The 2026 soccer year is almost here. It is a massive time for the sport in North America. The Sporting KC Schedule for this historic season is finally out. Fans in the Midwest are ready for some action. This season features 34 regular season matches.
The team faces a long road ahead. There are 17 matches at home. There are also 17 matches away from home. This year is special because of the FIFA World Cup 2026. Major League Soccer will take a break for that tournament. However, the club still has plenty of dates for you to mark. You should get your gear ready now.
Keypoints of the 2026 Season
- The season starts earlier than ever before on February 21.
- Sporting KC Schedule home games include 14 Saturday dates and 3 Wednesday dates.
- The club will play the reigning Supporters’ Shield winner, U.S. Open Cup winner, and Leagues Cup winner all in one year.
- All matches are available through an Apple TV subscription.
- The team returns to the U.S. Open Cup to seek a record fifth title.
- Theme nights like Star Wars Night and Harry Potter Night return to the stadium.
The Early Start in February 2026
First of all, the club makes history with its start date. The first match of the sporting kc schedule feb 2026 happens on February 21. This match is against San Jose Earthquakes. It is the earliest regular season game the club has ever played. The team travels to California to kick things off. Soccer fans usually wait longer for the spring. Not this time.
Additionally, the first home match at Children’s Mercy Park happens soon after. The team welcomes Columbus Crew on Saturday, February 28. This is the first time the club has ever hosted an MLS home match in the month of February. It is a big deal for the fans. You might want a sporting kc schedule 2026 printable copy for your fridge so you do not miss it. The cold weather will not stop the “Blue Hell” from being loud.
The Home Stand: Sporting KC Schedule Home Matches
Fans love the atmosphere at Children’s Mercy Park. The sporting kc schedule home slate is packed with exciting matches this year. Most of these games happen on Saturdays. In fact, 14 of the 17 home games are on a Saturday. This is great for families who want to attend.
On top of that, three matches take place on Wednesday nights. These games are on May 13, July 22, and August 19. Most home games start at 7:30 p.m. CT. However, two matches will have different times because they are on national television. One is a Saturday afternoon game on May 2. The other is a Wednesday night rivalry game on August 19.
| Date | Opponent | Importance |
| Feb 28 | Columbus Crew | Home Opener |
| March 7 | San Diego FC | New Western Rival |
| May 2 | Seattle Sounders | Leagues Cup Champs Test |
| May 13 | LA Galaxy | 2024 MLS Champions |
| Aug 19 | St. Louis CITY SC | Major Rivalry Game |
| Sept 12 | LAFC | U.S. Open Cup Rematch |
| Oct 31 | FC Dallas | First Halloween Home Game |
Gradually, the schedule moves into the heat of the summer. The team plays its only Sunday match on August 23. They travel to Atlanta for that one. That stadium will host a World Cup semifinal later in the year. It is a high-profile game for the club.
Rivalries and Big Matchups
The rivalry with St. Louis CITY SC is always a highlight. This year, the teams meet twice in the regular season. The first meeting is away in St. Louis on July 16. This is the first game back after the long World Cup break. The fans will be hungry for soccer. Therefore, the energy will be off the charts.
Later, the teams play again in Kansas City. This happens on Wednesday, August 19. This match will be on FS1 and FOX Deportes. It is a nationally televised battle. Plus, it is part of Blue Hell Week. The atmosphere is always intense when these two clubs meet.
Similarly, the matches against LAFC and Seattle Sounders are huge. Sporting KC plays Seattle on May 2. Seattle is the Leagues Cup champion. Then, the team hosts LAFC on September 12. This is a rematch of the 2024 U.S. Open Cup Final. These games test the strength of the roster.
Tournaments: Leagues Cup and U.S. Open Cup
The season is more than just MLS league games. The club also competes in two major tournaments. First, there is the Leagues Cup 2026. This tournament features teams from MLS and LIGA MX. It starts on August 4 and ends on September 6. 36 clubs will participate in this edition.
Additionally, the club returns to the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. This is the 111th year of this national championship. Sporting KC has won this trophy four times in the past. Those wins came in 2004, 2012, 2015, and 2017. Only a few teams have won it that many times. The 2026 tournament starts in mid-March. Sporting KC enters in the Round of 32 on April 14 or 15.
| Round | Date |
| Round of 32 | April 14-15 |
| Round of 16 | April 28-29 |
| Quarterfinals | May 19-20 |
| Semifinals | Sept 15-16 |
| Final | Oct 21 |
Though the field of professional teams is smaller this year, the competition remains fierce. 80 teams total will play for the title. The winner gets a spot in the 2027 Concacaf Champions Cup. They also get a $1 million prize.
The Full Regular Season Schedule
You need to know every date to be a true fan. You can sync the sporting kc schedule ical to your phone calendar. This helps you stay updated on any changes. Below is the complete list of matches for the 2026 regular season.
| Date | Opponent | Time (CT) |
| Sat, Feb 21 | at San Jose | 9:30 |
| Sat, Feb 28 | COLUMBUS | 7:30 |
| Sat, March 7 | SAN DIEGO | 7:30 |
| Sat, March 14 | at LA Galaxy | 8:30 |
| Sat, March 21 | COLORADO | 7:30 |
| Sat, April 4 | at Real Salt Lake | 3:30 |
| Sat, April 11 | SAN JOSE | 7:30 |
| Fri, April 17 | at Vancouver | 9:30 |
| Sat, April 25 | at Chicago | 7:30 |
| Sat, May 2 | SEATTLE | 1:30 |
| Sat, May 9 | at Portland | 9:30 |
| Wed, May 13 | LA GALAXY | 7:30 |
| Sat, May 16 | at Austin | 7:30 |
| Sat, May 23 | RED BULL NEW YORK | 7:30 |
| Thu, July 16 | at St. Louis | 7:30 |
| Wed, July 22 | MINNESOTA | 7:30 |
| Sat, July 25 | at LAFC | 9:30 |
| Sat, Aug 1 | HOUSTON | 7:30 |
| Sat, Aug 15 | at Colorado | 8:30 |
| Wed, Aug 19 | ST. LOUIS | 7:00 |
| Sun, Aug 23 | at Atlanta | 6:00 |
| Sat, Aug 29 | VANCOUVER | 7:30 |
| Sat, Sept 5 | at Dallas | 7:30 |
| Wed, Sept 9 | at Seattle | 9:30 |
| Sat, Sept 12 | LAFC | 7:30 |
| Sat, Sept 19 | PHILADELPHIA | 7:30 |
| Sat, Sept 26 | at Houston | 7:30 |
| Sat, Oct 10 | PORTLAND | 7:30 |
| Wed, Oct 14 | at Nashville | 7:30 |
| Sat, Oct 17 | REAL SALT LAKE | 7:30 |
| Sat, Oct 24 | AUSTIN | 7:30 |
| Wed, Oct 28 | at Minnesota | 7:30 |
| Sat, Oct 31 | DALLAS | 7:30 |
| Sat, Nov 7 | at San Diego | 6:00 |
Finally, the season ends on Decision Day, November 7. The club travels to San Diego for the finale. This could be a huge game for playoff seeding. The Audi 2026 MLS Cup Playoffs start soon after that.
Theme Nights and Special Events
The sporting kc schedule 2026 home games are about more than just points. They are about community. The club has several theme nights planned for the year. One of the most popular is Star Wars Night. Fans often get cool items like a Grogu bobble head at the gates.
Other fun nights include Harry Potter Night and Hispanic Heritage Night. There is also a Jazz Night to celebrate the history of Kansas City. For families, Kids’ Day on May 2 is a perfect choice. It has a 1:30 p.m. kickoff. This makes it easy for young fans to attend.
Additionally, the club honors heroes during Sporting Salutes. This night is for military members and their families. On September 19, the team hosts the Kick Childhood Cancer Game. This is an important night for The Victory Project. Every game has something special for the crowd.
Broadcast and Media Partnership
You can watch every single MLS match on Apple TV. This service is available in over 100 countries. It includes live matches and on-demand content. Plus, a subscription is part of the package for season ticket members.
However, you can also listen to the games on the radio. Sporting KC extended its agreement with Sports Radio 810 WHB through 2026. This station is the official radio home of the team. You can hear the commentary of Blake Aerni and Jon Kempin. They provide great insights during every match. You can also find their broadcasts in the Sporting KC app or on the club’s website.
Preseason and Preparation
The work starts long before the first match in February. Players report for physicals on January 10. Then, they head to Florida for the first part of preseason. They stay there from January 11 to January 31. They will play matches against Florida International University and Chicago Fire FC.
Later, the team moves to Palm Springs, California. They participate in the Coachella Valley Invitational from February 3 to February 14. This tournament helps the players get fit for the long season. At that time, the coaches decide on the starting lineup. The road to the MLS Cup is a marathon.
Getting Your Tickets
Season tickets for the 2026 campaign are already on sale. You can call 888-4KC-GOAL to secure your spot. Members get exclusive benefits. These include free tickets to away matches and the Apple TV subscription.
There are also special ticket packs like the Blue Hell Pack. This pack includes the home opener and the big game against St. Louis. If you are a college student, look into the Sporting U Pass. There is also an option called Kids Chant Free for families. Single-game tickets go on sale in mid-December.
FAQ’s
Where can I find the full Sporting KC Schedule for the current season?
You can find the official schedule on the club website or in the Sporting KC mobile app. Websites like MLSSoccer.com also host the full list of matches.
How often is the Sporting KC Schedule updated during the MLS season?
The league can update the schedule at any time for television needs or weather. It is smart to check the official site weekly.
What time are the upcoming matches in the Sporting KC Schedule?
Most home matches start at 7:30 p.m. CT. Away match times vary depending on the time zone of the host city.
Does the Sporting KC Schedule include preseason and playoff games?
Official schedules usually list regular season and some tournament dates. Playoff dates are added once the team qualifies.
How can I download the official Sporting KC Schedule to my calendar?
You can use services like FotMob to sync the matches to your Apple, Google, or Outlook calendars. This uses an iCal link.
Where can I watch games listed on the Sporting KC Schedule live?
Every MLS match is on Apple TV with an MLS Season Pass. Some matches also appear on FOX, FS1, or local partners like KMCI and KCTV 5.2.
Are home and away matches clearly marked on the Sporting KC Schedule?
Yes. Schedules usually list home games in capital letters or with a “vs” mark. Away games use the “at” mark before the opponent’s name.
Concluding Words
The 2026 season for Sporting Kansas City is a landmark year. It features the earliest start in club history and a massive 34-match regular season schedule. Fans can look forward to 17 home matches at Children’s Mercy Park, including big rivalries and theme nights.
With tournament play in the Leagues Cup and U.S. Open Cup, the action never stops. Make sure to get your tickets and follow along on Apple TV or Sports Radio 810 WHB.