The Houston Dynamo FC are navigating an uneven but encouraging 2026 Major League Soccer season, with the club sitting in the Western Conference playoff mix while still searching for consistency under head coach Ben Olsen.
Houston entered the season looking to rebound from a disappointing 2025 campaign and made several roster additions aimed at reshaping the attack and midfield. The early results have shown both promise and volatility.
The Dynamo have picked up key wins against teams including Chicago Fire FC, Portland Timbers and Orlando City SC, but have also suffered setbacks against rivals such as FC Dallas and the Colorado Rapids. A 6-2 road loss in Colorado highlighted ongoing defensive issues, though the team has also responded with improved performances in stretches of the season.
Much of Houston’s optimism has centered on its revamped roster. Offseason moves brought in midfielder Mateusz Bogusz, Brazilian attacker Guilherme and midfielder Jack McGlynn, while veteran leader Héctor Herrera returned to provide experience in the midfield.
Guilherme has emerged as one of the team’s most productive players early in the year, contributing goals and assists that have helped stabilize Houston’s attack. Still, inconsistency away from home and struggles in closing out matches have limited the club’s rise in the standings.
Outside of MLS play, Houston also made a run in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup before being eliminated in a quarterfinal penalty shootout loss to St. Louis City SC.
Supporters remain cautiously optimistic as the season progresses, pointing to improved depth and attacking creativity, while concerns persist about defensive reliability and overall consistency at Shell Energy Stadium.
Upcoming May Matches
Houston faces a pivotal stretch to close out May as the MLS regular season approaches its midyear break for the FIFA World Cup. The Dynamo’s remaining schedule includes a road match at LA Galaxy on May 23, followed by the league pause beginning May 25.
The outcome of these late-May fixtures could prove important in determining whether Houston stays firmly in the Western Conference playoff race heading into the summer break.