Atlanta United’s youth development continues to shine on the international stage.
Atlanta United 2 goalkeeper Jonathan Ransom has been selected to represent Canada’s Under-20 Men’s National Team at the 2026 Concacaf U-20 Championship, scheduled for July 24 through August 9 in Mexico. The tournament serves as the pathway to the 2027 FIFA U-20 World Cup, 2027 Pan American Games, and 2028 Summer Olympics qualification.
The call-up marks another milestone for Atlanta United’s academy pipeline, with Ransom joining teammate Cooper Sanchez, who was recently selected for the United States U-19 squad. Having two Atlanta players representing different national teams at one of CONCACAF’s premier youth competitions highlights the club’s continued investment in developing elite young talent.
Another Atlanta United Prospect Heads to the International Stage
Before departing for Canada’s training camp, Ransom will remain available for Atlanta United 2’s MLS NEXT Pro match against Huntsville City FC on Saturday, July 18.
Canada has been drawn into Group C, where it will face:
- Panama – July 25
- Honduras – July 28
- Jamaica – July 31
All three matches will be played at Estadio Universitario BUAP in Puebla, Mexico.
The tournament’s knockout rounds begin August 4-5, with quarterfinal winners securing qualification for both the 2027 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan and the 2027 Pan American Games in Lima, Peru. The semifinals and championship match will then move to the historic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.
Ransom Continues His Rise Through Atlanta United’s System
The 18-year-old goalkeeper has steadily developed into one of Atlanta United’s brightest young prospects.
Ransom signed with Atlanta United 2 in October 2025 and is set to officially become a Homegrown player on January 1, 2027. Since making his professional debut in 2023, he has accumulated:
- 25 career MLS NEXT Pro starts
- 80 saves
- Four clean sheets
This season has been another step forward. Through 10 starts, Ransom has recorded:
- Two clean sheets
- 66 percent save percentage
- Consistent performances that have helped stabilize Atlanta United 2’s back line.
His development has already earned league-wide recognition. In 2025, he became the youngest goalkeeper in Atlanta United 2 history to record a professional clean sheet during a 3-0 victory over Orlando City B before later earning selection to the MLS NEXT All-Star Game.
International Experience Continues to Grow
Ransom is no stranger to representing Canada.
The goalkeeper started all four matches for Canada at the 2025 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar, recording 18 saves and posting a memorable clean sheet against France.
Earlier this year, he also made his Canada U-20 debut during the prestigious Maurice Revello Tournament in France, making three saves against Japan.
Now he’ll have another opportunity to showcase his talent on one of the biggest stages in North American youth soccer.
What This Means for Atlanta United
Atlanta United continues to demonstrate why its academy remains one of Major League Soccer’s strongest player development systems.
With Cooper Sanchez representing the United States and Jonathan Ransom representing Canada, the club will have two young players competing against CONCACAF’s best while gaining valuable international experience that should accelerate their development.
For Atlanta United supporters, that’s another encouraging sign that the club’s next generation is continuing to grow both domestically and internationally.
Related Atlanta Soccer News
- Atlanta United signs Chilean defender Paulo Díaz to strengthen the back line.
- Atlanta United 2’s Arif Kovac named MLS NEXT Pro Player of the Matchweek after starring against Inter Miami CF II.
- Cooper Sanchez earns United States U-19 National Team selection for the 2026 Concacaf U-20 Championship.
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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.