NYCFC’s Final Season at Yankee Stadium Before New Venue
This upcoming season, New York City FC is set to play ten matches at Yankee Stadium, marking its last full season before the team transitions to a new home near Citi Field in 2027.
On Thursday, NYCFC, alongside the New York Red Bulls and the other 30 Major League Soccer teams, revealed their schedules for the 2026 season, which will be the last in the current league format.
The league plans to switch from a fall schedule to one that runs in the spring, aligning with the calendars of top European soccer leagues and FIFA.
In what will be an interesting twist, 2026 will be the final year where NYCFC juggles home games between Yankee Stadium and Citi Field. Four of their matches will take place in Queens, and well, there’s still no word on the venue for the games in the latter half of the season.
NYCFC is anticipated to debut its new home at Etihad Park in spring 2027, although a precise opening date is still up in the air.
The season kicks off on February 22 with NYCFC facing the Los Angeles Galaxy, followed by a rematch with the Union on March 1. Then, they’ll host Orlando City SC in the Bronx on March 7.
Meanwhile, the Red Bulls are starting their season on February 21 against Orlando, and their first home game will be against New England on February 28 at Sports Illustrated Stadium.
A notable highlight for fans will be the first clash between NYCFC and the Red Bulls, set for May 16 in Harrison, New Jersey, with their second meeting scheduled for September 18 at Yankee Stadium.
In an exciting development, Lionel Messi and Inter Miami will make their first appearance in New York on March 22, when they take on NYCFC at Yankee Stadium. Interestingly, their next visit to the area will be on October 24 against the Red Bulls.
It’s worth noting that MLS will pause operations from late May to mid-July to get ready for the World Cup, being jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Prior to this break, NYCFC and the Red Bulls will have played their final match on May 23 and will resume the season on July 22. The anticipation is building for what should be an exhilarating season ahead.
