Sporting Kansas City 2026 Season Preview

2026 Schedule

First game: Feb. 21 - 10:30 pm ET at San Jose Earthquakes
Home opener: Feb. 28 - 8:30 pm ET vs. Columbus Crew
Full schedule
Watch on Apple TV

Team Snapshot

Sporting Kansas City, led by new head coach Raphael Wicky and president of soccer operations/general manager David Lee, look to rebound from a last-place finish in the Western Conference.

The rebuild has begun with a host of intra-league acquisitions, and more additions are likely en route.

The star player focus is squarely on striker Dejan Joveljić. He contributed 18g/2a last year to finish seventh in the Golden Boot presented by Audi race.

Key Signings

Stefan Cleveland: The veteran goalkeeper enters his 10th MLS season, adding competition alongside John Pulskamp.
Calvin Harris: The pacey forward signed as a free agent after stints with FC Cincinnati and the Colorado Rapids.
Jayden Reid: The Red Bull New York academy product played for rivals St. Louis CITY SC the last two seasons.
Justin Reynolds: The US youth international defender arrives from Chicago Fire FC. He's also featured on loan with FC Lugano in Switzerland.

Full roster

Rapha's vision is clear: reignite the passion. 💬 pic.twitter.com/j1bZ4zl7Dm
— Sporting Kansas City (@SportingKC) January 6, 2026

Key Departures

Logan Ndenbe: The Belgian left back, who occupied a U22 Initiative slot, spent four seasons with the club.
Nemanja Radoja: The Serbian midfielder departed after playing 81 games with Sporting KC.
Khiry Shelton: The veteran attacker spent the last 10 seasons in MLS, including seven with Sporting KC.
Erik Thommy: The German Bundesliga alum was out of contract after scoring 20 goals in 120 matches. He joined the LA Galaxy in free agency.
Robert Voloder: The German center back logged nearly 5,000 minutes across four seasons. He joined Red Bull New York as a free agent.