Galaxy Hosts NYCFC in 2026 MLS Season Opener
The 2026 Major League Soccer season kicks off on Sunday with a cross-conference matchup as the LA Galaxy welcome New York City FC to Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California. The match, presented by Continental Tire, is scheduled to begin at 7:00 PM ET / 4:00 PM PT and will be streamed on Apple TV.
Both teams are looking to start the season strong after contrasting fortunes in 2024. The Galaxy, 2024 MLS Cup champions, aim to improve upon a 14th-place finish in the Western Conference last season. NYCFC will be looking to begin the season on a positive note, despite starting the campaign on the road.
The Galaxy have bolstered their roster during the winter transfer window, adding significant talent and experience. Key acquisitions include Marco Reus, Joseph Paintsil, and Gabriel Pec. However, the team will be without playmaker Riqui Puig, who is sidelined for the season following an ACL setback. To offset the loss of Puig, the Galaxy used a Designated Player roster spot to acquire striker João Klauss from St. Louis CITY SC. Further additions to the squad include former Defender of the Year Jakob Glesnes, versatile defender Justin Haak, and veteran midfielder Erik Thommy.
Jakob Glesnes, acquired for up to $2.2 million in General Allocation Money, is expected to shore up the Galaxy’s backline. João Klauss, who arrives for $2.375 million in a cash-for-player trade, will be looking to replicate his club-record 27 goals in 85 games for St. Louis. Joseph Paintsil enters his third season with LA, aiming to secure a spot on the Ghana national team for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, having already amassed 20 goals and 15 assists in 54 regular-season matches. Gabriel Pec, the 2024 MLS Newcomer of the Year, is anticipated to be a constant threat in the final third with his Brazilian flair and dynamic dribbling, having recorded 22 goals and 23 assists in 62 regular-season games.
NYCFC, meanwhile, will be without three key players for the season opener. Forward Malachi Jones is sidelined with a leg injury, along with Andrés Perea and Alonso Martínez, both also nursing leg injuries. Kai Trewin, a defender, is expected to make his MLS and official NYCFC debut, effectively replacing Justin Haak, who has joined the LA Galaxy.
Historically, the teams have a relatively even record in seven MLS matches, with NYCFC winning four and the Galaxy winning three. However, the Galaxy have won the last two meetings between the sides, including their most recent encounter in 2024. The challenge for NYCFC will be finding the back of the net without an established striker to lead the line.
Despite a challenging preseason, NYCFC will aim to turn things around and achieve their goal of winning. The team faces the task of solidifying their backline following Haak’s departure and determining the partnership between Thiago Martins and either Raul Gustavo or Kai Trewin.
The match promises to be a competitive contest, with both teams eager to start the 2026 MLS season with a victory in front of their respective fans.
