Austin FC 2026 Season Preview

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Major League Soccer

·16 February 2026

Austin FC 2026 Season Preview

By MLSsoccer staff

2026 Schedule

First game/Home opener: Feb. 21 - 8:30 pm ET vs. Minnesota United FC
Full schedule
Watch on Apple TV

Team Snapshot

Austin FC are chasing a second straight Audi MLS Cup Playoffs trip under head coach Nico Estévez, who arrived ahead of the 2025 season.

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To boost those efforts, they've replaced Osman Bukari with Facundo Torres as a Designated Player. Torres will look to represent Uruguay at the 2026 FIFA World Cup this summer.

Key Signings

Jon Bell: The Jamaican international defender joins his fourth MLS team with nearly 80 matches under his belt.
Jayden Nelson: After impressing with Vancouver Whitecaps FC last season, the Canadian international winger was acquired from the MLS Cup 2025 finalists.
Joseph Rosales: Austin acquired the versatile Honduran international after he spent five seasons with Minnesota United FC.
Facundo Torres: Torres arrived from Brazilian powerhouse Palmeiras for a reported $9.5 million transfer fee. He brings MLS experience as Orlando City’s all-time leading goalscorer.

Full roster

Torres en sus nuevos colores. 💚🖤
– Wednesday, 28 January 2026

Key Departures

Osman Bukari: Austin opened a DP roster spot by transferring the Ghanaian winger to Polish top-flight side Widzew Łódź.
Julio Cascante: The Costa Rican international defender had his contract option declined after five seasons with Austin.
Jáder Obrian: The Colombian winger was waived after the 2025 season.
Diego Rubio: The veteran forward now plays in his native Chile after 10 seasons in MLS.