So, you're looking for the Atlanta United game today time. I get it. We've all been there, jersey on, scarf ready, only to realize the schedule isn't doing what we want it to do.
Right now, it is mid-January 2026. If you're checking your watch today, Friday, January 16, I've got a bit of a "good news, bad news" situation for you. The bad news? There isn't a match kicking off this afternoon. The good news? The team is literally in the thick of preseason training right now under the legendary Tata Martino. They just started back up on January 10, and honestly, the intensity at the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Training Ground is already through the roof.
When Is the Next Real Atlanta United Match?
If you want to see the 5-Stripes actually take the pitch against an opponent, you have to wait just a little longer. The first preseason friendly is set for Friday, January 30, at 11:00 a.m. against Lexington SC. It’s a morning game, which is kinda weird for soccer, but that’s preseason for you.
After that, the schedule picks up speed:
- February 7: They head to Texas to face Houston Dynamo at 8:00 p.m.
- February 11: A midday clash with New York Red Bulls at 12:00 p.m. in Frisco.
- February 14: They wrap up the "Torneo de Tejas" against FC Dallas at 1:00 p.m.
The one everyone is circling in red, though, is the regular season opener. That happens on Saturday, February 21, at 4:30 p.m. away against FC Cincinnati. You can catch that one on Apple TV and FOX.
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The Tata Martino Factor in 2026
It’s impossible to talk about the Atlanta United game today time or the upcoming season without mentioning the return of the king. Tata Martino is back.
Remember 2018? That magic is what the front office is trying to bottle again. Since he took back the reins, the vibe around the club has shifted. I was reading some quotes from Enea Mihaj recently, and he basically said the "instant intensity" was unlike anything the current roster was used to.
Martino isn't just here for a nostalgia tour. He’s inheriting a squad that’s seen some massive turnover. We just saw Ronald Hernández re-sign through 2026, which provides some much-needed stability in the back. But the loss of Bartosz Slisz to Brøndby IF? That’s a massive hole in the midfield that Tata has to plug before that February 21 kickoff.
Why the Schedule Matters Right Now
You might think preseason doesn't matter, but for this specific version of Atlanta United, it’s everything. Between January 20 and January 26, the team is heading down to Miami to train at FIU.
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This isn't just about fitness. It’s about tactical identity.
Under the previous regime, the team often looked like a collection of talented individuals who didn't quite know where to stand. Martino’s systems are notoriously demanding. If they don't get the "today" part of their training right—the drills, the small-sided games, the chemistry building—the "game time" in February is going to be a wake-up call.
Looking Ahead to Mercedes-Benz Stadium
For those of you waiting for a home game, the wait is a bit longer. The home opener at Mercedes-Benz Stadium isn't until Saturday, March 7, at 7:30 p.m. against Real Salt Lake.
Expect a sellout. Expect the roof to be open if the Georgia weather behaves.
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Honestly, the 2026 schedule is a bit of a rollercoaster because of the World Cup break. The league is actually pausing from May 25 to July 16 so the world can focus on the big tournament. That means the matches we get in March and April carry a huge amount of weight. If Atlanta doesn't bank points early, they’ll be sweating it out in the humidity of late July.
Actionable Steps for 5-Stripes Fans
Since there isn't a game on this exact Friday, here is what you should actually do to stay ready:
- Sync your calendar. Don't rely on a quick search every weekend. The club’s official site has a calendar sync that puts the 11:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. starts directly on your phone.
- Check the Apple TV Season Pass. If you haven't renewed, do it now. Almost every 2026 match is locked behind that subscription, though the opener against Cincinnati is one of the few that will be on "big FOX."
- Follow the Miami camp updates. From January 20-26, the team will be in Florida. This is where we usually see the first glimpses of who Tata prefers in his starting XI. Keep an eye on the club's social feeds for training footage.
- Watch the Lexington SC stream. On January 30, the club is streaming the match live on their website at 11:00 a.m. It’s the first real look at the 2026 tactical shape.
The 2026 season is going to be a defining moment for this franchise. Whether it’s a return to glory or a reminder of how hard it is to catch lightning in a bottle twice, you’ll want to be tuned in when the whistle finally blows.