ATL Standard

Atlanta United will commence their Leagues Cup campaign at home against D.C. United on Friday, July 26, with kickoff scheduled for 8:00 p.m. ET at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Interim head coach Rob Valentino expressed indifference to the day of the week, emphasizing that "it's matchday."

This fixture marks the third encounter between these Eastern Conference teams this season, with each team having secured one victory in their previous MLS meetings.

For those attending the match, tickets are available and fans can check out a detailed timeline and activities before kickoff. The game will be broadcast for free on MLS Season Pass via Apple TV. Local radio coverage will be provided by 92.9 The Game and La Mejor, and live streaming is accessible through the Apple TV app.

The Leagues Cup is an annual tournament featuring clubs from both MLS and Liga MX, running from July 26 to August 25 this year. Atlanta United is grouped in East 7 alongside D.C. United and Santos Laguna (Liga MX). Matches within this group will take place at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, with the top two teams advancing to the knockout stage.

In case of a tie during regulation in the Leagues Cup, matches will be decided by a penalty shootout.

Both Atlanta United and D.C. United enter this match following victories in MLS play. Atlanta recently defeated Columbus Crew 2-1 with two header goals from Stian Gregersen, earning him MLS Team of the Matchday honors. D.C. United has also won consecutive matches against Nashville SC and Minnesota United.

Key players to watch include Saba Lobjanidze for Atlanta United, who leads his team in assists (7) and shares the lead for goals (6). Christian Benteke of D.C. United has scored 16 goals this season and recently netted a brace in their win against Minnesota United.

The outcome of this match could significantly influence Atlanta's chances of hosting a knockout game at Bobby Dodd Stadium if they advance past the group stage.