Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2026 Season Preview

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Major League Soccer

·16 February 2026

Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2026 Season Preview

By MLSsoccer staff

2026 Schedule

First game/Home opener: Feb. 21 - 7:30 pm ET vs. Real Salt Lake
Full schedule
Watch on Apple TV

Team Snapshot

Vancouver reached new heights in 2025, making the Concacaf Champions Cup and MLS Cup presented by Audi finals during their first year under head coach Jesper Sørensen. They also won a fourth straight Canadian Championship title.

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The Whitecaps made major waves last August by signing Germany and Bayern Munich legend Thomas Müller, who provided an immediate boost on the field and in the locker room. Now, the task becomes building off that success and retaining their status as a Western Conference power.

Ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Best XI midfielder Sebastian Berhalter, All-Star striker Brian White and reigning MLS Defender of the Year Tristan Blackmon are looking to make the United States' final roster.

Key Signings

Bruno Caicedo: The U22 Initiative attacker arrives from Barcelona SC in his native Ecuador.
Oliver Larraz: The Colorado Rapids homegrown midfielder joined in free agency after being a regular starter.
Cheikh Sabaly: Sabaly arrives from Ligue 1 side FC Metz, where he tallied 21g/11a in 122 matches. The versatile forward helped Senegal win the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

Full roster

What he brings to the table 🫣
– Thursday, 5 February 2026

Key Departures

Ali Ahmed: The Canadian international attacker was transferred to EFL Championship side Norwich City following a breakout 2025 season.
Jayden Nelson: The Canadian international and Toronto FC academy product was traded to Austin FC after his lone season with the Whitecaps.
Daniel Ríos: The Mexican striker spent 2025 on loan from LIGA MX’s Chivas de Guadalajara. He’s signed with CF Montréal.