New York Red Bulls host Atlanta United at the Sports Illustrated Stadium on Saturday in their final match of the regular phase of the 2026 MLS season. It’s a dead rubber for both sides, whose chances of reaching the 2026 MLS Cup playoffs are already over after being eliminated from the race.
With 39 points from 33 games, the Red Bulls are in 10th place in the Eastern Conference table, four behind Orlando City, who occupy the last playoff berth. So even if the New York side win this weekend, they cannot mathematically catch Orlando.
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However, a draw or a loss could see them finish lower than 10th, with city rivals New York City FC and Toronto FC also currently on 39 points each.
This marks the second consecutive year that New York Red Bulls have failed to qualify for the MLS postseason.
Atlanta United are sailing the same boat too, languishing in 13th place with 33 points from as many games. Only bottom side Montreal have accrued fewer points than them going into the final matchday of the regular season (26 points).
The Five Stripes beat Toronto 3-1 in their last MLS outing, but it wasn’t enough to keep them in the race for the playoffs, and they bowed out of contention for the second MLS season running.
New York Red Bulls vs Atlanta United Head-To-Head and Key Numbers
- New York Red Bulls and Atlanta United have clashed 21 times in history, with the former winning 11 times and losing to Atlanta on just four occasions.
- Having beaten the Red Bulls in their last clash, Atlanta are aiming for back-to-back wins in the fixture for the first time.
- The Five Stripes haven’t won back-to-back games in the MLS since August 2026.
- New York Red Bulls have lost their last two MLS fixtures and four of their last five.
- The Red Bulls have scored exactly two goals in their last three consecutive league games.
New York Red Bulls vs Atlanta United Prediction
With nothing at stake here, the sides will at least play to avoid a defeat on the final day. We’re betting on a low-scoring draw here.
Prediction: New York Red Bulls 1-1 Atlanta United
New York Red Bulls vs Atlanta United Betting Tips
Tip 1 – Result: Draw
Tip 2 – Goals over/under 2.5: Under 2.5 goals
Tip 3 – Both teams to score: Yes
Edited by Peter Pedroncelli
