Orlando City made it to the team’s first Eastern Conference Final in 2024 and entered last season with high hopes of playing for the championship.
The Lions ultimately came crashing down to Earth in a 3-1 loss to the Chicago Fire in a wild card game. Four months later, Orlando enters the 2026 season with win-or-bust expectations and a revamped roster centered on young emerging talent.
Coach Oscar Pareja remains, but gone are the likes of Pedro Gallese, Luis Muriel, Cesar Araujo and Alex Freeman. In their place comes a new crop of players looking to fill the void. The Lions have spent close to a reported $10 million on new signings, with all but one under the age of 25.
Maxime Crépeau will start between the sticks, the Canadian international joining Orlando as a free agent after spending the past two seasons in Portland. At age 31, he is the most experienced new player for the Lions. His time in Portland, as well as successful stints with the Vancouver Whitecaps and Los Angeles FC, sets him up to help lead a restructured backline. He will be fighting to show Canadian head coach Jesse Marsch that he deserves the starting spot at the World Cup, and that motivation should help him perform well for Orlando.
Freeman and Rodrigo Schlegel were key players for Pareja’s side in 2025, and they will not be easy to replace. Pareja has been experimenting with Ivan Angulo in Freeman’s right-back position for now, with Zakaria Taifi and Jaylen Yearwood in the wings to potentially earn playing time. Orlando also brought in center-back Iago from Flamengo, and the 20-year-old will be thrust into action early while captain Robin Jansson recovers from surgery on a broken toe.
Pareja has been experimenting with Ivan Angulo at right-back, but he has not been convincing so far. That positional battle will be one to watch as the season gets underway. Adrian Marin has looked good on the left flank, allowing David Brekalo to shift back to his natural center-back position.
Wilder Cartagena might not be a new signing, but his return after missing all of 2025 due to injury is vital for Orlando. He will need to develop a strong partnership with Eduardo Atuesta and Braian Ojesa, but the Lions look much stronger in midfield heading into 2026.
Martin Ojeda was a breakout star last year, and he will be expected to carry on in the No. 10 role. His partnerships with Marco Pasalic and Duncan McGuire will need to find another level if they want to compete with the bigger teams in MLS.
Orlando shied away from making any big-money signings, opting for young players with potential instead. After finishing the 2025 season at 34-14-11, Pareja’s seat has warmed. Tough opening matches against the New York Red Bulls and then Inter Miami mean this young squad will be challenged to right away to validate the offseason decisions.