LAFC and the LA Galaxy will renew their rivalry this Sunday in El Tráfico, with a playoff spot on the line for one side and crucial points at stake for the other. As the MLS regular season enters its final stretch, both Los Angeles clubs will be looking to make a statement in one of the league’s biggest derbies, with postseason positioning adding even more weight to an already heated rivalry.
LAFC enters the match in sixth place in the Western Conference with 46 points, while the Galaxy sit eighth with 40. Both teams have three regular-season games remaining, leaving nine points up for grabs. With the playoff race tightening, every dropped point could open the door for the teams chasing them.
For LAFC, a win or a draw would secure a playoff berth. They could even qualify with a loss, depending on results elsewhere. The Black and Gold also have their sights set on finishing in the top four to secure home-field advantage in the first round. San Jose Earthquakes, currently fourth, are just two points ahead heading into the matchday.
The Galaxy, meanwhile, need to remain among the top nine teams and close the gap on seventh place, the final position that guarantees direct entry into the first round. Finishing eighth or ninth would force them into a single-elimination wild-card match before facing the Western Conference’s top seed. A win would take them to 43 points, while a defeat would leave them on 40 with just two games remaining to turn things around.
A win on Sunday would also mark the Galaxy’s first victory at BMO Stadium since the 2023 US Open Cup Round of 16, when they defeated LAFC 2-0.
Son Heung-min Chases Carlos Vela’s LAFC Assist Record
Son Heung-min is one assist away from surpassing Carlos Vela’s single-season record for LAFC. The South Korean forward has recorded 15 assists during the 2026 MLS regular season, matching the total Vela posted during his outstanding 2019 campaign.
To understand the scale of the challenge, look back to 2019. Carlos Vela delivered one of the greatest individual seasons in MLS history, scoring 34 goals and providing 15 assists in 31 regular-season appearances. His 49 goal contributions earned him the league’s Most Valuable Player award and cemented his status as LAFC’s defining star.
Since arriving in Los Angeles in 2025, Son has developed a formidable attacking partnership with Denis Bouanga. Their connection has become one of LAFC’s biggest offensive weapons, combining the Gabonese forward’s movement and pace with Son’s vision and ability to pick out runs.
Son has assisted eight of Bouanga’s goals in 2026, while Bouanga has provided three assists on goals scored by the South Korean forward.
Hirving Lozano to Miss El Tráfico
On the Galaxy side, head coach Greg Vanney has decided not to include Hirving Lozano in the squad, avoiding the risk of a setback that could sideline him for the team’s final games of the regular season.
The Mexican international suffered a muscular injury during the October international break with Mexico and has been out for approximately a month. Lozano is expected to return on Halloween, when the Galaxy host Austin FC.
Kyogo Furuhashi is also expected to miss the derby, while Isaiah Parente could be available.
For LAFC, Timothy Tillman could be sidelined with pelvic soreness. Jeremy Ebobisse and Cabral Carter are listed as questionable with lower-body injuries.
The Origins of El Tráfico
In a city where freeways are almost as famous as its movie stars, soccer has developed a rivalry with a name that perfectly captures the local identity.
El Tráfico is the nickname given to the derby between LAFC and the LA Galaxy. In a relatively short time, the matchup has become one of the most recognizable rivalries in Major League Soccer, producing some of the league’s most memorable moments.
The first meeting between LAFC and the Galaxy took place in 2018, the year LAFC made its MLS debut. The name is a tongue-in-cheek reference to Los Angeles’ notorious traffic, a defining feature of life in the sprawling Southern California metropolis.
El Tráfico has grown into one of the most anticipated and dramatic rivalries in MLS. The two clubs have faced each other more than 20 times, building a competitive history that has helped establish the derby as one of the biggest fixtures in American soccer.
Although the nickname was not initially an official designation used by the league or either club, it quickly caught on among supporters and media outlets. With every new meeting, the name became more firmly associated with the rivalry.
The derby has also produced spectacular attendance figures. On July 4, 2023, the matchup set an MLS single-game attendance record at the time, drawing 82,110 fans to the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California.
Several standout players have also left their mark on the rivalry, including:
- Carlos Vela: 12 goals for LAFC.
- Zlatan Ibrahimović: 9 goals for the LA Galaxy.
- Denis Bouanga: 6 goals for LAFC.
- Diego Rossi: 6 goals for LAFC.
The list reflects the star power that has helped turn El Tráfico into one of the most compelling spectacles in American soccer.
LAFC vs. LA Galaxy: Predicted Lineups
Los Angeles FC possible starting lineup:
Lloris;
Hollingshead, Long, Tafari, Cheberko;
Delgado, Jesús;
Choinière, Son Heung-min, Shaffelburg;
Bouanga
LA Galaxy possible starting lineup:
Marcinkowski;
Miller, Haak, Garcés, Nelson;
Ruiz, Reus, Roberto;
Paintsil, Klauss, Thommy
When and Where Is LAFC vs. LA Galaxy? Kickoff Time and TV Channel
Los Angeles FC will host the LA Galaxy on Sunday, October 25, 2026, at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles, California, in Matchday 32 of the MLS regular season.
- Match: LAFC vs. LA Galaxy
- Date: Sunday, October 25, 2026
- Venue: BMO Stadium, Los Angeles, California
- Kickoff: 9:00 p.m. ET
- TV/Streaming: Apple TV in the United States
Alejandro Orellana is an accomplished sports journalist based in Mexico City, known for his incisive coverage of Club América and the Mexican National Team. A graduate of Journalism from Escuela de Periodismo Carlos Septien García, Alejandro brings a deep understanding of sports media to his work. His expertise extends to SEO and content creation, allowing him to produce engaging and discoverable sports narratives. He has contributed as a freelance writer for Goal.com, where he notably conducted interviews with MLS players, further showcasing his comprehensive interviewing skills. Prior to this, Alejandro dedicated five years to ESPN’s production department, contributing to renowned shows including SportsCenter, Futbol Picante, and NFL Live. His insightful articles can be found on platforms such as Deportrece and Hooligan Soccer. Connect with Alejandro on @soyalexorellana and Tik Tok to stay updated with his latest work. His commitment to journalistic integrity ensures every piece offers valuable and trustworthy insights for sports enthusiasts.
