Because I'm a nerd, I did this: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1aAujhCXf0PK4l4gCQct6hv7BDwMlO3iGWAUzsk4s9xI/edit?usp=sharing
This isn't about the MLS schedule, but it indirectly helps the Galaxy in the MLS schedule Galaxy won't be in Leagues Cup in 2026 since it did not make the playoffs in 2025. That means we won't have the midweek games other teams will have, which might improve our MLS regular season performance during that period. Leagues Cup 2026 info: - 18 MLS clubs (the 18 playoff teams from 2025)- 18 Liga MX clubs- Kicks off August 4- Final September 6 pic.twitter.com/A3PEltTFRR— Tom Bogert (@tombogert) December 16, 2025
To answer my own question, apparently not. Per the MLS website, there are two filters. "Teams participating in the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup are excluded from the Open Cup.". I was not aware of this, and it obviously includes the Galaxy "Teams not participating in the 2026 Leagues Cup qualify for the Open Cup." I was aware of this and assumed the Galaxy qualified. However, "qualify" in this case doesn't mean exactly what it implies. Apparently it only refers to home field advantage for the round of 32. As there is another paragraph that states "The next best teams in the Supporters’ Shield Standings that are not in the Concacaf Champions Cup will enter the Open Cup." This allows teams like Minnesota and Columbus to play in both.
That's what you call threading the needle. We are the only team to both qualify for and be excluded from the Open Cup.
Leave it to MLS to have rules so nuanced for tournaments that you need official explanations to understand who participates.
Well, are we the only team that made CCC AND didn't make the MLS playoffs? If so - then that might explain the weird situation for us.
We are indeed. We also have scored the very unique double GAM giveaway from the CCC qualification bonus (for being good enough to qualify for the CCC) and the MLS failure to qualify for the playoffs bonus (for being bad enough not to qualify for the playoffs).
It would be weird but awesome if Kuntz was really min-maxing GAM and results. "Let's see... losing this game will net negative 156 season ticket packages, but gives us a 67% increased chance to get $250,000 in sadGAM, so ... [types in giant calculator] ... I say we go for it!"
Preseason schedule at CVI The 2026 Coachella Valley Invitational Schedule 🗓️Buy passes at https://t.co/HeJvKuoGwP pic.twitter.com/25zsql1bZb— Coachella Valley Invitational (@coachella_inv) December 17, 2025
According to Portland's release of its preseason schedule, they play the Galaxy at Dignity health on Jan. 23. Must be a closed door friendly. The crazy thing is that the 23rd is two weeks from now! The work starts 🔜 The full 2026 preseason schedule presented by @OldTrapper has dropped 📰: https://t.co/VdlAFzbr7W pic.twitter.com/4nrKWAjfz0— Portland Timbers (@TimbersFC) January 9, 2026
Full preseason schedule released. 5 games v MLS opponents and 1 v USLC side Orange County SC 2026 preseason schedule is locked in 💫Two chances to cheer on the G’s at @coachella_inv. Buy passes at https://t.co/CmBukl3Y8S pic.twitter.com/dI9OsgjuPx— LA Galaxy (@LAGalaxy) January 19, 2026
Just in case you are looking for updates of the Galaxy-Timbers closed door friendly today at 11 am and the Galaxy aren't providing them, you can check the Portland feed to see what they provide WE ARE SO BACK! MATCH #1️⃣ OF THE @OldTrapper PRESZN IS FINALLY HERE!🆚: LA Galaxy⏰: 11:00 AM PT📺: N/A📰: Follow along for match updates pic.twitter.com/17rmvzB2jl— Portland Timbers (@TimbersFC) January 23, 2026
Kristoffer Velde has been sent off with a red card. The score remains 0-0.— Portland Timbers (@TimbersFC) January 23, 2026 Red card in a preseason game is wild.
LA Galaxy are awarded a penalty. They miss their opportunity. pic.twitter.com/clHtRlERy6— Portland Timbers (@TimbersFC) January 23, 2026 maybe Klaus can take penalties. lol. come on Paintsil!
New defense doing well I guess The scoreline remains 0-0 with 25 minutes to play in the second half pic.twitter.com/V7zBisWmUp— Portland Timbers (@TimbersFC) January 23, 2026
Scrimmage Update: 1-0 Galaxy. Parente with the goal. #LAGalaxy #MLS— Corner Of The Galaxy (@GalaxyPodcast) January 23, 2026 Goal, LA Galaxy — seven minutes remaining— Portland Timbers (@TimbersFC) January 23, 2026
Nice to hear that someone on the Galaxy found the back of the net. This is probably the third shift of players for both teams, which makes Parente a veteran in the group. Nice to have that kind of depth.