With several key players sidelined for the start of the 2026 campaign, Atlanta United has turned to its developmental ranks to shore up the bench. On Friday, February 20, the club announced it has signed Atlanta United 2 defender Toto Majub to a Short-Term Agreement.
The 19-year-old is now eligible for selection in the 5-Stripes’ regular-season opener against FC Cincinnati at TQL Stadium. This move comes at a critical time, as the club’s latest availability report confirmed that defenders like Dominik Chong Qui will miss the match due to preseason injuries.
Who is Toto Majub? A Rising Star from Uganda
Majub’s journey to the Atlanta United first team is a testament to the club’s global scouting network. The lanky, 6’0″ central defender joined ATL UTD 2 ahead of the 2025 season from Amusi Football Club in Uganda, where he gained a reputation as a natural leader.
- International Pedigree: Majub has captained the Ugandan U-20 National Team (the “Hippos”), leading them through competitive CECAFA region AFCON qualifiers.
- 2025 MLS NEXT Pro Performance: In his debut season in the United States, Majub became a mainstay in the reserve side’s backline. He logged 943 minutes across 12 matches, including 10 starts.
- First Pro Goal: He recorded his first career goal on August 31, 2025, during a 2-0 victory over Huntsville City FC.
The Rules: What is an MLS Short-Term Agreement?
Under the 2026 MLS Roster Rules and Regulations, clubs have specific flexibility to “call up” young talent from their MLS NEXT Pro affiliates for short windows. This allows teams to manage congestion or injury crises without permanently occupying a senior roster spot.
Key Regulations for Short-Term Agreements:
- Duration: Each agreement is a four-day contract.
- Limits: A club may sign a player (age 25 or younger) to a maximum of four agreements per season (16 total days).
- Appearances: While a player can be on the matchday roster for all four call-ups, they can only physically appear in a maximum of two MLS league matches per season.
- Non-League Games: Players have no appearance limits for non-league competitions (like the U.S. Open Cup or friendlies) during the term of their agreement.
What This Means for the 5-Stripes
The inclusion of Majub on the bench provides Tata Martino with a vital insurance policy. With the team already thin in the defensive third, Majub’s familiarity with the club’s high-pressing system—which is standardized across the Academy and First Team—makes him a plug-and-play option if a veteran starter like Stian Gregersen or Juan Berrocal needs a breather.
Next Steps: The Season Opener
Majub will travel with the squad to Ohio for the nationally televised matchup.
- Matchup: FC Cincinnati vs. Atlanta United
- When: Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026 | 4:45 PM ET
- Where to Watch: FOX & Apple TV (MLS Season Pass)
Do you think Majub has what it takes to earn a permanent homegrown contract by the end of 2026? Share your thoughts in the comments or join the conversation on social media with #UniteAndConquer!
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.