LAFC vs San Jose Earthquakes headlines Sunday Night Soccer on Apple TV, with kickoff set for 7:00 pm ET / 4:00 pm PT at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles. LAFC sit 3rd in the Western Conference with 16 points (5W-1L-1D), while San Jose are 2nd with 18 points (6W-1L-0D) after a fast start to the season.
The 2026 MLS match is a high-stakes clash between two of the top teams in the Western Conference.
LAFC vs San Jose Earthquakes – Date, Time, Predictions, and More
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Competition | MLS Regular Season |
| Match | LAFC vs San Jose Earthquakes |
| Date & Time | Sunday, April 19, 2026 — 7:00 pm ET / 4:00 pm PT |
| Venue | BMO Stadium, Los Angeles, California |
| Broadcast | Apple TV |
| What is at stake? | Top-of-the-West momentum and a big early-season statement |
Team Preview and Analysis
LAFC
LAFC come into this one with plenty of momentum after advancing past Cruz Azul 4-1 on aggregate in the Concacaf Champions Cup quarter-finals. In that tie, Denis Bouanga scored in the second leg, Hugo Lloris made eight saves, David Martínez struck twice in the home leg, and Son Heung-Min opened the scoring.
Their first league defeat of the year came in a 2-1 loss at Portland, but that result followed a heavily rotated lineup because of the midweek continental run.
The bigger LAFC storyline is how strong they have been at home. MLS notes that the Black & Gold are 6W-0L-1D at BMO Stadium across all competitions, and they have outscored opponents 17-1 in those seven home games. That kind of home form makes them a tough out for anyone.
San Jose Earthquakes
San Jose has been one of the early surprises of the 2026 season. They followed a 3-1 comeback win at Sporting Kansas City with a club-record start of 6W-1L-0D, and MLS says they sit level on points with first-place Vancouver in the West. Bruce Arena’s team has also shown they can win in different ways, which is usually the sign of a real contender.
The main team news watch is Timo Werner, who has missed the last two games with a lower-body injury, though MLS reported he was expected to return this weekend. Even without him, San Jose have kept rolling, but his presence would immediately raise this team’s attacking ceiling.
Who will win LAFC vs San Jose Earthquakes?
This feels like a proper coin-flip game, but LAFC get a slight edge because they are at home, they are fresh enough after rotating in Portland, and their BMO Stadium record has been ridiculous.
San Jose’s road form is perfect so far this season, which is exactly why this should be a sharp, tense game rather than a runaway. My lean is LAFC to edge it in a close contest.
We say: LAFC 2-1 San Jose Earthquakes
Recent MLS form
- LAFC: 5W-1L-1D in league play.
- San Jose Earthquakes: 6W-1L-0D in league play.
LAFC vs San Jose Earthquakes Probable Starting XI
| Position | Los Angeles FC (4-3-3) | San Jose Earthquakes (4-2-3-1) |
|---|---|---|
| Goalkeeper | Hugo Lloris | Daniel |
| Defenders | Palencia, Tafari, Porteous, Segura | Roberts, Munie, Romney, Marie |
| Midfielders | Delgado, Choinière, Tillman | Vieira, Tsakiris, Leroux |
| Attackers | Bouanga, Son Heung-Min, D. Martínez | Bouda, Judd, Skahan |
Key Players to Watch
Son Heung-Min (LAFC) — he leads MLS with seven assists and gives LAFC a constant threat between the lines and in transition.
Denis Bouanga (LAFC) — LAFC’s all-time leading scorer has 4 goals and 4 assists this season, and he remains the most dangerous finisher on the pitch.
Hugo Lloris (LAFC) — he has yet to concede a league goal this season and leads MLS with six clean sheets, which is a huge reason LAFC have been so hard to break down.
Timo Werner (San Jose) — even with limited minutes, he has already produced two assists in 200 minutes, and his return would give San Jose another level of speed up front.
Niko Tsakiris (San Jose) — the homegrown midfielder has 2 goals, 4 assists, and 28 key passes, making him one of San Jose’s best creators.
Preston Judd (San Jose) — with 3 goals and 2 assists, he has taken over as San Jose’s leading scorer and gives them a strong central focal point.
Where to watch LAFC vs San Jose Earthquakes
| Option | Details |
|---|---|
| Streaming | Apple TV (No MLS Season Pass required in 2026) |
| English Radio | 710 AM ESPN / Sirius XM FC 157 |
| Spanish Radio | KFWB 980 AM (LA) / 1370 AM (San Jose) |
| Korean Radio | 1230 AM |
| International | Coupang Play / SPOTV (South Korea) |
| Local TV (Delay) | FOX 11 Plus (KCOP-TV) – Tuesdays |
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is LAFC vs San Jose Earthquakes?
The match is on Sunday, April 19, 2026, at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles, with kickoff at 7:00 pm ET / 4:00 pm PT.
How can fans watch the match?
It will be shown live on Apple TV as part of Sunday Night Soccer.
What is the biggest deciding factor?
LAFC’s home dominance versus San Jose’s perfect away start. LAFC have been superb at BMO Stadium, while San Jose have won all three road games so far.
Who are the favorites?
LAFC have a slight edge because of home advantage and their recent all-round form, but San Jose’s unbeaten road record means this is far from simple. That is an inference based on the current form and venue data.