How to watch the 2026 MLS Season opener between NYCFC and the LA Galaxy | OneFootball

On Sunday, for the final time in Major League Soccer history, New York City FC will begin their final full season that takes place from February into the fall.  Since there will be a transition season before the switch to the summer-spring schedule, this season opener will be a little special.  Of course, the focus must be on the match itself, especially because the Boys in Blue will be taking on the LA Galaxy on the road.

Now, the California side struggled in 2025, ending the regular season in 14th place in the Western Conference.  This was after they finished in second place and won the MLS Cup in 2024.  The expectation and belief is that they will be better in 2026, and that the previous season really should not have happened.  Also, the Galaxy should be stronger defensively, especially because the team brought in the likes of Jakob Glesnes and Justin Haak, who left NYCFC in the offseason.

Hence, this will be a reunion for the Boys in Blue and their former defensive midfielder.  Fans wanted Haak to return after his brilliant 2025 campaign.  But he left and went across the country.  Reports said that he took less money and wanted to prove himself elsewhere.  It is possible he wanted to try something new while staying in MLS.  LA is lucky to have him, but ideally, the Bronx side will shut him down this weekend.

Meanwhile, the Pigeons do not know whether they will be facing a Galaxy team that will outplay them or whether NYCFC will have a chance to actually win on the road in the season opener.  What is known is that this is just the first match, and no matter what happens, there will be plenty of the season left to play.

How to watch NYCFC’s 2026 season opener and more

Date

Sunday, February 22

Time

7:00 PM ET, 4:00 PM local time

How to watch on TV and streaming

Apple TV

How to listen

Channel 157 on SiriusXM, newyorkcityfc.com/radio, or via the NYCFC app

How to watch in person

NYCFC fans would have to travel to California.

How to follow

If NYCFC fans cannot watch or listen to the game, then they can follow along via MLS Soccer’s timeline and NYCFC’s X account.  Additionally, the club will post updates here and there on Facebook.

Final notes

NYCFC will be without a reliable striker to start the season, as Alonso Martínez will miss most, if not all, of the 2026 season.  Apparently, a deal was in place with Moussa Sylla, but that deal fell through due to concerns after the player’s medical.  Pascal Jansen could possibly go with Seymour Reid.  But it does not seem like the young forward is ready to take the reins.  More than likely, Nicolás Fernández Mercau will start up front and center.