LA Galaxy 2026 Season Preview

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Major League Soccer

·16 February 2026

LA Galaxy 2026 Season Preview

By MLSsoccer staff

2026 Schedule

First game/Home opener: Feb. 22 - 7 pm ET vs. New York City FC
Full schedule
Watch on Apple TV

Team Snapshot

The 2024 MLS Cup presented by Audi champions are aiming to return to contender status after struggling last season.

OneFootball Videos

Star playmaker Riqui Puig suffered a second consecutive ACL tear in preseason and was placed on the Season-Ending Injury List. However, his Designated Player slot has been filled by João Klauss.

The Brazilian striker forms a dangerous front three with fellow DPs Gabriel Pec and 2026 FIFA World Cup hopeful Joseph Paintsil (Ghana). Germany and Borussia Dortmund legend Marco Reus further bolsters the attack.

Key Signings

Jakob Glesnes: The former MLS Defender of the Year and two-time MLS Best XI selection arrived via a trade with the Philadelphia Union.
Justin Haak: After a breakout season with New York City FC, the midfielder/defender joined LA as a marquee free agent.
João Klauss: The Brazilian striker was acquired from St. Louis CITY SC, where he became the club's all-time leading scorer with 27 goals.
Erik Thommy: Thommy joined the Galaxy in free agency after scoring 20 goals in 120 matches between 2022-25 for Sporting Kansas City.

Full roster

Welcome to Los Angeles, @joaoklauss 💫
– Tuesday, 27 January 2026

Key Departures

Diego Fagúndez: The veteran midfielder helped LA win MLS Cup 2024. He is among the most accomplished homegrown players in MLS history.
Miguel Berry: The Spanish forward signed with USL Championship side Charleston Battery after spending two seasons with the Galaxy.
Zanka: The former Danish international center back made 25 all-competition appearances in 2025, his lone season with LA.