How to watch and time of NYCFC’s 2026 home opener against Orlando City SC

NYCFC will play against Orlando City SC in the home opener. The Pigeons will look to extend their unbeaten start to the season. So, check out some information about the match.
NYCFC
NYCFC | Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images

The weekend is finally here.  New York City FC will play against Orlando City SC in the 2026 home opener this Saturday, and fans can finally see the team in person again.  The Boys in Blue will seek to extend their stellar start to the season after the draw in California against the LA Galaxy and the big road win last week over the Philadelphia Union.  It has not been perfect, but earning four points on the road to start the season is pretty impressive.

Meanwhile, NYCFC also beat Philadelphia without a starting striker in Chester two matches in a row.  That should boost the team’s confidence as they head into the home opener.  The defense last week was, for the most part, on point.  What they did in the second half was remarkable, and why the Union failed to score other than the goal via a penalty kick.

Plus, Orlando is entering this game with two losses to start their 2026 campaign.  Hence, the home game, the start to the season, and the visitors’ struggles should give the Bronx side the edge.  At the same time, the Florida team might be driven to earn their first win of 2026 and also their first win over their fellow 2015 expansion team since 2022.  Therefore, the home side must be at the top of their game, and cannot, in any shape or form, be overconfident.

Head Coach Pascal Jansen might want to stick with the same team as last weekend.  However, NYCFC should be careful with Keaton Parks, even if he is ready to start, as he did against Philadelphia.  But the Pigeons have Kai Trewin and even Jonathan Shore, who can slot into the defensive midfield.  Since it is early in the season, this is a great time to test different rotations.  Oh, and Jansen could maybe try partnering Trewin with Thiago Martins to see how he does with the Brazilian.

How to watch and the time of NYCFC’s home opener

Date

Saturday, March 7

Time

2:30 PM ET

How to watch on TV and streaming

Apple TV

How to listen

newyorkcityfc.com/radio or via the NYCFC app

How to watch in person

NYCFC fans can head over to the Bronx to watch the first home game of the season.

How to follow

If NYCFC fans cannot watch or listen to the game, then they can follow along via MLS Soccer’s timeline and NYCFC’s X account.  Additionally, the club will post updates here and there on Facebook.

Final notes

The home opener will also mark the debut of NYCFC’s new mascot, Sky Scraper.  This will be the first time that the pigeon is at a match, so it will be interesting to see the reactions with the crowd and how the club utilizes the mascot on game day.