An offseason full of change for Atlanta United left many factors up in the air heading into the preseason. How will new head coach Gerardo “Tata” Martino, in his highly anticipated second stint with the club, reestablish an identity? How will a squad mixed with players new and old take to that high-intensity philosophy? Most importantly, how does everything come together to deliver an improvement on last season for a team that knows it should be at the forefront of Major League Soccer?
A month and a half later, with the preseason in the rearview mirror, we don’t know everything yet. But the words from the lips of the head coach and some key players are collected and confident. The team is ready for 2026 with fresh fitness and a new mentality of “calm fearlessness.”
“I think the only thing missing is now it’s time to compete,” Martino said in Spanish after training Thursday. “I think the positive was that what we’re doing in training is being reflected into what we’re seeing [in matches].”
Intensity and Chemistry: Impressions from the Preseason
Tuesday’s media availability saw two of last season’s summer signings give their new impressions on 2026. Steven Alzate and Juan Berrocal both played in 10 matches for the 5-Stripes in 2025, and they’re eager to get more under their belts. Berrocal put it simply when asked about the preseason under Martino: “Intense.”
“It’s been hard but necessary,” Berrocal said. Most of the squad has remarked about the sheer volume of running Tata is asking of them. This grueling work is designed to prepare the team for the rapid transitions and high-press demands of Martino’s tactical philosophy.
During preseason trips to Miami and Texas, the team participated in the inaugural Torneo de Tejas, where they showed flashes of brilliance, including a 3-2 victory over Red Bull New York. Beyond the pitch, rotating roommates allowed the group to grow closer.
“The more we train as a group, the more we’re going gel together,” Alzate said Tuesday. “I feel like we’re at a good point now… everyone is ready.”
New Faces and the Return of Captain Miggy
While Alzate and Berrocal are settling in, they feel like veterans compared to the winter acquisitions. The 5-Stripes brought in six new players, including Tomás Jacob, an Argentinian U-22 initiative signing praised for his versatility.
However, the biggest headline of the preseason remains Miguel Almirón. Following the retirement of club legend Brad Guzan, Almirón has been named the new club captain. Martino is placing immense trust in his number 10 to lead the attack alongside fellow DPs Alexey Miranchuk and Emmanuel Latte Lath.
Latte Lath, who scored his first preseason goal in the 1-1 draw against Houston Dynamo, is focused on a bounce-back year. “It’s so important this season because I expect a lot for myself,” the Ivorian striker said. “Last year I learned how to suffer… that is a really good lesson.”
The First Foe: Neutralizing Evander in Cincinnati
The 5-Stripes kick off their 2026 campaign today with a daunting road trip to face FC Cincinnati. Cincinnati finished 2025 with the second-most points in MLS and boasts one of the league’s most dangerous playmakers: Evander.
The Brazilian maestro totaled a staggering 33 goal contributions (18 goals, 15 assists) last season. Neutralizing him will be the first major test for Atlanta’s new defensive partnership of Stian Gregersen and Juan Berrocal.
“He’s a player who can be difficult to mark because he plays free,” Martino noted. “We have to find a way to neutralize him to get a result Saturday.”
What This Means for Fans
The return of Tata Martino has reignited hope in Atlanta, but the 2026 season is about more than just nostalgia. It’s about a modernized roster—bolstered by the recent signings of Sergio Santos and Fafà Picault—finding its “bravery” again.
The front office has even gone as far as acquiring an extra International Roster Slot from Orlando City to ensure Martino has maximum flexibility. The message is clear: the 5-Stripes are no longer rebuilding; they are competing.
How to Watch: #CINvATL
- When: Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026 | 4:45 PM ET
- Where: TQL Stadium, Cincinnati, OH
- TV/Streaming: FOX & Apple TV (MLS Season Pass)
- Radio: 92.9 The Game (English) & La Mejor 101.5 FM (Spanish)
Next Steps: Make sure to clear your schedule for the Home Opener on March 7 against Real Salt Lake, where the club will debut the highly-anticipated “Spirit of ’96” kit!
Author: Quique Lopez
Quique Lopez doesn’t just cover soccer—he deconstructs it with the precision of a veteran and the wit of a storyteller. A former player who sees the pitch as both a tactical chessboard and a cultural stage, Quique balances sharp critiques with a genuine love for the game’s soul. He’s as quick to call out the ego of a superstar as he is to find the hidden beauty in a local derby.
