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FC Cincinnati vs. Atlanta United Lineups, Preview

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Emmanuel Mendez | Last updated Feb 21, 2026 11:45 AM ET

The 2026 MLS season has arrived, and the second game of the Saturday matchday will be FC Cincinnati vs Atlanta United at TQL Stadium.

Last season, FC Cincinnati finished second in the Eastern Conference table and reached the playoffs, while Atlanta United finished 14th in the Eastern Conference table and did not qualify for the playoffs.

FC Cincinnati was eliminated in the Eastern Conference semifinals in the 2025 MLS playoffs after losing 4-0 at home to Inter Miami on November 23, 2025.

FC Cincinnati already played their first official match of 2026 earlier this week in Round 1 of the CONCACAF Champions Cup against O&M FC in the Dominican Republic. The goalscorers were Tom Barlow, Kevin Denkey, and Ayoub Jabbari, who scored two goals.

The last time both teams played each other was last season on May 25, 2025. Atlanta United defeated FC Cincinnati 4-2 with goals from Derrick Williams, Ajani Fortune, Bartosz Slisz, and Jamal Thiare.

Derrick Williams #3 of Atlanta reacts after scoring a first-half goal during the MLS match between FC Cincinnati and Atlanta United FC on May 25th, 2025 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA. (Photo by Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)Photo by Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Expected Lineups for FC Cincinnati and Atlanta United

FC Cincinnati

Goalkeeper: Roman Celentano
Defenders: Byran Ramirez, Andrei Chirila, Miles Robinson, Gilberto Flores, Kyle Smith
Midfielders: Brian Anunga, Evander Ferreira, Obinna Nwobodo
Forwards: Kevin Denkey, Tom Barlow

Atlanta United

Goalkeeper: Lucas Hoyos
Defenders: Pedro Amador, Enea Mihaj, Juan Berrocal, Ronald Hernandez
Midfielders: Steven Alzate, Aleksey Miranchuk, Ajani Fortune
Forwards: Miguel Almiron, Emmanuel Latte-Lath, Saba Lobjanidze

Where to Watch FC Cincinnati vs Atlanta United

FC Cincinnati vs Atlanta United will kick off at 4:45 p.m. ET/ 1:45 p.m. PT in the United States. The match will kick off at 4:45 p.m. local time in Cincinnati, Ohio, at the TQL Stadium.

The match will be available to watch across multiple platforms on TV channels and streaming services.