FC Dallas isn’t easing into 2026 quietly.
At Tuesday’s season opening press conference, president Dan Hunt, sporting director Andre Zanotta and manager Eric Quill made it clear: the club believes it can compete for trophies this year and the roster they’ve built is ready.
That means they’re keeping the stars that they do have, preserving the flexibility and will be doubling down on an identity that got them into the playoffs late last season.
Here are four key takeaways from Tuesday’s press conference.
No Musa Sale — By Choice
As one might expect, there was interest in FC Dallas’ only Designated Player, Petar Musa, this winter. While there weren’t any big rumors that popped up, the club was honest about what they received and why they opted not to sell.
“We had interest in our players internationally, like Petar Musa, but we decided we were not going to be outbound on transfers,” Hunt said.
Hunt went on to explain that the only true intentional player transfer that the club did do this winter, was for goalkeeper Maarten Paes. Hunt described that as a unique situation that involved family and a big opportunity for Paes to play at a big club in his home country.
These decisions do matter. Keeping Musa signals the club’s intentions for this season. All three talked about their belief in the roster and how deep they believe the group is right now as they head into the new season.
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The Open DP Slot — And Why They’re Waiting
The one slot that wasn’t filled this winter by the club was their open Designated Player slot. And from the sound of it, the club is being picky and patient.
Hunt explained the 2026 winter transfer market was extremely tight, with many European and South American clubs being reluctant to sell ahead of the FIFA World Cup this summer. Instead of forcing a bad move, Dallas is keeping its flexibility for the summer.
The plan is now to evaluate the summer market, following the World Cup, and add a piece that “could put us over the top.”
Some around the league will call Dallas’ move to wait a big risk. And they may be right, but the front office is convinced that they’re playing the patient game correctly here with this slot.
Also, they were quick to not give away what type of player they plan to purchase with that open DP slot. That tells me, they could be looking to add another winger or even another midfielder.
“We’re Dogs.”
For the second straight year, Quill has landed on what he wants his team to be known for: “We’re dogs.”
Quill believes his roster is built on competition and tight margins. At the moment, he believes this group is two-deep at every position, something few coaches in recent memory have had with this club.
“Iron sharpens iron,” Quill said. “When they know it’s a tight race, you live a life that is committed to the purpose.”
And according to Hunt, he sees the depth as a big asset for the club in 2026, stating that making the 20-man game-day roster will be difficult given the level of competition.
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Valiente Update
Of the key offseason additions, Joaquin Valiente is still navigating the visa process and is currently doubtful for the club’s season opener against Toronto on Saturday.
Zanotta said the club is pushing to have him available for Saturday, but that remains unclear.
The good news: fitness shouldn’t be an issue for Valiente.
The 24-year old completed preseason with Defensor Sporting and arrived to Frisco sharp. Quill described him as clever, elusive in 1v1 situations, and capable of “cutting the game open.”
In short, Valiente is the type of creative midfielder that Dallas lacked at times in 2025. Once paperwork clears, he’s expected to be available immediately.
The Bigger Picture
The message was pretty clear on Tuesday, this is a club that believes it is on the verge of something special. Even if most around the league aren’t noticing.
The club finished 2025 strong. Musa is back to lead the attack for a third season. The depth is low key better than it has ever been.
But the message was also clear, they have to win at home in 2026 while also keeping their edge about themselves on the road. Putting those pieces together, along with a DP addition at the right time in the summer and this team could surprise many across the league.
