LAFC’s regular-season schedule for 2026 was released right before Thanksgiving. Presented by Ticketmaster, the 34-match schedule 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 CLASH 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 2024 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
Next season is the final MLS season before the league’s revamped calendar takes effect in 2027. If you’re an MLS traditionalist, enjoy one last February-to-November campaign before it 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. This 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 just received its invitation to Concacaf Champions Cup, the region’s most prestigious annual club competition and the Black & Gold’s chance to compete against 26 top clubs from across North America, Central America, and the Caribbean.
LAFC’s Round One matchup in February will consist of two legs—one match at BMO Stadium and the other at the home of the opponent, which could be anywhere from Costa Rica (vs. Alajuelense) to the Dominican Republic (vs. O&M FC) to Paraguay (vs. Club Olimpia) … or in six other countries.
LAFC’s first opponent will be revealed on December 9 at 4:00 p.m. PT, during the CCC draw, which can be watched live at www.youtube.com/concacaf. The draw will determine the tournament’s bracket, and LAFC’s path toward reaching the final on May 30, 2026.
It could also determine LAFC supporters’ spring travel plans?
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, from May 25 to July 16.
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.
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 and its southern neighbors holding a 10W-9L-7D edge overall. The two meetings in 2026 promise to be tight. Seventeen 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:
