LAFC Hosts Minnesota in Season Finale at BMO Stadium

Los Angeles Football Club hosts Minnesota United FC at BMO Stadium on Sunday to close out the regular season. The match starts at 5:30 p.m. and serves as the final home game for the 2026 campaign. LAFC enters the contest with a record of 12-9-11 and 47 points in the Western Conference.

A victory is necessary for LAFC to keep its chances alive for a top four finish. This position would grant home-field advantage in the opening round of the MLS Cup playoffs. The team must also win its next away game against the Seattle Sounders on Saturday to achieve this goal. Currently, LAFC stands where it could place anywhere from third to ninth in the conference standings.

Home performance has been a defining factor for the club this year. LAFC is 9-3-4 in Exposition Park, a record that includes an opening day win against Inter Miami FC. The team holds seven more regular season wins and 20 more points in front of home supporters than any other MLS franchise since expanding in 2018. Interim head coach Xavi Tamarit has managed the squad since Oct. 1, recording one win and five points in three home games during that span.

Midfielder Mathieu Choinière emphasized the importance of the upcoming game for the fanbase. He noted that supporters have provided momentum throughout the season and that the team wants to provide a strong performance in return. Tamarit credited the crowd with fueling the team’s energy after a comeback draw against the Los Angeles Galaxy last Sunday. The coach stated that the supporters helped the team during difficult moments and that the positive reaction was a direct result of their support.

Sunday’s match is part of Fan Appreciation Day at Christmas Tree Lane. Events begin three hours before kickoff and include sponsor activations and giveaways. The festival will recognize local small businesses affected by the L.A. fires and spotlight Angel City Sports’ efforts to empower athletes. Thirty students from the LAFC MLS STEM Goals program will tour the stadium and take part in post-match penalties on the field.

Minnesota United enters the game with a 9-12-11 record and 38 points. The Loons have not won at BMO Stadium since 2019 and are 1-5-1 there all-time. LAFC has shut out Minnesota in four straight meetings. Minnesota must win to avoid elimination before Decision Day, having recently defeated Sporting Kansas City on Wednesday. Tamarit said his team will aim to control possession and keep Minnesota in a low defensive block, noting that the visitors excel at finishing crosses.