Atlanta United's homegrown players chase World Cup dreams

Two young midfielders aim to become the first from the club's academy to represent the U.S. at the World Cup.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 2:48am

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No homegrown player from Atlanta United's academies has ever played at a World Cup, but midfielders Luke Brennan and Cooper Sanchez are hoping to change that. Both were called up to represent the United States at youth World Cups in 2025, with Brennan playing for the U-20 team and Sanchez for the U-17 team. They are now aiming to make the senior U.S. national team and play in the World Cup, fulfilling a lifelong dream.

Why it matters

Atlanta United has one of the most successful youth academies in Major League Soccer, but has yet to produce a homegrown player who has represented the U.S. at the World Cup. Brennan and Sanchez's experiences at the youth World Cups could pave the way for future Atlanta United players to break through to the senior national team and compete on the world's biggest stage.

The details

Brennan, who has been with Atlanta United's first team since 2024, made four appearances and tallied two assists, helping the United States win its group and advance to the quarterfinals of the U-20 World Cup in Chile. Sanchez made three appearances at the U-17 World Cup in Qatar, and four months later became the youngest player to start a season opener in Atlanta United history.

  • In 2025, Luke Brennan represented the U.S. at the U-20 World Cup in Chile.
  • In 2025, Cooper Sanchez represented the U.S. at the U-17 World Cup in Qatar.
  • Four months after the U-17 World Cup, Sanchez became the youngest player to start a season opener for Atlanta United.

The players

Luke Brennan

A midfielder who has been with Atlanta United's first team since 2024, making four appearances and tallying two assists at the U-20 World Cup.

Cooper Sanchez

A midfielder who represented the U.S. at the U-17 World Cup in 2025, and four months later became the youngest player to start a season opener for Atlanta United.

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What they’re saying

“I think it's something that will stay with me till the day I die. I'm never going to forget any of it. It was a long preparation. Started from U-16 for two years of camps, two years of preparation to going to different countries, playing in different countries. What an experience.”

— Cooper Sanchez

“Honestly it was a dream come true. To play in a World Cup, I've dreamed of it as a kid, whether that's a U-20 or the real World Cup. It was definitely a good stepping stone and it was a great experience.”

— Luke Brennan

What’s next

Brennan and Sanchez will continue to work towards earning a spot on the U.S. men's national team, with the goal of representing their country at the World Cup.

The takeaway

Atlanta United's youth academy has produced two promising young players in Brennan and Sanchez who have already gained valuable experience playing for the U.S. at youth World Cups. If they can continue to develop and earn call-ups to the senior national team, they could become the first homegrown Atlanta United players to represent the U.S. at the World Cup, inspiring the next generation of talent from the club's academy.