ATL Standard

Major League Soccer (MLS) has announced changes to club participation in North American cup competitions due to upcoming global events. Atlanta United will compete in the Leagues Cup in 2025, a tournament featuring nine clubs from each conference of MLS against teams from Liga MX. Atlanta United secured their spot by finishing ninth in the Eastern Conference during the 2024 regular season.

Joining them from the Eastern Conference are Charlotte FC, FC Cincinnati, Inter Miami, CF Montréal, New York City FC, New York Red Bulls, Orlando City, and Columbus Crew—the defending champions of the Leagues Cup. The competition is scheduled for July 29 to August 31, coinciding with four of Atlanta United's regular-season matches.

Atlanta United will not participate in this year's U.S. Open Cup or any other North American competitions besides the Leagues Cup. Eligibility for the U.S. Open Cup includes only U.S.-based clubs not competing in either Leagues Cup or Concacaf Champions Cup. This year’s selection process involves nine MLS teams automatically qualifying and seven determined by Supporters’ Shield standings.

Atlanta United previously won the U.S. Open Cup in 2019 but did not compete when it was paused during the COVID-19 pandemic. The team remained reigning champions until Orlando City SC claimed victory in 2022.

The qualification changes are influenced by two major global tournaments: the FIFA Club World Cup hosted by the United States in 2025 and the FIFA World Cup jointly hosted by Mexico, Canada, and the United States in 2026. Although criteria apply to both years, only participants for 2025 have been finalized. MLS plans to re-evaluate this process before entering into 2027.