Austin FC is set to kick off the 2026 Major League Soccer regular season this Saturday at Q2 Stadium, when the VERDE & Black will take on Minnesota United FC at 7:30 p.m. CT. Prior to the match, stop by Live Oak Park outside the stadium’s east stand for a Pre-Match Party featuring live music from Los Kurados, $4 Michelob Ultra, Bud Light, Dos Equis, Heineken, and Hoop Tea, facepainting, and more.
Tune-InÂ
- Stream: Click here to watch the match on Apple TV or access it through any device compatible with the Apple TV app. New this season, Apple TV subscribers can watch all MLS matches at no extra cost.
- Radio: The match will be broadcast live locally in English on iHeart Radio’s Alt 97.5, and in Spanish on Univision’s TUDN Radio Austin (104.3-HD2, KLQB-FM).
Austin FC OutlookÂ
Austin FC welcomed four new faces this offseason: winger Jayden Nelson, defender Jon Bell, midfielder/defender Joseph Rosales, and Designated Player signing Facundo Torres. Saturday night will be the first chance for Austin fans to see them in MLS action. Nelson found the net in one of Austin’s preseason matches at the Coachella Valley Invitational last week, while Rosales will immediately face his former Club after spending the last five seasons with MNUFC.
The last time the two clubs met was back in September of last year in the U.S. Open Cup Semifinals, in a match which fans are sure to remember. CJ Fodrey scored the latest goal in Club history in the 120th minute, winning the match and sending Austin to the final.
Austin is at home on back-to-back weekends to kick off the year and will look to claim three points on Saturday to start the season on the right foot. ATXFC won its home opener against Sporting KC 1-0 in 2025.
Minnesota United FC OutlookÂ
Minnesota made noise this offseason by signing Colombian superstar James RodrÃguez to its roster. RodrÃguez brings a wealth of experience from some of the best teams and leagues in the world to the Loons’ attack. The Black & Blue saw some movement on the coaching side as well, as Eric Ramsay left for West Bromwich Albion in England and Cameron Knowles was promoted to Head Coach.
Minnesota also took part in the Coachella Valley Invitational, falling to Charlotte FC in their final preseason match. Last season, the Loons finished fourth in the Western Conference and advanced past Seattle in the opening round of the playoffs before San Diego eliminated them.
Minnesota boasted the conference’s second-fewest goals conceded in 2025 but saw the departure of two key defensive pieces in Rosales and longtime goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair. Drake Callender, who won two titles with Inter Miami, arrived to replace St. Clair between the posts.
