Galaxy open another season without Riqui Puig, but with more depth

LA Galaxy look to build on second-half momentum from 2025 despite losing star midfielder to another injury

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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The LA Galaxy will start the 2026 season without star midfielder Riqui Puig, who will miss the entire year due to a knee injury. However, the team has reinforced its defense and added striker Joao Klauss to offset Puig's absence. After a dismal start to the 2025 season, the Galaxy found their footing in the second half and are hoping to carry that momentum into the new year despite a grueling early schedule that includes CONCACAF Champions Cup play.

Why it matters

The Galaxy are trying to bounce back from a disappointing 2025 season where they missed the playoffs, and the loss of Puig, one of the league's most talented players, is a significant blow. However, the team has added depth and believes it can overcome Puig's absence and return to contending for trophies.

The details

The Galaxy have brought in several new starters, including center back Jakob Glesnes, midfielder/center back Justin Haak, and striker Joao Klauss, who will take Puig's designated player spot. The team gave up a franchise-high 66 goals last season, so the additions of Glesnes and Haak should help shore up the defense. Klauss, acquired from St. Louis City, is expected to help offset the loss of Puig's playmaking ability.

  • On January 1, 2026, Galaxy coach Greg Vanney texted Riqui Puig to wish him a happy new year.
  • The next day, Puig told Vanney he needed another surgery that will sideline him for the 2026 season.
  • The Galaxy will open the CONCACAF Champions Cup on Thursday in Panama against Sporting San Miguelito.
  • The Galaxy will start their MLS season three days later against New York City FC at Dignity Health Sports Park.

The players

Greg Vanney

The head coach of the LA Galaxy.

Will Kuntz

The general manager of the LA Galaxy.

Riqui Puig

The Galaxy's star midfielder who missed the entire 2025 season due to a torn ACL and will miss the 2026 season as well due to another surgery.

Jakob Glesnes

A new center back signing for the Galaxy who was a former MLS Defender of the Year.

Justin Haak

A new midfielder/center back signing for the Galaxy.

Joao Klauss

A new striker signing for the Galaxy who will take Puig's designated player spot on the roster.

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What they’re saying

“We're not going to be the exact same team that we would be if Riqui was roaming the midfield. We're stronger in a lot of other positions. That's going to help this team because in the second half of [last] year we were competitive with everybody.”

— Greg Vanney, Galaxy head coach (fresnobee.com)

“He's a guy with confidence. And you can tell he's so good. He's a beast in the air. Has good feet for a big man too. So the fans should be really excited.”

— John Nelson, Galaxy defender (fresnobee.com)

What’s next

The judge in Puig's case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow him out on bail for the upcoming season.

The takeaway

The Galaxy have shown they can be competitive without their star midfielder Riqui Puig, but his absence will still be a significant challenge. The team has added depth and reinforcements, especially on defense, and will need to find ways to generate offense without Puig's playmaking abilities if they want to return to contending for trophies in 2026.