The 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs haven’t wrapped up yet and we already know what 2026 is going to look like for LAFC. Before the black and gold were eliminated from the postseason, MLS dropped the upcoming 2026 schedule, and as usual, LAFC are front and center for some big matchups that are more event than soccer match. While we don’t know who it will be yet, we do Los Angeles will have a new leader at the helm, but despite it being a new year, under a new head coach, the same pressures of expectations will be thrust upon the squad as they once again look to finish the year with a lot more silverware than they did in 2025. The full 2026 LAFC MLS Schedule can be found HERE.
2026 Black & Gold World Tour ⚫️🟡
➡️ Sign up for ticket info – https://t.co/jrhXFbsYpB #LAFC | @Ticketmaster pic.twitter.com/PTBJO3qpL4
— LAFC (@LAFC) November 20, 2025
Historic Opener – LAFC v Inter Miami from LA Coliseum
Usually when it comes to any LAFC schedule we start with the match that everyone circles, the rivalry meetings between them and LA Galaxy. However, this season, we have a matchup thats just a little bit bigger, and a lot more historic. The 2026 season will open up with plenty of fireworks as LAFC play host to the Messi-led Inter Miami, and for the first time ever the black & gold will take the pitch at the historic LA Coliseum. The season kickoff will be on March 21st as LAFC look to start the 2026 campaign with a big statement win under what will be a new head coach at the forefront.
Historic night at @lacoliseum 🏟️
A stage worthy of the season opener.
Text ‘Coliseum’ to 213-818-LAFC (5232) for ticketing info 📲#LAFC | @BMO_US pic.twitter.com/f7spKZ29Ah
— LAFC (@LAFC) November 20, 2025
LA Rivalry – @ LA Galaxy July 17th, vs LA Galaxy Oct 25th
Is there really much that needs to be said about this matchup? We already know what it is, the ‘battle for LA’ will write a couple more chapters in 2026. The first meeting of the season will be the team’s first match back after a long 2026 FIFA World Cup break, in the middle of July, so no special 4th of July matchup this season. That said, expect fireworks. The second meeting will come just in time for spooky season in late October, so here’s hoping the black & gold are more of a treat as they will be approaching playoffs around that time. Galaxy will be looking to bounce back from what was a horrendous season following their 2024 MLS Cup victory. LAFC will no doubt be looking to regain the glory of 2022 and with a full offseason under his belt, will likely be leaning on Son Heung-Min to help get them over the hump in 2026.
Thank you for the support all season long 🖤💛 pic.twitter.com/IPX6TycZaC
— LAFC (@LAFC) November 24, 2025
Vengeance on Vancouver – @ Whitecaps Aug 1st, vs Whitecaps Oct. 10th
LAFC will almost certainly have a little extra smoke for Vancouver this season considering how 2025 went for them. The first time they met Whitecaps in 2025, they saw an early two goal lead evaporate as the teams shared points in a draw. The next regular season meeting, Vancouver got the best of LAFC at BMO with a 1-0 victory. But what really hurts was the 2025 MLS Cup Western Conference semifinal loss that saw LAFC fight back from a two goal deficit, go into extra time up not just one man, but two men with Vancouver fighting for their lives with nine players, only to be eliminated in heartbreaking fashion on penalty kicks. This is a club that, while they try not to focus on the past, they do tend to hold grudges and none will be bigger than they one they hold for how they performed against Vancouver in 2025.
New rivalry enters chat – @ San Diego FC May 2nd, vs San Diego FC Aug. 15th
San Diego FC came into the MLS much the same way LAFC did back in 2018. They were a very formidable side, and finished the 2025 MLS regular season atop the Western Conference in their inaugural campaign and did something very few teams do, they got the season sweep over LAFC. While there probably wont be as much animosity for SDFC as some of the other rivals Los Angeles has, the fact this new club came into the league and got the double win over LAFC in year one, can’t sit well with the club. While it’s too early to tell now, it will be interesting to see how the matches play out this year as this could very well be a bit of a rivalry in the making.
Any key matchups you’re looking forward to in 2026? Let us know in the comments below!