goal against NYCFC demonstrated his finishing ability.
Mauricio Amaro was acquired from Defensor Sporting for a reported $3 million fee, the 21-year-old Uruguayan occupying a U22 Initiative spot. Chief Soccer Officer Chris Henderson described him as “a player who will strengthen our midfield with his tackling, ball winning, competitiveness and ability to drive forward.”
On the departure side, Stian Gregersen was transferred to Malmö FF after 60 appearances across two seasons. Pedro Amador moved to Hapoel Be’er Sheva, and Ronald Hernández was traded for General Allocation Money.
Table A: Summer Major Transfer Influx
| Player | Position | Former Club | Fee Paid |
|---|---|---|---|
| Júnior Alonso | Centre-Back | Krasnodar | Undisclosed |
| Paulo Díaz | Centre-Back | River Plate | Undisclosed |
| Breel Embolo | Forward | Undisclosed | Undisclosed |
| Giuliano Galoppo | Midfielder | River Plate | Loan |
| Mauricio Amaro | Midfielder | Defensor Sporting | ~$3m |
The First-Team Roster
Goalkeepers
Lucas Hoyos (#1): The 30-year-old Argentine has started 26 matches this season, recording two clean sheets, both against D.C. United. His shot-stopping and command of the penalty area have been reliable behind a defence that has improved significantly since the summer arrivals.
Jayden Hibbert (#31): The young goalkeeper provides backup coverage and represents the club’s investment in developmental talent.
Defenders
Júnior Alonso (#4): The Paraguayan international arrived from Krasnodar and has formed a commanding partnership with Paulo Díaz in central defence. His World Cup experience and leadership provide stability to a back line that struggled badly in 2025.
Paulo Díaz (#5): The Chilean international joined from River Plate, bringing Copa Libertadores pedigree and a physical presence to the defensive unit. His partnership with Alonso has been central to Atlanta’s recent clean sheets.
Tomás Jacob (#35): The 22-year-old Argentine signed from Necaxa as a U22 Initiative player, his versatility across defence and midfield making him a valuable squad asset. Martino praised his integration: “He’s a player who has fit in very well with the group.”
Enea Mihaj (#23): The Albanian defender has featured prominently, his aerial ability and positional awareness contributing to the defensive structure.
Elías Báez (#12): The Argentine left-back provides attacking thrust from full-back, his crossing and set-piece delivery important outlets.
Matt Edwards (#24): The young defender has featured at right-back and centre-back, his versatility earning praise from the coaching staff. He scored an unfortunate own goal against NYCFC but has shown composure beyond his years.
Midfielders
Miguel Almirón (#10): The Paraguayan captain remains the squad’s most important player and creative hub. His streak of creating multiple chances in 11 consecutive matches set a new club record, surpassing Thiago Almada. His 13 goal contributions last season demonstrate his enduring quality.
Alexey Miranchuk (#59): The Russian international provides technical quality and vision in the attacking third, his ability to unlock defences from central positions central to Martino’s system.
Steven Alzate (#6): The Colombian midfielder provides energy and ball progression in the engine room, his experience at Brighton and Hull City offering composure in possession.
Tristan Muyumba (#15): The French midfielder has featured regularly, his combative approach and work rate suited to Martino’s pressing demands. His assist for Jay Fortune’s equaliser against NYCFC demonstrated his contribution in the final third.
Giuliano Galoppo (#11): The Argentine loanee from River Plate provides creativity and goal threat from midfield. His first MLS goal against NYCFC, a near-post finish from close range, showcased his movement in the box.
Mauricio Amaro (#8): The 21-year-old Uruguayan arrived from Defensor Sporting and has been integrated into the midfield rotation. His tackling and ball-winning capacity offer a different profile to Atlanta’s more technical midfielders.
Jay Fortune (#35): The Trinidadian Homegrown midfielder scored his third goal of the season against NYCFC, a composed first-time finish after entering as a substitute. He is one appearance away from tying Caleb Wiley as Atlanta United’s all-time leader in caps by a Homegrown player.
Cooper Sanchez (#48): The young midfielder has featured in the first-team squad, representing the club’s academy pipeline.
Forwards
Breel Embolo (#36): The Cameroonian international has provided a physical focal point since his arrival, ranking fifth in MLS in duels won and tied for second in fouls won through his first four matches since 2010. His hold-up play and movement create space for Atlanta’s attacking midfielders.
Emmanuel Latte Lath: The Ivorian striker, a Designated Player, was expected to deliver a significant step forward after a seven-goal debut season. His loan to Union Berlin has limited his involvement in the current campaign, but his return would provide a genuine goalscoring threat.
Luke Brennan (#25): The Homegrown forward has been given opportunities in attack, his 10th career start coming against NYCFC. His development within the first-team environment reflects the club’s commitment to internal pathways.
Sergio Santos (#17): The experienced forward provides depth and a different profile in the attacking line.
Fafa Picault (#7): The veteran winger offers pace and directness from wide areas, his experience valuable within a young squad.
Cayman Togashi (#18): The Japanese forward provides additional attacking depth.
Leadership Group & Squad Regulations
Club Captain: Miguel Almirón
The Paraguayan playmaker was appointed captain following Brad Guzan’s retirement, a decision that reflects his status as the squad’s most influential player and his connection to the club’s history. Martino articulated the reasoning: “Miguel is captain because he’s the most influential player we have, because he’s the leader of the team, and because the story he’s built in Atlanta [marks] what corresponds with what our captain should be.”
The Leadership Committee
Lucas Hoyos, as the starting goalkeeper, provides an authoritative voice within the defensive unit. Júnior Alonso and Paulo Díaz bring international experience and leadership credentials to the back line, while Steven Alzate and Tristan Muyumba serve as senior voices in midfield.
Homegrown Quota Check
Atlanta United maintain a strong commitment to their academy pipeline. Jay Fortune is one appearance away from tying Caleb Wiley’s club record for caps by a Homegrown player, while Luke Brennan, Cooper Sanchez, and several other academy graduates have featured in the first-team squad this season. The club’s investment in internal development remains a core principle.
Financial & Contractual Health
Financial Balance Overview
Atlanta United’s summer window reflected significant investment in the squad’s spine. The acquisitions of Júnior Alonso and Paulo Díaz addressed the defensive vulnerabilities that produced 60 goals conceded in 2025, while Embolo’s arrival added a physical presence in attack. Mauricio Amaro’s $3 million transfer represents the club’s continued investment in young South American talent.
The club’s Designated Player structure remains centred on Almirón, Miranchuk, and Latte Lath, though Latte Lath’s loan to Union Berlin has created flexibility within the roster.
Contract Red Alerts
Emmanuel Latte Lath’s loan to Union Berlin through the 2026-27 season creates uncertainty over his long-term future, though his return would strengthen the attacking options. Jay Fortune’s emergence as a Homegrown contributor makes his contract situation a priority for the club’s technical staff.
The Academy Pipeline & Loan Tracker
Breakout Talents to Watch
Jay Fortune has established himself as a genuine first-team contributor, his equaliser against NYCFC demonstrating his composure in decisive moments. His imminent club record for Homegrown appearances reflects his importance to Atlanta’s development model.
Luke Brennan has been given opportunities in the attacking line, his 10th career start representing a significant milestone in his progression.
Daniel Chica and Cameron Dunbar made their MLS debuts against NYCFC after joining the first-team squad on Short-Term Agreements from Atlanta United 2, which qualified for the MLS NEXT Pro Playoffs for the first time in club history.
Notable Out on Loan
Emmanuel Latte Lath is on loan with Union Berlin through the 2026-27 season, Ashton Gordon with Chattanooga FC, and Kaiden Moore with Philadelphia Union, all gaining experience away from the first-team environment.
Set-Piece Specialists & FPL Cheat Sheet
Penalties: Miguel Almirón (First Choice) / Alexey Miranchuk (Second Choice).
Direct Free-Kicks: Alexey Miranchuk / Giuliano Galoppo.
Corners & Crosses: Elías Báez / Miguel Almirón.
Final Outlook: Playoff Hopes Fading but Foundation Emerging
Atlanta United’s 2026 season has been a study in transition. The return of Tata Martino was intended to restore the competitive identity that had eroded over two seasons of decline, and while the results have not yet reflected the ambition, there are genuine signs of progress.
The recent three-match unbeaten run, including back-to-back road clean sheets and a resilient 2-2 draw against NYCFC, suggests the summer arrivals have begun to stabilise a squad that was fundamentally broken. The partnership of Júnior Alonso and Paulo Díaz in central defence has addressed the most glaring vulnerability, while Breel Embolo’s physical presence has given Atlanta a focal point in attack that was missing for much of the season.
The playoff picture, however, is bleak. Thirteen points from the final playoff position with 11 matches remaining represents a significant deficit, and the inconsistency that has defined the campaign — including the 14 defeats that have undermined every positive result — makes a late surge improbable.
The more realistic objective is building momentum for 2027. Martino’s system requires time to fully embed, and the summer arrivals represent the first genuine investment in the squad’s structural weaknesses. If Almirón can maintain his creative output, if Embolo can convert his physical dominance into goals, and if the defensive partnership continues to develop, Atlanta possess the foundation to challenge for a playoff position next season. The margin for error remains narrow, but the direction of travel is finally upward.
