Houston Dynamo FC Launch 2026 MLS Campaign Hosting Chicago Fire FC at Shell Energy Stadium
MLS Houston Dynamo FC

Houston Dynamo FC Launch 2026 MLS Campaign Hosting Chicago Fire FC at Shell Energy Stadium

Published on February 20, 2026 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
Houston Dynamo FC News Release


HOUSTON - Houston Dynamo FC launch their 2026 MLS regular season campaign on Saturday, Feb. 21, hosting Eastern Conference opponent Chicago Fire FC at Shell Energy Stadium, with kickoff scheduled for 7:30 p.m. CT.

Fans can secure tickets for the match HERE, and can check out the Club's Community First Ticket Offers and Value Menu for the 2026 season HERE.

Houston is 10-2-8 (WLD) in 20 regular season home openers since their inaugural MLS season in 2006. The Club is unbeaten in 13 of their 14 home openers at Shell Energy Stadium, posting an 8-1-5 (WLD) record since 2012.

The Dynamo revamped their roster with several significant signings over the course of this offseason, highlighted by two Designated Players in Polish international attacker Mateusz Bogusz and forward Guilherme, the former captain of Brazil's Santos FC. Houston also added defender Lucas Halter and midfielder Agustín Bouzat, both former captains at top South American clubs who bring leadership and winning pedigree. Former Dynamo captain Héctor Herrera returns after lifting three trophies with Toluca in Liga MX, reinforcing the team's core with elite experience. Forward Nick Markanich, the 2024 USL Championship Player of the Year, joins on loan from Spain's CD Castellón, while defender Franco Negri arrives after helping Inter Miami CF capture the 2023 Leagues Cup title and secure their first-ever Supporters' Shield in 2024, while most recently helping San Diego FC finish atop the 2025 Western Conference standings during the team's inaugural season.

The team also returns a strong core from last season, including midfielder Artur, defender Felipe Andrade, goalkeeper Jonathan Bond, defender Antônio Carlos, forward Lawrence Ennali, midfielder Ondøej Lingr, midfielder Jack McGlynn, forward Ezequiel Ponce and defender Erik Sviatchenko.

Additional offseason signings include Homegrown Players goalkeeper Logan Erb, the 18th Dynamo Academy product to sign with the first team, and defender Reese Miller, the 19th.

On the technical staff, the Dynamo added two new assistant coaches, including former MLS goalkeeper Preston Burpo and Marcelo Santos, who joins head coach Ben Olsen's staff from Houston Dynamo 2.

Houston recently closed out its undefeated preseason campaign by claiming the inaugural Torneo de Tejas title with a 3-2 victory over the New York Red Bulls at Shell Energy Stadium during the 2026 Dynamo Season Kickoff Fan Fest, behind a hat trick from Guilherme. The Dynamo finished atop the four-team table with eight points and a 2-0-1 (WLD) record, also earning points versus Atlanta United FC and in-state rivals FC Dallas.

The Dynamo hold an 11-9-8 (WLD) all-time record and have scored 39 goals versus Chicago, including a most recent 2-0 home victory in 2022 behind a goal each from former Dynamo players Darwin Quintero and Thorleifur Úlfarsson. Houston also earned a 4-1 win over Chicago in the 2023 U.S. Open Cup quarterfinals en route to capturing the title.

Chicago's was also active this offseason under head coach Gregg Berhalter, adding midfielder Robin Lod, 2025 MLS NEXT Pro Golden Boot winner Jason Shokalook, African winger Puso Dithejane and goalkeeper Josh Cohen. The club also exercised 2026 contract options for defender Jack Elliott and midfielder Sam Williams. Forward Hugo Cuypers led the team last season with 17 goals and three assists in regular season play.

The Dynamo will continue their two-game season-opening homestand against LAFC on Sunday, Feb. 28, at Shell Energy Stadium, with kickoff scheduled for 7:30 p.m. CT. Tickets are available.

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Major League Soccer Stories from February 20, 2026


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