The Seattle Sounders are hosting the Colorado Rapids on Sunday in the opening match of the 2026 Major League Soccer season. Here is everything you need to know.
WHEN AND WHERE: Kickoff is at 6:15 p.m. PT at Lumen Field (TICKETS).
WHERE TO WATCH: The match will be televised on FS1 and on Apple TV.
WHERE TO LISTEN: The match will air in English on SiriusXM FC 157 & 93.3 KJR FM and in Spanish on El Rey 1360AM.
2025 RECORDS AND STANDINGS: Sounders: 15-9-10 (55 points, 5th West), Rapids: 11-15-8 (41 points, 11th West)
2025 FINISH: Seattle: Lost 2-1 to Minnesota in Best-Of-Three Round One Playoff series, Colorado: Missed postseason
SOUNDERS
Key additions:
- Midfielder Hassani Dotson (Minnesota United)
- Midfielder Nikola Petković (on loan from Charlotte FC)
- Defender Ryan Sailor (Inter Miami)
Key departures:
- Midfielder Obed Vargas (Atlético Madrid)
- Midfielder Danny Leyva (Club Necaxa)
- Midfielder João Paulo (retired)
- Ryan Kent (departed)
RAPIDS
Key additions:
- Midfielder Hamzat Ojediran (RC Lens)
- Forward Dante Sealy (CF Montréal)
Key departures:
- Midfielder Cole Bassett (Portland Timbers)
- Forward Calvin Harris (Sporting Kansas City)
- Defender Andreas Maxsø (Kalba FC)​
Bring the Noise
Enjoy the Rave Pack —a six-match offering filled with high-energy, high-stakes matches at Lumen Field. Open the 2026 home slate vs. Colorado, feel the heat of our biggest rivalry against Portland in the first MLS match after the FIFA World Cup break, and finish with a Saturday-night showdown vs. Eastern Conference foe CF Montrêal.
PREVIOUS MEETING: The Sounders and Rapids drew 3-3 at Lumen Field on July 16, 2025. Obed Vargas and a brace from Albert Rusnák gave Seattle a 3-0 lead before goals from Djordje Mihailovic, Cole Bassett and Darren Yapi answered to steal a point.
EVERGREEN KIT DEBUT: The Sounders will wear their new Evergreen State kit on Sunday against the Rapids. Featuring a clean and elegant design that celebrates the spirit, color  Coach and culture that define Washington and the Sounders, you can find out more information HERE and purchase the kit on MLSStore.com.
HOME DOMINANCE: The Sounders have lost just three of their last 34 home matches at Lumen Field over the past two MLS seasons and compiled an 18-3-13 record in that span.
2 Tickets & 2 Beers Sponsored by Michelob (2.22)
Snag our 2 Tickets & 2 Beers Bundle sponsored by Michelob on Sunday, Feb. 22 vs. Colorado! Be there as we kick off another historic season with the most affordable package around. Grab a friend, this bundle, and your favorite Sounders jersey to experience the debut of our 2026 campaign.
NEW MAN IN CHARGE: The Rapids hired former Tottenham Assistant Coach Matt Wells to be their next Head Coach after parting ways with Chris Armas following the 2025 season.
PLAYER TO WATCH: Rafael Navarro, F
Navarro has recorded 27 goals and 10 assists over the past two MLS seasons and has been the one consistent scoring threat up front for the Rapids. The Brazilian will look to continue that success in 2026 with late 2025 addition Paxten Aaronson pulling the strings underneath him.
