Match Preview - D.C. United at Atlanta United FC on Saturday, March 21, 2026 

Match Preview - D.C. United at Atlanta United FC on Saturday, March 21, 2026 

D.C. United travels to Atlanta, Georgia this Saturday, March 21 for the club's third road match of the 2026 MLS season, taking on Atlanta United FC at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. ET.  The Black-and-Red look to build on Saturday's 2-1 comeback victory over Chicago Fire FC and extend their road form in the early parts of the season. 

Last Saturday at Soldier Field, D.C. United came from behind to earn all three points. Trailing 1-0 after forward Hugo Cuypers converted a penalty in the 81st minute, midfielder Matti Peltola leveled with a right-footed shot from the center of the box in the 84th minute, his first career MLS goal. Forward Tai Baribo subsequently converted a stoppage-time penalty in the 95th minute to seal the 2-1 win for the Black-and-Red. Baribo now leads the club with three goals in four appearances so far this season. The defense held firm allowing only two shots on target with Captain Lucas Bartlett winning 100% of his ground duels across 90 minutes; Kye Rowles winning nine total duels and recording four tackles.  Left back Keisuke Kurokawa started his fourth consecutive match, recording six interceptions and six recoveries.  Kurokawa is one of five D.C. United players who have played every minute so far this season.  Goalkeeper Sean Johnson made a key save late to help preserve the result as Chicago pushed for an equalizer during the overabundance of stoppage time given in the second half. 

Midfielders Matti Peltola and Brandon Servania have provided the defensive foundation that was missing for stretches of 2025, with Servania completing all four matches in the starting XI and Peltola logging 359 minutes this season. Tai Baribo has been the Black-and-Red's most dangerous attacker in the final third of the field, recording nine shots and three goals through four matches. Midfielder João Peglow continues to provide a creative outlet from the flank, ranking second on the team in shots on target and corners kicks. 

Atlanta United enters Saturday's match at 1-3-0 with three points in the Eastern Conference, having collected their first win of the season last weekend with a 3-1 home victory over the Philadelphia Union. Midfielder Alexey Miranchuk has been Atlanta's standout performer through four matches with three goals, while forward Emmanuel Latte Lath has contributed one goal and two assists across 339 minutes played. Midfielder Miguel Almiron leads the club with three assists and has nine total shots this season. Goalkeeper Lucas Hoyos has started all four matches for the Five Stripes, recording eight saves with eight goals allowed. Atlanta's offense has been productive in the second half, scoring five of their eight goals after the 46th minute this season. 

D.C. United hold a 7-10-3 all-time regular season record against Atlanta United, with a 3-6-1 road record. The Black-and-Red’s last road win against Atlanta came on May 11, 2024, in a 3-2 victory at Mercedes-Benz Stadium with a hattrick from forward Christian Benteke. 

By the Numbers 

• D.C. United's all-time road record against Atlanta United FC is 3-6-1, with 16 goals scored and 22 conceded across 10 matches. 

• Black-and-Red goalkeeper Sean Johnson has recorded 14 saves with a 1.00 GAA in four starts this season. 

• D.C United ranks 4th in MLS averaging 12.0 interceptions per match with a total of 48; Atlanta United ranks 9th in MLS averaging 10.5 interceptions per match with a total of 42. 

• Atlanta United Midfielder Alexey Miranchuk leads the club with three goals through four matches in 2026, recording five total shots. 

• Midfielder Miguel Almiron leads Atlanta with three assists and has recorded nine total shots across 358 minutes played this season.

Last Match Against Atlanta United FC | October 18, 2025 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium

In the most recent meeting on October 18, 2025, Atlanta United and D.C. United played to a 1-1 draw at Mercedes-Benz Stadium closing out the 2025 MLS season. Midfielder Miguel Almiron gave Atlanta the lead just three minutes into the match with a left footed shot from outside the box.  D.C. United equalized in the 67th minute when midfielder Gabriel Pirani, who had entered as a second-half substitute, found the back of the net in the 67th minute to earn the Black-and-Red a point on the road. Goalkeeper Jordan Farr recorded five saves off seven shots on target in his second career MLS start to keep D.C. United in the match. Midfielders Matti Peltola recorded four recoveries and 12 passes into the final third across 90 minutes, while Caden Clark made his first career start for D.C. United after signing with the club in August. The two sides finished level after 90 minutes.  This Saturday's contest will be the first meeting between the two clubs in 2026, and the second time Head Coach René Weiler will face Atlanta.  

How to Watch

D.C. United fans can catch all the action of their favorite team on Apple TV. With this, you can watch every D.C. United match live, whether it’s home or away, along with exclusive pre- and post-match coverage. Simply open the Apple TV app, navigate to MLS Season Pass, and enjoy the entire 2026 season. Whether you're at home or on the go, you'll have access to every match, ensuring you never miss a moment of D.C. United's season. Enjoy seamless streaming on your Apple TV, iPhone, iPad, and more!  

Radio broadcasts will be available live on the iHeartRadio App and Freedom 104.7 FM. Legendary broadcaster Dave Johnson, who has called matches for D.C. United since the club’s inception in 1996 will return to the booth alongside Bruce Murray, former United States National Team player (1985-1993, 85 caps and 21 goals) and Class of 2011 National Soccer Hall of Fame inductee. The pair have partnered on radio calls since 2023 to deliver high-quality and passionate radio calls for fans. Supporters watching D.C. United MLS Regular Season matches on MLS Season Pass can opt to listen to Dave Johnson and Bruce Murray calling the match on the MLS Local Radio Broadcast channel.