Philadelphia Union 2026 Season Preview

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Hooligan Soccer

·5 February 2026

Philadelphia Union 2026 Season Preview

This article was written after recording The Designated Pundits‘ Philadelphia Union preview for the 2026 MLS Season with special guest Mike Barrera from “Across the Pitch.” You can find that video on Spotify below.

2025 Recap

The Philadelphia Union defied all expectations last year and won the Supporter’s Shield in 2025; they boasted the best record in Major League Soccer. The Union won 20 matches with a robust offense and the best defense in MLS.

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The Union surprised everyone because of the big names transferring out early in 2025. They parted ways with Leon Flach and Jack McGlynn in the preseason, and then sent Gazdag to the Columbus Crew.

While pundits (including myself) predicted the Union’s demise, coach Bradley Carnell got the most out of his team and still put on a fantastic performance. Saying that Philadelphia’s success was unexpected is an understatement.

Tai Baribo led the team with 16 goals and 2 assists, Mikael Uhre contributed 6 goals and 6 assists, and Kai Wagner assisted 10 times. These are all important players because, heading into 2026, they will be with other clubs. Of their top four contributors from 2025, only Bruno Damiani remains on the Union’s roster.

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As I mentioned, Kai Wagner, Tai Baribo, and Mikael Uhre will be with different clubs this season. They also lost a best-XI caliber defender in Jakob Glesnes, who was instrumental in 2025’s league-best backline.

The Union made some interesting signings this offseason, bringing in Ezekiel Alladoh to play up top, and adding defenders Japhet Sery Larsen and Geiner Martinez to replace the gaping hole at centerback.

Overall, I will once again be saying that the Philadelphia Union left too many holes this offseason. I will leave it to Bradley Carnell to prove me wrong.

Depth Chart

This season we expect the Union to start with a base 4-2-2-2, but possibly become more flexible, formation wise, as the season progresses and players step into new roles. Bruno Damiani pairs with Ezekiel Alladoh up top, with Indiana Vassilev and Milan Iloski one level behind them. Milan Iloski is interesting, being a right footed player, you can expect him to take long shots from way back out of left field.

The Union have Danley Jean Jacques at defensive midfield, but he proved he can also get up and score when given the space. In the midfield, siblings Cavan and Quinn Sullivan (the latter is recovering from injury) and Alejandro Bedoya all look to play roles.

At fullback, Frankie Westfield will move from right back to left back, filling a big hole in the team. Their starting right back would then be Nathan Harriel.

Questions

Which player, outside our projected starting 11, has the best chance to win a job? Agustin Anello. Neither striker has proven themselves as a true every-season contributor. He could produce as an injury sub or in a player absence and win the starting job.
What are some realistic expectations for 2026? Philly wants to be a competitive team in most competitions. They expect the playoffs but could still struggle against top talent.
What are some storylines to follow throughout the 2026 season? The Sullivan Brothers- does Cavan Sullivan continue his growth? Can Quinn come back strong after injury?
What styles does this team match up well against? The Union match up well against teams that try to possess the ball or play out the back.
What styles does this team match up poorly against? Philly could struggle against teams with strong #10s, or teams that pull the defense out of position.
What player improves the most in 2026? Olwethu Makhanya. He was great last season and learned from Glesnes. He’s ready to take the next step.
Which player regresses in 2026? Raffanello. He has been on the team for 3 seasons and hasn’t broken into the 11. At 24 years, his development phase is just about over.

Hear more, and follow along as I preview all 30 MLS teams before kickoff of the 2026 season!

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