How to watch today's FC Cincinnati vs Atlanta United Major League Soccer game: Live stream, TV channel, and start time

The 2026 MLS season opens at TQL Stadium as FC Cincinnati looks to extend its superb H2H record against a new-look Atlanta United side

Here is where to find English-language live streams of FC Cincinnati vs Atlanta United, as GOAL brings you everything you need to know about how to watch the game today.

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How to watch anywhere with a VPN

If you are travelling abroad or just want to access your usual streaming services from a different part of the world, you may run into geo-restrictions. This is where a Virtual Private Network (VPN) comes in handy.

A VPN, such as ExpressVPN, allows you to establish a secure, encrypted connection online. By virtually changing your location to a country where the game is being broadcast, you can bypass blackout restrictions and watch your favourite team live. Click here for a step-by-step guide or, alternatively, check out GOAL's guide to the best VPNs for streaming sports.

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FC Cincinnati vs Atlanta United kick-off time

Major League Soccer - Major League Soccer

TQL Stadium

FC Cincinnati vs Atlanta United will kick off on 21 Feb 2026 at 17:45 EST. 

Match preview & major talking points

Cincinnati is fresh off an impressive 2025, where they finished second in the East. Atlanta finished 14th and will want rapid improvement. 

Evander is the kingpin for Cincinnati

Following a high-profile move from Portland, Brazilian star Evander has become the creative fulcrum of Pat Noonan's Cincinnati side. He notched 32 direct goal involvements (18G,14A) in 2025 and will operate alongside striker Kévin Denkey.

Getty Images

Atlanta looks to the legendary Martino

Iconic Argentinian manager Tata Martino has returned to Atlanta, a team he coached to MLS Cup glory in 2018. His first job will be to improve a defence that leaked 63 goals last season. 

Getty Images

Cincinnati look primed to redress recent poor H2H

Despite Cincinnati’s recent success, it has struggled at home against Atlanta. The 5-Stripes have only lost once in their seven all-time visits to TQL Stadium. Now looks like a good time for them to reverse that trend, especially with a resounding recent CONCACAF Champions Cup win against Universidad O&M under their belts.

Getty Images

Team news & squads

Form

Head-to-Head Record

CIN

Last 5 matches

ATL

2

Wins

2

Draws

1

Win

• Atlanta United

  4

  -

  2

  FC Cincinnati

• FC Cincinnati

  2

  -

  2

  Atlanta United

• FC Cincinnati

  1

  -

  0

  Atlanta United

• Atlanta United

  1

  -

  2

  FC Cincinnati

• FC Cincinnati

  2

  -

  2

  Atlanta United

9

Goals scored

9

Games over 2.5 goals

4/5

Both teams scored

4/5

Standings

Step-by-step VPN guide to watch FC Cincinnati vs Atlanta United today

NordVPN

1. Download & Install: Sign up to ExpressVPN or another reputable VPN service (check out GOAL's guide here) and download the app on your device.
2. Connect to a Server: Open the app and select a server location where the match is being shown (e.g. if you are in the UK but want to watch a US stream, connect to a US server).
3. Clear Cache: Sometimes your browser holds onto your old location. Clear your cookies or refresh your browser to ensure the change takes effect.
4. Start Streaming: Go to your broadcaster's website and app and enjoy the game.

How to watch on the Big Screen

Watching on your phone or laptop is fine, but live sports belongs on the big screen. Here is how to get the VPN working on your TV:

• Smart TVs & Fire Stick: Most Android-based TVs and devices like the Amazon Fire TV Stick or Google Chromecast with Google TV have native VPN apps. Simply search for your VPN provider in the app store on your TV, log in, and connect just like you would on your phone.
• Apple TV, Roku & Consoles: These devices often don't support direct VPN apps. The easiest workaround is to use Smart DNS (usually found in your VPN account settings) or Mirror/Cast the stream from your VPN-connected phone or laptop to your TV.

Bypass georestrictions with a VPNGet Express!