Carson, California – The LA Galaxy will host New York City FC on Sunday, February 22, in the first installment of the 2026 MLS Sunday Night Soccer series, presented by Continental Tire. The match, scheduled for 7 p.m. ET, will be played at Dignity Health Sports Park.
The Galaxy are looking to improve upon their 14th-place finish in the Western Conference last season, following an active winter transfer window. Key additions to the roster include Jakob Glesnes, the 2022 MLS Defender of the Year, acquired from the Philadelphia Union for up to $2.2 million in General Allocation Money. The Galaxy too secured striker João Klauss from St. Louis CITY SC in a cash-for-player trade valued at $2.375 million, and added veteran midfielder Erik Thommy and versatile defender Justin Haak.
Despite bolstering their squad, the Galaxy will be without playmaker Riqui Puig, who suffered an ACL setback prior to the preseason and is on the Season-Ending Injury List. This prompted the team to utilize a Designated Player roster spot to acquire Klauss, who previously scored a club-record 27 goals in 85 games for St. Louis.
Joseph Paintsil, entering his third season with the Galaxy, is also aiming to secure a spot on the Ghana national team for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. He has recorded 20 goals and 15 assists in 54 regular-season matches. Gabriel Pec, the 2024 MLS Newcomer of the Year, is expected to contribute with his dynamic dribbling and Brazilian flair, having amassed 22 goals and 23 assists in 62 regular-season games.
The match marks the beginning of a cross-conference rivalry as the LA Galaxy and New York City FC kick off the 2026 MLS season on national television via Apple TV. The Galaxy’s technical staff worked through a “long, tricky to-do list” during the winter transfer period to prepare for this opening match, according to MLSsoccer.com.