LAFC’s 2026 regular-season will be its last before MLS switches to a summer-to-spring schedule in 2027 that is aligned with the world's other top leagues. Presented by Ticketmaster, the Black & Gold's 34-match schedule for 2026 is available at lafc.com/schedule and can be synced to your calendar.
Here are a few stories behind the dates and opponents:
1. KICKOFF AT THE LA COLISEUM
In a World Cup year that will see Son Heung-Min compete in his fourth FIFA World Cup for South Korea and Lionel Messi defend Argentina’s 2022 title (having denied Hugo Lloris and France their second straight World Cup trophy) – these stars of the global game will gather on February 21 in one of Los Angeles’ most iconic stadiums, right next-door to LAFC’s home pitch.
The LAFC vs. Inter Miami story lines are too many to count. The two biggest transfers in recent MLS history going head to head. The most decorated player ever performing in the entertainment capital of the world. The league’s top two goal scorers in 2025 colliding. And don’t forget Miami’s come-from-behind win in the 2024 Concacaf Champions Cup Quarterfinal, and the Black & Gold’s hunger for payback.
A crowd of 77,500—and the world— will take it all in.
2. OUT WITH THE OLD
As noted above, 2026 marks LAFC's final MLS campaign before the league’s revamped calendar takes effect in 2027. If you’re an MLS traditionalist, enjoy one last February-to-November run before that structure rides off into the sunset.
A year from now, right after the 2026 MLS Cup Champion is crowned, MLS clubs will prepare for an abbreviated "sprint" season in early 2027, with 14 regular season games from February to May 2027. That short schedule will set up the league’s shift to a summer-to-spring calendar starting in mid-July 2027 and ending in May 2028 — a calendar that aligns with other top leagues around the world.
Read: MLS 2027 Calendar Shift
3. CONCACAF CHAMPIONS CUP
LAFC will compete in the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup, the region’s most prestigious annual club competition, featuring the top 27 top clubs from across North America, Central America, and the Caribbean.
LAFC’s Round One opponent is Real España of Honduras. Before the Black & Gold's MLS schedule gets underway, the club will play in Honduras on February 17 in the first leg of its two-leg matchup with Real España. The second leg will be played on February 24 at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles. The winner advances to the Round of 16, with a chance to eventually reach the Concacaf Champions Cup Final on May 30, 2026. The competition's champion earns a berth to the 2029 FIFA Club World Cup.
4. FIFA WORLD CUP 26
Maybe you’ve heard: the FIFA World Cup is coming to North America.
Before the largest and most widely viewed sporting event on the planet kicks off in LA on June 12 (at Sofi Stadium—temporarily renamed Los Angeles Stadium), MLS will pause its 2026 regular season for seven weeks, starting on May 25.
Two LAFC players (Son Heung-Min and Mathieu Choiniére, below) will represent their countries at the FIFA World Cup 26, with another teammate (Timmy Tillman) potentially joining them. Son will compete in Mexico in group-stage play for South Korea's national team. Choinière's Team Canada will play its group stage games in Toronto and Vancouver.
As soon as the World Cup break ends:
5. CARSON BOUND
On July 17 LAFC travels to Carson for a Friday night renewal of the greatest rivalry in MLS. The 27th installment of the derby widely known as El Tráfico will be LAFC’s first MLS match after the World Cup.
LAFC and the Galaxy have met 26 times across all competitions, with LAFC holding a 2W-0L-0D advantage in MLS Cup Playoff matches while its southern neighbors hold a slim 10W-9L-7D edge overall. The two meetings in 2026 promise to be tight; 17 of their previous 26 meetings have been one-goal decisions or draws.
Mark down Sunday, October 25, as well. That’s when LAFC hosts the Galaxy at BMO Stadium.
6. A NEW RIVAL
The Black & Gold and the Vancouver Whitecaps have played more often than any other MLS teams over the last three years, including three straight do-or-die playoff meetings. After last season’s instant classic 120-minute draw in the Western Conference Semifinals, which went the Whitecaps’ way on penalties, Vancouver has officially joined LAFC’s short list of intense adversaries.
Their battle resumes on August 1 at BMO Stadium, and October 10 at BC Place.
7. MOTHERS DAY & HALLOWEEN HOME MATCHES
Your Mom’s Day and Halloween plans are all set. Expect cool activations for these two holidays in and around BMO Stadium before and during the match.
Sun. May 10 - Mother’s Day – vs. Houston Dynamo at BMO Stadium
Sat. October 31 - Halloween – vs. Minnesota United at BMO Stadium
8. NEW YORK, NEW YORK.
LAFC faces both Big Apple teams next season. The Black & Gold hosts New York Red Bulls at BMO Stadium on September 9, and visits New York City FC at Yankee Stadium on Saturday, October 17. It will be LAFC’s first visit to Yankee Stadium since 2019, when Carlos Vela made the club’s first trip to the iconic ballpark a memorable one:
(updated Jan. 3)
