3 players everyone should pay attention to during NYCFC's 2026 preseason

New York City FC is still in the early days of preseason. The Pigeons will play their first preseason match this Saturday, which will be the first of five before the start of the 2026 Major League Soccer season.

There are multiple players who have their spots locked in the Starting XI, like Matt Freese and Thiago Martins. But with some players injured and some returning from injury, there are starting roles available. There will also be chances for some to earn more minutes, even from the bench.

Preseason will help Pascal Jansen determine the direction he will go in. As such, let's take a look at three players who could use the time before the 2026 campaign to prove that they can contribute to NYCFC and should earn more playing time.

3 players to watch in NYCFC's preseason

3. Talles Magno

When all is said and done, nobody knows what the future holds for Talles Magno at NYCFC. The winger returned for the preseason after his loan deal expired, and it was surprising that he was a part of the preseason roster. Fans might have thought that the club would try to sell him, or even terminate the contract and cut their losses.

However, perhaps Jansen wants to give the Brazilian a chance, which is why he is with the team and training with everyone. After all, the head coach is notorious for bringing out the best from players and developing the youth. He is still just 23 years old, and easily could find his prime in the next few years.

If Magno can play well during the preseason games and in training, and if Jansen lets him play as a winger, then perhaps NYCFC will let him stay, and not rush to find a club they can transfer him to. Maybe the next month will be a breath of fresh air for the Brazilian, and he will find himself again.

2. Jonathan Shore

Jonathan Shore played more during the first half of NYCFC's 2025 season and impressed in his first MLS games. The midfielder has plenty of potential and could see an increase in minutes this year.

Some fans might believe this should be a given since Justin Haak did not re-sign with the team, and Andrés Perea will likely miss a significant portion of the season due to his lower leg injury. It is not that simple, though, for Keaton Parks is back and can partner with Aiden O'Neill. Moreover, the expectation is that Raul Gustavo will partner with Martins, so it is not like Jansen will try to turn him into a center-back.

That is why Shore must work diligently to prove that he can be someone who can contribute to NYCFC and start many games. He must prove he can play at the same level as the other midfielders and do so consistently. And, if Parks needs to take his time getting back to 100%, then Jansen can rely on the young Homegrown player. How he performs in the preseason will be vital to his development.

1. Máximo Carrizo

There is another Homegrown player that must impress during the preseason, and that is Máximo Carrizo. The midfielder is somebody that many teams might have an eye on, for he has the potential to be a star. The issue for him is that Maxi Moralez and Nicolás Fernández Mercau will predominantly play in the attacking midfield role, with Moralez able to play more centrally as well.

Carrizo's goal for 2026 must be to play well enough to earn more game time. The young player is still developing, but right now, there are too many other NYCFC players who can play ahead of him. At the same time, by not playing Carrizo, there is a huge chance he might try to go elsewhere. In some ways, this puts Jansen and the club in a bit of a pickle.

Ideally, Carrizo will break into the first team, where he is at least someone who gets some starts and contributes off the bench. He will also need to continue playing with the MLS Next Pro side as well. The goal should be for NYCFC to convince him to stay with the team, but also that he plays more in 2026.