LAFC 2026 Season Preview

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Major League Soccer

·16 February 2026

LAFC 2026 Season Preview

By MLSsoccer staff

2026 Schedule

First game/Home opener: Feb. 21 - 9:30 pm ET vs. Inter Miami CF
Full schedule
Watch on Apple TV

Team Snapshot

LAFC enter their first full season with forward Son Heung-Min, who formed a sensational partnership with Denis Bouanga upon arriving last summer from English Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur on a league-record deal.

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Son tallied 12 goals and four assists in 13 games, while Bouanga finished with 24 goals to place second in the Golden Boot presented by Audi race. They're now playing for head coach Marc Dos Santos, who was promoted from an assistant role under the departed Steve Cherundolo.

The Black & Gold will likely have several 2026 FIFA World Cup representatives. Son is expected to captain South Korea at this summer's tournament, while winter signings Jacob Shaffelburg and Stephen Eustáquio could join Mathieu Choinière on Canada's roster.

Key Signings

Amin Boudri: The Swedish youth international arrives from Swedish top-flight side GAIS on a U22 Initiative deal, adding creativity to LAFC’s midfield.
Tyler Boyd: Back from a long-term knee injury, the former USMNT forward adds a veteran presence for LAFC.
Stephen Eustáquio: The veteran midfielder joined the Black & Gold on loan from Portuguese powerhouse FC Porto.
Jacob Shaffelburg: LAFC acquired the pacy, direct forward in a trade with Nashville SC.

Full roster

Commanding the pitch 🇨🇦 Welcome to Los Angeles, Stephen Eustáquio.
– Friday, 6 February 2026

Key Departures

Frankie Amaya: Last year, the Mexican-American midfielder made 19 appearances on loan from LIGA MX side Toluca.
Luca Bombino: LAFC fully transferred the homegrown defender to San Diego FC after he spent 2025 with the then-expansion club.
Andrew Moran: The Irish international midfielder’s half-season loan from English Premier League side Brighton & Hove Albion expired.