The wait is finally over. Kicking for the opening match of the 2026 season is approaching. FC Dallas and Toronto FC have submitted their opening-day lineups, which offer a first look at how each group plans to approach the season ahead.
Below is a look at how both FC Dallas and Toronto FC are set up for the season opener, followed by notes and key questions that could shape not just tonight’s match, but the early direction of the season.
What Changed From Last Match
We saw FC Dallas attempt this exact lineup last week in a preseason friendly that was canceled after five minutes against Atlanta United.
FC Dallas Lineup Notes:
Projected Starting XI
Formation: 3-4-3Bench
Who should come off the bench?
Given that there could still be some rust on some legs, I would imagine we’ll see five subs used in this one. I’d put Norris, Sarver, Louis, Julio and Delgado as ones to come off the bench for this one. But don’t sleep on Binyamin making his debut either.
Key Question Heading Into Kickoff
Can Dallas start off strong?
We’ve seen Dallas teams start off slow in previous season openers at home. This is a moment when this group needs to set a tone and pace for the season with a strong start.
Suspended: none
Season-ending injury list: none
Out: Jonathan Sirois (non-injury) , Joaquin Valiente (visa-related)
Questionable: none
On Loan: Tsiki Ntsabeleng (Mamelodi Sundowns FC), Enes Sali (Al-Riyadh), Malachi Molina (Nashville SC)
Unavailable (off-roster): Daniel Baran, Jaidyn Contreras, Kaka Scabin, Slade Starnes
International duty: none
The free stuff tells you what happened. A paid subscription tells you why it happened, what it means for FC Dallas, and what’s coming next—before anyone else catches up.
Toronto FC Lineup Notes:
Opponent Lineup
- GK: Luke Gavran
- RB: Richie Laryea
- CB: Walker Zimmerman
- CB: Kosi Thompson
- LB: Kobe Franklin
- CM: Jose Cifuentes
- CM: Alonso Coello
- LW: Jonathan Osorio
- RW: Malik Henry
- ST: Djorde Milhailovic
- ST: Derrick Etienne
How to watch
📅 Date: Saturday, February, 21, 2026
⚽️ Kickoff: 7:30 PM
🏟 Venue: Toyota Stadium
📺 Streaming: MLS Season Pass
💬 Gameday Social: #FCDvTFC
☀️ Weather: 54, windy
