Toronto FC Season Preview - Midfielders | OneFootball

Toronto FC is entering the 2026 MLS regular season with a lot to prove, as the team has not made the playoffs since the COVID-shortened 2020 campaign. TFC added a couple of key pieces in the midfield in the summer last year when Djordje Mihailovic and Jose Cifuentes joined the club. Unfortunately, it was too little too late for the club as the playoffs were all but out of reach at that point. With a full season to prove their worth, what is in store for Toronto's midfield?

Jonathan Osorio - The club captain and heart of the franchise enters 2026 as the undisputed leader of the group. Now 33, Osorio is tasked with maintaining possession and providing the "clutch" goal-scoring late runs into the box that have defined his storied TFC career. His durability is a large question mark as he missed 10 games last year due to injury. Also, Osorio has lost a step and might not be the answer for the team for a full 90 minutes any more.

José Cifuentes - Cifu joined the club on a loan deal from Rangers in August 2025. He previously spent three years in the midfield at LAFC so he is familiar with the rigours of the MLS schedule. Following a strong introductory campaign, the Ecuadorian international is expected to be the box-to-box midfield that drives the team forward following the departure of Deybi Flores last summer. His loan deal expires in June 2026 and, depending on his performance, has the option to be bought out. Perhaps Jason Hernandez should act sooner than later to ensure he has starting calibre midfielders for the duration of the season.

Djordje Mihailovic - Djordje arrived in Toronto after being bought for $8 Million from the Colorado Rapids. Jason Hernandez used the newly-indroduced cash transfer rule in MLS to make it happen. Mihailovic's purchase in August 2025 was a bit surprising after the dual buyout of Insigne and Bernardeschi. Taking on an even larger role in the post-Insigne era, Mihailovic is the technical hub of the midfield. His vision and elite set-piece delivery make him the primary architect for the Reds, especially as he looks to solidify his place in the USMNT picture ahead of the summer’s World Cup. Look for Mihailovic to be a key piece in the starting eleven every week and hopefully he will add some goals to support the team's rebuild.

Alonso Coello - Coello provides the tactical discipline needed to allow Osorio and Mihailovic to push higher. His composure on the ball and passing range are essential for a team that prioritizes building out from the back. The 2026 season will demand greater consistency and defensive discipline from the Spaniard. He still struggles with occasional lapses in judgment; notably, a significant error and a subsequent red card in the penultimate match against LAFC proved costly. Furthermore, as an international player occupying a senior roster spot, the pressure is on for Coello to increase his offensive output and prove he can remain durable after a history of summer hamstring injuries. Perhaps convincing him to obtain his Canadian citizenship might be

Derrick Etienne Jr. - After originally having his contract option declined in late 2025, the 29-year-old Haitian international returns for 2026 on a fresh deal through the end of the season. Entering his 11th MLS campaign, the well-travelled Etienne Jr. is capable of playing on either wing or pushing further up front as a secondary striker. While his 2025 stats (25 appearances, 2 assists) were disappointing, his experience and high work rate are key for a squad looking to balance veteran depth with emerging youth. Additionally, 2026 is a massive year for Etienne Jr. on the global stage, as he looks to lead Haiti in their first World Cup appearance since 1974.

Markus Cimermancic - The homegrown talent is poised to be a key rotation piece for Robin Fraser. Known for his high work rate and tactical intelligence, Cimermancic offers a energetic alternative in the middle of the park during the congested summer schedule. He saw some starting minutes at the beginning of the 2025 season but will be relegated to an option coming off of the bench.

Malik Henry: - the 23-year-old Hamilton native has officially graduated to a full MLS contract for the 2026 season. A product of the TFC Academy Henry made nine senior appearances and recently making his debut for the Canadian Men’s National Team in January 2026. Henry enters the new season as a speedy creative option who will serve to be a change-of-pace player to challenge defenses late into matches.

The 2026 season represents a chance for this midfield to prove its worth. While the individual quality of Mihailovic and the technical promise of Coello provide a glimmer of hope that the Reds can finally dictate the tempo of a match, the harsh reality is that this unit has lacked the bite and tactical discipline required to compete at the elite MLS level for years. It is time for Jonathan Osorio to show his leadership qualities to move on from expensive underachievers and sentimental favourites. There is enough talent here to spark a resurgence but will need to show grit and resilience early on in the season to have a chance at the playoffs.