Honestly, it feels like the air in Los Angeles just gets heavier every time the Black & Gold step onto a pitch. If you haven't been keeping up with the latest Los Angeles FC news, you've missed a literal transformation. The club isn't just "reloading" for the 2026 season; they are basically rewriting the DNA of what an MLS roster is supposed to look like.
Between the shock arrival of Son Heung-Min late last year and the departure of legends like Olivier Giroud, the vibes at BMO Stadium are shifting. Fast.
It’s January 2026. The grass is being prepped. Preseason is here. And if you think LAFC is just another team in the West, you haven't been paying attention to the moves John Thorrington has been making behind the scenes while the rest of the league was sleeping.
The Son Heung-Min Effect and the 2026 Reality
Let’s get the big one out of the way. When Son Heung-Min landed in LA last year, people thought it was a retirement lap. Wrong. The guy basically assaulted the league. 12 goals and 4 assists in just 13 games? That’s not a retirement; that’s a hostile takeover.
Heading into this 2026 campaign, the biggest piece of Los Angeles FC news is how Steve Cherundolo plans to build an entire system around the South Korean icon. Last year, Son was a spark. This year, he’s the engine. We’re talking about a guy who had a goal contribution every 69 minutes. Only Messi was more efficient. Think about that for a second.
But it’s not just the "Son Show." Denis Bouanga is still here, and he’s now the club’s all-time leading scorer after passing Carlos Vela last September. That duo—Son and Bouanga—accounted for 25 goals in their short time together last fall. If they stay healthy, the rest of the Western Conference is basically playing for second place.
The Roster Shakeup No One Saw Coming
It’s kinda wild how quickly things change in MLS. Olivier Giroud? Gone. He and the club mutually parted ways last June, with the Frenchman heading back to Europe to join Lille. It was a short stay, but he left with a trophy and a spot in the Club World Cup.
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Then you have the "Steady Eddie" revival. Eddie Segura, the man who survived two brutal knee surgeries, ended up being the iron man of the defense last year. Nobody expected him to start 28 matches, yet there he was, outlasting everyone.
Here is what the 2026 core actually looks like right now:
- The Wall: Hugo Lloris. The club just signed him to a contract extension. He led the team in minutes last year and tied for second in the league with 12 clean sheets. He’s the captain, the anchor, and honestly, the reason the defense didn't collapse when injuries hit.
- The New Blood: Jacob Shaffelburg. LAFC snagged him from Nashville, and his pace on the wing is going to be a nightmare for fullbacks who are already worried about Son.
- The Midfield Engine: Timothy Tillman and Mark Delgado. Delgado had a career-high nine assists last year. He’s the most underrated player in this squad, period.
The Schedule: A Coliseum Opener?
If you're looking for the most electric piece of Los Angeles FC news regarding the 2026 schedule, mark February 21 on your calendar.
LAFC isn't opening at BMO Stadium. They are taking over the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Why? Because they’re hosting Inter Miami. It’s the first time the Black & Gold will play at the iconic venue, and it’s basically the biggest ticket in the city's history.
But there’s a catch. The season is going to be weird.
Because the 2026 FIFA World Cup is happening right here in North America, MLS is taking a massive break. From May 25 to July 16, the league goes dark. That means LAFC has to cram a massive amount of soccer into the early spring and late fall.
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Concacaf Champions Cup Drama
Before they even touch the Coliseum turf, the boys are heading to Honduras. February 17. A Round One matchup against Real CD España.
This is where things get tricky. We’ve seen MLS teams crumble under the weight of early-season travel to Central America. Cherundolo has to balance a roster that is still integrating new homegrowns like Santiago Pita and Ademar Chávez with the need to win a continental trophy. The club remains the only MLS team to reach two Concacaf finals—they want that third one, and they want to win it this time.
What Most People Get Wrong About the "Cherundolo Era"
There's this narrative that Steve Cherundolo just inherited a winning machine. That’s lazy.
The "Cherundolo Era" is defined by transition. He’s the winningest coach in club history now, having crossed the 100-win threshold last year. But look at what he’s managed: he survived the departure of Carlos Vela, the short-lived Giroud experiment, and a rotating door of centerbacks.
He’s shifted the team from the possession-heavy "tiki-taka" style of the early years to a more direct, punishing counter-attack. It’s why guys like Son and Bouanga thrive. They don't want to pass you to death; they want to run past you and leave you wondering what happened.
The Defensive Question Mark
If there's a hole in the Los Angeles FC news cycle, it’s the backline depth. Ryan Porteous was a godsend last year after joining from Watford, but with a heavy 2026 schedule, one injury to him or Nkosi Tafari puts a lot of pressure on the kids.
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The club did exercise options on Tafari and Kenny Nielsen, but honestly, they might need one more veteran body back there if they want to survive the summer heat and the post-World Cup sprint.
Making Sense of the 2026 Outlook
So, what does this all mean for you, the fan or the casual observer?
Basically, LAFC is leaning into being the "Galacticos" of the West, but with a blue-collar work ethic in the midfield. They have the superstars, sure. But they also have guys like Ryan Hollingshead, who just signed a multi-year extension and continues to be the most reliable defender in the league.
Actionable Insights for the 2026 Season:
- Buy Coliseum Tickets Early: The opener against Miami will sell out, and resale prices are already looking ridiculous. If you want to see Son vs. Messi in a historic venue, don't wait.
- Watch the Homegrowns: Keep an eye on Nathan Ordaz. He signed a long-term extension for a reason. With the World Cup break and a congested schedule, the 2026 season will be the year the academy players actually have to contribute meaningful minutes.
- Monitor the Midfield: If Igor Jesus returns from his knee injury in top form, LAFC might have the best defensive midfield in North America. His recovery timeline is the "hidden" news item that could decide the Supporters' Shield.
The 2026 season isn't just about winning another MLS Cup. It's about LAFC proving they can be the face of American soccer while the world's eyes are on Los Angeles for the World Cup. With Son leading the line and Lloris guarding the net, they've certainly got the star power to do it.