The schedule is about to get intense for Atlanta United FC. The 5-Stripes travel to Florida this weekend to begin a huge two-match stretch against Orlando City SC—one in MLS play and another in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup quarterfinals just days later. And the biggest question surrounding Atlanta remains the same:
Will Miguel Almirón return?
Miguel Almirón Still Listed as Questionable
Atlanta United released its latest availability report Friday, and Almirón remains officially listed as questionable with a knee issue.
The Paraguayan star has missed multiple matches after suffering irritation in his knee during Atlanta’s U.S. Open Cup match in April.
There was at least some positive news:
- Steven Alzate is officially off the injury report
- Ronald Hernández is no longer listed after abdominal concerns
- Almirón returned to partial team training earlier this week
Still, head coach Gerardo Martino appears cautious about rushing his star playmaker back before Atlanta’s demanding stretch of matches.
That caution makes sense considering the schedule ahead.
Orlando Doubleheader Could Shape Atlanta’s Season
Atlanta and Orlando have one of MLS’s most emotional rivalries, and this upcoming doubleheader adds even more pressure.
The first matchup comes Saturday night in MLS regular-season action at Inter&Co Stadium before the teams meet again days later in the U.S. Open Cup quarterfinals.
That means:
- Eastern Conference points are on the line
- A semifinal berth is at stake
- Squad rotation becomes critical
- Injury management could decide both matches
For Atlanta, the timing is especially important because the club is about to enter a long road-heavy portion of the schedule due to the 2026 FIFA World Cup preparations at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Alexey Miranchuk and Cooper Sanchez Becoming Central Figures
Even without Almirón, Atlanta’s attack has shown signs of real improvement recently.
Two players have become especially important:
- Alexey Miranchuk
- Cooper Sanchez
Miranchuk has evolved into Atlanta’s primary creative engine, leading the club in goal contributions while becoming increasingly vocal within the squad.
Meanwhile, teenage midfielder Cooper Sanchez continues earning praise throughout the organization for his maturity and tactical awareness.
Martino recently described Sanchez’s composure as uncommon for players his age, and the Homegrown midfielder has quickly become one of the breakout stories of Atlanta’s 2026 season.
Internal read: https://atlantasoccer.news/cooper-sanchez-breakout-season/
Internal read: https://atlantasoccer.news/alexey-miranchuk-breakout-form/
Orlando Presents a Dangerous Challenge
Orlando enters the weekend playing improved soccer under interim head coach Martín Perelman after a difficult start to the season.
The Lions remain dangerous because of:
- aggressive attacking transitions
- strong home support
- pace in wide areas
- attacking depth
Atlanta already struggled badly against Orlando earlier this season in a lopsided road defeat.
Now, the challenge becomes proving those recent improvements are sustainable against one of the Eastern Conference’s most dangerous transition teams.
According to recent form tracking, Atlanta had won three straight before last week’s late collapse against LA Galaxy.
What This Means for Atlanta United
This two-game stretch could define Atlanta’s momentum heading into the summer.
Positive results would:
- strengthen playoff positioning
- boost confidence before the World Cup break
- validate Tata Martino’s tactical rebuild
- prove Atlanta can compete consistently against playoff-caliber teams
But poor performances could quickly erase the optimism created during the recent winning streak.
And with Almirón’s health still uncertain, Atlanta’s depth will be tested heavily.
Match Information
MLS Match: Orlando City SC vs Atlanta United FC
Venue: Inter&Co Stadium
Kickoff: Saturday, May 16 – 7:30 p.m. ET
U.S. Open Cup Quarterfinal:
Atlanta United vs Orlando City SC – later this week at Inter&Co Stadium.
Join the Conversation
Should Atlanta United risk playing Miguel Almirón this weekend? And how many points—or wins—do the 5-Stripes need from this Orlando doubleheader?
Share your predictions in the comments and stay connected with AtlantaSoccer.News for more Atlanta United coverage.
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.