DC United 2026 Season Preview- HOOLIGAN SOCCER

This article was written after recording The Designated Pundits‘ DC United preview for the 2026 MLS Season with special guest Ted Meyer from “RFK Refugees.” You can find that video on Spotify below.

2025 Recap

DC United had a miserable 2025 season, which won them MLS’s least prestigious award: the Wooden Spoon.

DC’s 20 goals was worst in MLS, their 66 allowed was tied for 2nd worst in MLS, and their -36 goal differential was worst in MLS. There was not one offensive or defensive problem to blame for a lack of results; the whole project was a failure.

DC United had only a few contributors, led by Christian Benteke’s 9 goals. Gabriel Pirani contributed 7 goals and 3 assists, and DC had no other contributors of note.

While one DP slot was taken up by Christian Benteke (who missed time with an ankle injury and never seemed right) the second DP slot was occupied by Mateusz Klich, who was traded to Atlanta United while retaining a DP slot on DC’s roster.

Transactions

DC United cut ties with Christian Benteke and David Schnegg, both of whom were large parts of the 2025 roster. Over 10 players will be departing the team in total, with the possibility of more before the 2026 kickoff.

DC United is headed towards an obvious rebuild, but some of the incoming players of note are surprising. Tai Baribo, for example, comes off a two season stretch with Philadelphia where he scored 25 goals in just over 36 full 90-minute-equivalent appearances. Keeper Sean Johnson will enter his 17th MLS season and still has quality between the pipes. DC also brought in RBNY centerback Sean Nealis which should immediately bolster their defense.

Louis Munteanu is a bit of an unknown but will be a DP for DC United this season. At only 23 years of age, he led the Romanian league with 23 goals in 2025. He should be an impact signing for the offense, as long as him and Tai Baribo (pictured below) can get reliable service.

Depth Chart

One change that has not yet been discussed is the coaching change. Troy Lesesne was fired and DC United will give the manager job to Rene Weiler. That being said, creating a depth chart and formation is now a bit of a fool’s errand.

With Tai Baribo and Louis Munteanu being brought in, we do expect to see a two striker system. We also expect a three CB formation with Rowles, Bartlett, and Nealis.

We also had some hints at the wings moving up from fullbacks to true wingers. Keisuke Kurokawa adds distribution that Schnegg didn’t, and DC waived Schnegg, who was well liked. Herrera could be backed up by Stroud, or even Caden Clark (former RBNY teammates), which could provide a balance of defending and distributing.

Another question is the attacking midfield. Gabriel Pirani will occupy the CAM spot as long as he remains in DC. However, he doesn’t fit the DP #10 mold that one might prefer to supply Baribo and Munteanu with plenty of opportunities. We might see movement before the season, or they may opt to address that after the World Cup break.

Questions

Which player outside the projected starting 11 has the best chance at winning a starting job?
- Jackson Hopkins could replace Pirani if Pirani is sold. He has shown some promise and could develop into a true #10.
What are realistic expectations for 2026?
- DC could develop an identity, continue a roster build, and avoid Wooden Spoon contention.
What is a storyline to follow throughout the season?
- How will the chances be created? Is there a new DP, and is he a distributor? Do they wings need to create offense?

What styles will DC match up well against?
- Very hard to say with the new coach’s tactics in question. I might they they can matchup well with smaller teams- they have some big physical CBs now.
What styles will DC match up poorly against?
- Early in the season they will match up poorly against teams with well-developed systems and well-integrated players.
Which player improves the most in 2026?
- Aaron Herrera- if he stays.
Which player regresses in 2026?
- Gabriel Pirani (pictured below)- some would be surprised if he finished 2026 on DC’s roster.