If you walk into a bar in the Crossroads District right now, people aren't just talking about the Chiefs. Sure, the Patrick Mahomes era is a whole mood, but the vibe in Kansas City has shifted toward the pitch. Deeply. When someone asks about the "Kansas City soccer team," they usually expect a quick answer about Sporting KC.
But honestly? It's not that simple anymore.
We are living through a massive identity shift in local sports. For the first time in decades, Sporting Kansas City—the "OG" of the MLS—is sharing the throne with the KC Current. And in 2026, the power dynamic is looking... well, it’s looking a bit spicy.
The Sporting KC Rebuild: Can Raphael Wicky Fix the Foundation?
Let’s be real. The last couple of years for Sporting KC were rough. After the club finally parted ways with long-time manager Peter Vermes, the atmosphere at Children’s Mercy Park felt a little like a house that had been lived in too long without any repairs.
Enter Raphael Wicky. He took over the reins with a clear mandate: stop the bleeding and find some youth.
As of January 17, 2026, the team is currently grinding through preseason down in Florida. They actually just beat Florida International University 1-0 in a scrimmage. Not a world-beating result, but a win is a win. Shapi Suleymanov grabbed the goal, assisted by Dejan Joveljic.
What the 2026 Roster Actually Looks Like
The roster turnover has been fairly aggressive. If you haven't checked the tracker lately, you've missed a lot of names leaving the building.
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- Who is Out: Tim Leibold, Nemanja Radoja, Khiry Shelton, and Mason Toye had their options declined. Long-time staples like Erik Thommy and Robert Voloder are also gone after their contracts expired.
- Who is In: The front office brought in Justin Reynolds from Chicago Fire and goalkeeper Stefan Cleveland from Austin FC. They also signed forward Calvin Harris as a free agent just a few days ago.
- The Core: The guys expected to carry the load are Daniel Salloi, Jake Davis, and Manu Garcia.
It’s a younger squad. It’s leaner. But is it enough to compete in a Western Conference that feels more like a gauntlet every year? Wicky’s 4-3-3 system relies heavily on high-pressing, and if the veterans can't keep up with that intensity for 90 minutes, 2026 might be another long year.
Why the KC Current is Currently Winning the City
While Sporting is trying to find its feet, the Kansas City Current is basically sprinting. They won the 2025 NWSL Shield. They broke almost every record in the book last year—most points (65), most wins (21), and an insane nine-game shutout streak.
They aren't just a "Kansas City soccer team." They are the blueprint for women's sports globally.
The CPKC Stadium Factor
If you haven't been to CPKC Stadium on the riverfront, you're missing out. It’s the first stadium in the world purpose-built specifically for a professional women’s team. The energy there is intimate, loud, and frankly, a bit more modern than the vibe out in Kansas City, Kansas.
Chris Armas is taking over as head coach for 2026. Taking over a Shield-winning team is a high-pressure gig. He’s got the 2026 schedule in hand, starting at home against the Utah Royals on March 14.
The Current are also playing in the second annual Teal Rising Cup in April. This isn’t a team that is satisfied with one trophy. They are building a dynasty while Sporting is still trying to figure out their starting XI.
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Sporting KC vs. KC Current: The Cultural Tug-of-War
There used to be a clear hierarchy. Sporting was the big brother. The Current was the exciting newcomer.
But look at the investment.
Sporting KC struggled for years with a stagnant transfer budget, while the Current's ownership—led by Angie and Chris Long along with Brittany and Patrick Mahomes—has been aggressive. They trade for stars. They sign free agents. They built a multi-million dollar training facility.
Basically, the "Kansas City soccer team" identity is now split.
The 2026 Schedule Highlights
If you’re planning your year around soccer, here are the dates that actually matter:
- Feb 21: Sporting KC opens the MLS season at San Jose.
- Feb 28: Sporting's home opener vs. Columbus.
- March 14: KC Current's home opener vs. Utah Royals.
- June 26: The NWSL Challenge Cup vs. Gotham FC (in Columbus).
- Aug 19: The St. Louis rivalry match at Children's Mercy Park. (Expect fireworks).
- Oct 31: Sporting plays at home on Halloween for the first time ever vs. Dallas.
What Most People Get Wrong
The biggest misconception is that you have to choose one. You don't. But the fanbases are starting to look different. Sporting's crowd, led by the Cauldron, is deeply rooted in 90s and 2000s soccer culture. It’s gritty.
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The Current’s crowd? It’s younger, tech-savvy, and very "New KC."
Another thing: people think Sporting is "cheap." That’s not quite right. They’ve spent money on infrastructure; they just haven't hit on their Designated Player (DP) signings lately. Shapi Suleymanov and Dejan Joveljic are the keys here. If they don't produce 25+ goals between them this season, the "rebuild" label won't save the front office from a very frustrated fanbase.
Actionable Steps for the 2026 Season
If you're trying to get into the local soccer scene this year, don't just wing it.
Grab tickets for the Teal Rising Cup. It's happening April 9 and 12 at CPKC Stadium. It's a great way to see high-level NWSL play without the mid-summer heat or the peak-season prices.
Watch the "Homegrown" players. Keep an eye on Cielo Tschantret for Sporting. He just signed as a Homegrown Player in late 2025. Local kids getting minutes is always a better story than an aging European star coming for a paycheck.
Sign up for the Current Club. If you want single-match tickets for the Current, you basically have to be in their membership program. General public sales for 2026 start January 20, but the good seats are usually gone by then.
Follow the Coachella Valley Invitational. Both teams are heading to California in February. It’s the best time to see the tactical tweaks Raphael Wicky and Chris Armas are making before the points actually count. Sporting plays there from Feb 3-14, and the Current takes on San Diego Wave on Feb 15.
Kansas City isn't just a baseball or football town anymore. It's a soccer city with two very different, very successful identities. Whether you're heading to the riverfront or out to KCK, the standard for a Kansas City soccer team has never been higher.