The New York City FC (0-0-0) face the LA Galaxy (0-0-0) in the 2026 MLS season opener on Sunday, February 22, 2026. This interconference clash pits an NYCFC team coming off a strong 2025 Eastern Conference Final run against an LA Galaxy squad aiming to rebound from a disappointing 2025 campaign marred by injuries. With both teams starting fresh, the Galaxy enter as slight favorites at home, bolstered by a roster refresh and preseason momentum, while NYCFC looks to leverage its defensive solidity despite key absences. Expect a competitive match with potential for goals, given recent head-to-head trends and preseason form.
Venue Location
Dignity Health Sports Park, Carson, California.
This 27,000-capacity stadium, home to the LA Galaxy since 2003, is known for its intimate atmosphere and has hosted numerous high-profile matches, including MLS Cup finals.
Ball drop is scheduled for 4:00 p.m. PT (7:00 p.m. ET).
The game will be broadcast on Apple TV (MLS Season Pass), with radio coverage on SiriusXM FC and local stations like KWKW 1330 AM (Spanish) for LA and WFAN (English) for NYC.
Weather Updates
Forecast for kickoff in Carson, CA: Sunny and breezy with a high of 69°F (21°C) during the afternoon, cooling to around 52°F-58°F by evening. Winds from the WSW at 10-15 mph, with low humidity (53%-60%). No precipitation expected, making for ideal playing conditions but potential wind impacts on long balls.
Injury Report
Injuries favor LA Galaxy slightly, with NYCFC missing more offensive firepower.
- New York City FC:
- Out: Malachi Jones (leg), Alonso Martinez (leg/ACL recovery), Andres Perea (leg).
- Probable: Talles Magno (undisclosed, cleared for return).
- NYCFC’s attack is thinned without Martinez (leading scorer in 2025), forcing reliance on Talles Magno and Paolo Banchero.
- LA Galaxy:
- Out: Riqui Puig (knee/ACL, season-ending).
- Suspended: Edwin Cerrillo (red card accumulation from 2025).
- Puig’s absence removes a key playmaker (out since late 2024), but new additions like João Klauss fill the DP slot.
Key
Player Matchups
This opener features intriguing battles, though injuries shift dynamics toward depth players.
- Paolo Banchero (NYCFC) vs. Miki Yamane (LA Galaxy): Banchero (23 PPG in 2025) will test Yamane’s defensive skills; expect Banchero to exploit gaps in Galaxy’s midfield without Puig.
- Gabriel Pec (LA Galaxy) vs. Thiago Martins (NYCFC): Pec (15 goals, 6 assists in 2025) brings speed; Martins anchors NYCFC’s backline (top-10 defense) but faces pressure without full midfield support.
- Joseph Paintsil (LA Galaxy) vs. Mitja Ilenič (NYCFC, if available): Paintsil (15 goal contributions in 2025) vs. Ilenič’s recovery from loan; wing speed could decide flanks.
- Other Notes: João Klauss (LA) debuts as Puig’s replacement, adding physicality; Talles Magno (NYC) could spark if fit, facing Galaxy’s rebuilt defense with Jakob Glesnes.
Recent Team Forms
Preseason results provide early indicators, with LA showing depth and NYCFC focusing on defense.
| Team | Date | Opponent | Result | Key Notes |
| NYC | Feb 14, 2026 | vs. San Jose Earthquakes | L 0-2 | Defensive lapses; limited scoring without Martinez. |
| NYC | Feb 11, 2026 | vs. Sporting Kansas City | L 1-2 | Close but outscored; Magno probable return boost. |
| NYC | Feb 8, 2026 | vs. LAFC | D 1-1 | Solid draw; Fernández scores. |
| NYC | Feb 1, 2026 | vs. Austin FC | W 2-0 | Clean sheet; O’Neill/Shore recovering. |
| NYC | Jan 23, 2026 | vs. Tampa Bay Rowdies | D 2-2 | Balanced; Preseason opener. |
| LA | Feb 19, 2026 | vs. Sporting San Miguelito (CCC) | D 1-1 | Gritty draw; Paintsil/Pec sharp. |
| LA | Feb 13, 2026 | vs. Real Salt Lake (CVI) | D 3-3 / W 2-0 (split squad) | Depth shown; Sanabria scores twice. |
| LA | Feb 11, 2026 | vs. St. Louis CITY SC (CVI) | D (details limited) | Even; Preseason draw. |
| LA | Feb 8, 2026 | vs. Chicago Fire (CVI) | W (details limited) | Win; Klauss integrates. |
| LA | Feb 4, 2026 | vs. Orange County SC | W 2-0 | Clean sheet; Depth test. |
NYCFC preseason: 1-2-2 (W-D-L), focusing on defense but low scoring (6 GF, 7 GA).
LA Galaxy: Strong 4-1-1 in scrimmages/CCC, with 13 GF and solid depth.
Series History
LA Galaxy lead the all-time series 4-1-6 (W-D-L) against NYCFC in 11 meetings.
Home teams dominate (7-1-2), with LA winning 4 of 7 at Dignity Health Sports Park. Recent: LA won 2-0 (Jun 2024), NYC won 2-1 (Feb 2023). Average goals: 2.4 per game; under 3.5 in 7 of last 8.
Betting Trends
Home teams 7-1-2 in series history; LA Galaxy 4-0-3 at home vs. NYCFC.
- NYCFC won 5 of last 8 road games in 2025; LA Galaxy 1-0-5 vs. East in 2025.
- Under 3.5 goals in 7/8 H2H; Over 2.5 in 3/5 LA home openers.
- LA Galaxy 3-2 ATS last 5; NYCFC 10-6 ATS as underdogs.
MATCH ODDS
New York City FC + 180
Los Angeles Galaxy + 125
Draw + 260
Over 2.5 – 145 Under 2.5 + 115
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Saturday, February 21, 2026
