BREAKING: The San Jose Earthquakes have just released their highly anticipated 2026 Major League Soccer schedule, and fans are buzzing with excitement! While the team’s schedule won’t feature a visit from global superstar Lionel Messi, it will welcome former World Cup Golden Boot winner Thomas Müller to PayPal Park for the first time.
The Earthquakes narrowly missed the playoffs in 2025, their inaugural season under manager and sporting director Bruce Arena, the all-time winningest coach in MLS history. After a blistering May that saw them rise in the Western Conference, their momentum faltered as they only won four of their last 15 matches.
SEASON OPENER: The Quakes kick off the 2026 season at home on February 21 against Sporting Kansas City, with the match starting at 7:30 p.m. They will host another home game in Week 2 against Atlanta United, set for a 4:30 p.m. kickoff. Fans can also look forward to the Quakes facing the Seattle Sounders FC on March 15, with a Sunday match scheduled for 4:00 p.m.
The season’s climax will see them on the road, concluding with a match against Minnesota United on November 7.
THOMAS MÜLLER’S BAY DEBUT: Excitingly, fans will see Thomas Müller, a celebrated 36-year-old German forward, when he visits San Jose on May 9 as a member of the Vancouver Whitecaps FC. Müller, who transferred from Bayern Munich, previously won the World Cup in 2014 and claimed the Golden Boot in 2010.
WORLD CUP BREAK: As the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches, scheduled from June 11 to July 18 across the U.S., Mexico, and Canada, the Earthquakes will pause their season after a match on May 23 in Portland. They will resume play on July 22 at home against Orlando. During this hiatus, fans can still catch soccer action at Levi’s Stadium, which will host six World Cup matches, including a Round of 32 game on July 1. Additionally, Bay FC may play at PayPal Park during this break.
RIVALRY MATCHES: The Earthquakes will again engage in two high-stakes rivalry matches away from PayPal Park. They will clash with the LA Galaxy at Stanford Stadium for the California Clásico on July 25. In 2025, the Quakes ended the season with a record of 1-1-1 against the Galaxy, including a thrilling draw at Stanford on June 28. They will also face LAFC at Levi’s Stadium on September 19, marking another Mexican Heritage Night. The previous match against LAFC was a record-setting attendance event.
Tickets for all games, except the anticipated LAFC match, will go on sale this Tuesday through the team’s official website. Fans are urged to act quickly to secure their seats for this exciting season ahead!
For the complete schedule, visit the Quakes’ official website. Stay tuned for more updates as the 2026 season approaches!
