Everything you need to know about the Sporting San Miguelito vs LA Galaxy match, news, Preview, Prediction, Team News, and starting XI for Round One of the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup.
Sporting San Miguelito head into the first leg of their 2026 CONCACAF Champions Cup Round One tie at home against an experienced LA Galaxy side, with the Panamanian club looking to use home conditions and recent domestic form to unsettle their higher-profile opponents.
The two-leg series begins in Penonomé and gives Sporting the chance to build an advantage before the return at Dignity Health Sports Park later this month.
On paper, the LA Galaxy look like the favourites, having secured their spot via the 2025 Leagues Cup and bolstered their attack during the off-season. However, their patchy league form in 2025 and the tough task of playing in Central America make this a far from simple matchup.
Sporting comes in with confidence after winning their Central American Cup play-in and will be motivated to make a continental statement on home soil.
Sporting San Miguelito vs LA Galaxy – Match Info, Prediction, Team News, Starting XI
| Match | Sporting San Miguelito vs LA Galaxy |
|---|---|
| Competition | CONCACAF Champions Cup — Round One (1st leg) |
| Date | 19 February 2026 |
| Kick-off | 8:00 PM local (Panama) / 01:00 UTC (Feb 20) / 8:00 PM ET (Feb 19) |
| Venue | Estadio Javier Cruz, Panama City, Panama. |
Head-to-Head
This will be the clubs’ first competitive meeting; there is no H2H history between Sporting San Miguelito and LA Galaxy prior to this tie. Both teams will be writing a new chapter in this two-leg series.
Team News
Sporting San Miguelito Team News
Following a record-extending sixth MLS Cup title in 2024, the Galaxy are introducing a revamped squad featuring new addition João Klauss alongside Marco Reus, Gabriel Pec, and Joseph Paintsil.
- Form & route to the Champions Cup: Sporting qualified for the Champions Cup after winning their Central American Cup play-in against Plaza Amador — they arrive with recent positive results in regional competition.
- Squad & setup: Coach César Aguilar has used a compact, physical side built around forward Joseph Cox and creative midfielders such as Yair Jaén; Marcos De León / Kevin Mosquera are the goalkeeper options. Expect Sporting to set up conservatively and look to exploit set-pieces and direct transitions.
- Injuries/availability: No widely reported long-term absences at the time of publishing; final availability will be confirmed on the club’s matchday release.
LA Galaxy Team News
The Panamanian team is making its first tournament appearance since the 2013/14 season and is currently at the top of the Panamanian First Division Eastern Clausura standings.
- Recent business & form: LA Galaxy qualified via the 2025 Leagues Cup and have made adjustments in the close season — notable additions and a new striker signing have shifted expectations for 2026. Manager Greg Vanney will likely balance squad rotation with the priority of early knockout progress.
- Key absences/notes: Riqui Puig’s fitness has been a question in recent weeks, and the club added João Klauss as a forward option; expect some rotation as the Galaxy manage early-season fitness and travel. (Check official injury updates at kick-off.)
Sporting San Miguelito vs LA Galaxy Lineups
Sporting San Miguelito Starting XIs
- Goalkeeper: Kevin Mosquera
- Defenders: Omar Alba, Sergio Ramírez, Alexis Cedeño, Juan Hall
- Midfielders: Marlon Ávila, Angel Valencia, Leslie Heráldez, Rodrigo Tello
- Forwards: Joel Barría, Jeslan Caicedo
LA Galaxy Starting XIs
- Goalkeeper: Novak Mićović
- Defenders: Miki Yamane, Jakob Glesnes, Maya Yoshida (C), John Nelson
- Midfielders: Edwin Cerrillo, Justin Haak, Marco Reus
- Forwards: Gabriel Pec, Joseph Paintsil, João Klauss
Key Players
Sporting San Miguelito
- Joseph Cox (FW) — the club’s most reliable goalscorer in domestic and regional matches; key target for Sporting’s attacks.
- Yair Jaén (MF) — an industrious midfielder who contributes goals from distance and set-piece delivery; important for Sporting’s transition play.
LA Galaxy
- Marco Reus (AM) — the creative fulcrum and designated playmaker; his experience and vision are decisive in tight away fixtures.
- João Klauss (ST) — a recent signing expected to lead the line and offer a physical focal point up top; watch for his link-up with Reus and the wide attackers.
Prediction
LA Galaxy are clear favourites on paper, given their squad depth and higher-level competition in MLS.
However, Sporting San Miguelito’s familiarity with local conditions, compact defensive shape and direct threat on the counter make the first leg dangerous for visitors.
Expect an organised home display from Sporting and selective moments of quality from the Galaxy. A competitive first leg is likely; a narrow LA Galaxy win or a draw is the most realistic outcome.
- Predicted score (first leg): Sporting San Miguelito 1–2 LA Galaxy
(Alternate realistic result: 1–1 draw.)
Where to Watch Sporting San Miguelito vs LA Galaxy
- USA: Check MLS/FOX/FS1 schedules and MLS season broadcasters (Galaxy matches commonly shown via MLS broadcast partners) and Prime Video
- Panama / Central America: Regional networks and CONCACAF GO coverage often carry Champions Cup fixtures.
- International Streaming: CONCACAF GO and local rights partners list fixtures — check CONCACAF’s official “Where to Watch” page or match listings for your territory. Always check local listings for final broadcast information.
- Fubo & Tubi: Both platforms will provide live streams in the U.S.
- Prime Video: In select regions, the match is available with a subscription.
- FanCode: Available for fans in specific Asian territories.
- ViX: Additional streaming options are available through the ViX platform