Red Bull New York Games to Watch For in 2026
Last weekend, the 2026 FIFA World Cup schedule made headlines.
The record 104-game schedule features eight at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, giving locals plenty to get excited about.
But last month, Major League Soccer announced its 2026 schedule. Red Bull New York, the former New York Red Bulls, have a long slate ahead of them.
After not making the playoffs for the first time since 2009, RBNY will be under the microscope.
Here are four games Red Bull fans should be on the lookout for, whether that’s circling the calendar to watch on AppleTV or heading to Sports Illustrated Stadium.
July 22 @ Philadelphia Union
There are two major reasons why I have this game circled on my calendar.
First, it will be the first rematch between RBNY and the Union since August 2025—the week when Philly eliminated New York from the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup in the Quarterfinals. Then, a few days later, RBNY got its revenge and beat the Union for the first time in close to a decade.
The Union and new head coach Bradley Carnell went on to win the Supporters’ Shield. Hard to say how good they will be this deep into the season, but a team to watch for.
The second reason is that this will be the first game back after a two-month break for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Following New York’s May 23 match against Sporting Kansas City, this will be the first match back—something to be eager for and watch how this hiatus will affect every team.
September 19 @ New York City FC
Both good and bad here. First, if current timelines hold, this will be the last time the Hudson River Derby is played in a baseball stadium (barring a playoff meeting in 2026). NYCFC’s Etihad Park is expected to open in 2027, right next to the Mets’ Citi Field in Flushing, Queens. After the Blue Team swept the series in 2025, the Red Bulls will look to avenge next year.
One thing, though: why is this game on a Friday? A lot of RBNY’s rivalry matches are on non-weekend dates in 2025. Having one of the league’s biggest rivalries, IMO, taking place on one of the deadest days of the weekend feels weird.
But overall, NYCFC is coming off an appearance in the Eastern Conference Final. Head coach Pascal Jansen did well in his first season. It will be interesting to see whether he can keep going.
September 26 vs St. Louis CITY SC
St. Louis CITY SC will play its fourth season in 2026. This late-season match will be their first against the New York Red Bulls (Red Bull New York) in a competitive match—a prime example of how annoying the Major League Soccer scheduling system can be.
That said, I’m still plenty excited for this match. STL forward Brendan McSorley previous played soccer for local amateur side FC Motown, so a chance he makes a homecoming. The team’s leading scorer, Brazilian forward João Klauss, will be a threat to whoever is in goal for RBNY next year. Overall, I expect a fun first-time match.
October 10 vs San Diego FC
Another first-time ever competitive match. The defending Western Conference finalists will come East to take on Red Bull New York. One of the youngest and most exciting teams in MLS in 2025, SDFC will try to capture that spark again.
It could also be a return to Harrison for former RBNY defender Andrés Reyes. His last action with New York was asking to be pulled from the MLS Cup final lineup shortly before kickoff. The Red Bulls went on to lose MLS Cup, 2-1, to the LA Galaxy. Reyes was traded to the expansion team, San Diego, shortly after. He has played one game for his team since. However, injury has kept him sidelined as SDFC finished first in the Western Conference in their inaugural season.
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Categorized:Red Bulls