After nearly two months away from Atlanta United’s starting lineup, Miguel Almirón is back.
The Paraguayan international returns from his 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign wearing the captain’s armband as Atlanta United resumes its MLS season Friday night against Eastern Conference leaders Nashville SC at GEODIS Park. Kickoff is scheduled for 8:00 p.m. ET, with the Five Stripes looking to restart their campaign on a strong note following the league’s World Cup break.
For Atlanta fans, all eyes will be on Tata Martino’s refreshed squad as the club begins the second half of its season with new faces expected to strengthen the defense in the coming weeks.
Almirón Leads Atlanta United’s Return
Atlanta United welcomes back one of its biggest stars in Miguel Almirón, who captains the side after representing Paraguay at the FIFA World Cup.
The club also returns with renewed optimism following several weeks of training and roster evaluation during the league pause. While recent signings Paulo Díaz and Júnior Alonso are unavailable as they complete visa requirements, Tata Martino has assembled a youthful lineup capable of challenging one of MLS’ top teams.
Atlanta United Starting XI
Goalkeeper
- Lucas Hoyos
Defenders
- Matt Edwards
- Tomás Jacob
- Enea Mihaj
- Elías Báez
Midfielders
- Tristan Muyumba
- Jay Fortune
- Cooper Sanchez
Forwards
- Luke Brennan
- Alexey Miranchuk
- Miguel Almirón (Captain)
Substitutes
Jayden Hibbert, Pedro Amador, Ronald Hernández, Adrian Gill, Ignacio Suarez-Couri, Will Reilly, Fafa Picault, Emmanuel Latte Lath, Cayman Togashi.
Youth Continues to Shine
One of the biggest storylines is the continued trust placed in Atlanta’s young talent.
Cooper Sanchez earns his 13th MLS start just days after receiving a call-up to the United States U-19 National Team for the 2026 Concacaf U-20 Championship.
Meanwhile, academy product Ignacio Suarez-Couri is available off the bench after signing a Short-Term Agreement, while versatile defender Tomás Jacob makes his first MLS start at center back this season.
Atlanta’s starting XI carries an average age of just 26 years and 79 days, making it the club’s youngest lineup of the 2026 campaign.
Can Atlanta Slow Down Eastern Conference Leaders?
Friday presents a difficult challenge.
Nashville SC currently sits atop the Eastern Conference standings and has become one of the league’s strongest possession teams. Atlanta ranks ninth in MLS with an average of 52.7% possession, while Nashville averages 54.2%, setting up what could become an intriguing midfield battle.
Alexey Miranchuk enters the match as Atlanta’s leading attacking contributor with seven goal contributions this season and could once again operate in a false-nine role after impressing during the club’s recent friendly victory over Sporting Kansas City.
Although the Five Stripes are introducing several tactical adjustments, Atlanta supporters will hope Almirón’s return provides the spark needed for a strong second-half push toward the MLS Cup Playoffs.
What This Means for Atlanta United
The World Cup break has given Tata Martino valuable time to reset his squad, integrate younger players, and prepare for the arrival of experienced defenders Paulo Díaz and Júnior Alonso.
While those reinforcements aren’t available yet, Friday’s Southern Showdown offers Atlanta an opportunity to measure itself against one of the league’s elite clubs—and begin building momentum for the playoff race.
A positive result in Nashville would provide an ideal start to what promises to be a crucial stretch of the MLS season.
Related Atlanta Soccer News
- Atlanta United signs Chilean international defender Paulo Díaz
- Cooper Sanchez earns United States U-19 National Team call-up
- Arif Kovac named MLS NEXT Pro Player of the Matchweek
Join the Conversation
Can Miguel Almirón inspire Atlanta United to an upset victory over Nashville SC?
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.