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Timo Werner Delayed for Earthquakes Debut Due to Visa Issues
New San Jose striker expected to join team next week ahead of second match
Published on Feb. 22, 2026
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The San Jose Earthquakes will be without their new striker Timo Werner for the season opener against Sporting KC due to visa complications. Earthquakes head coach Bruce Arena confirmed that the 29-year-old German forward has not yet arrived in San Jose and the club is working to resolve the visa issue, but expects Werner to join the team over the weekend or early next week in time for the Week 2 match against Atlanta United.
Why it matters
The Earthquakes signed Werner, a former Chelsea and RB Leipzig player, as a designated player in the offseason to bolster their attack after a disappointing 2025 season. His delayed arrival due to visa issues means the Earthquakes will be without one of their key offseason acquisitions for the season opener, which could impact their chances against Sporting KC.
The details
Werner joined the Earthquakes in January on a free transfer from Bundesliga club RB Leipzig, signing a two-year designated player contract through 2028. Head coach Bruce Arena has expressed high hopes for Werner, calling him a 'technically good player' with 'a lot of good years ahead of him.' However, visa complications have prevented Werner from joining the team ahead of the season opener, with Arena confirming the club is working to resolve the issue so Werner can arrive 'over the weekend or early next week'.
- The Earthquakes open the 2026 MLS season on February 21 against Sporting KC.
- Werner is expected to join the Earthquakes by early next week, in time for their Week 2 match against Atlanta United on February 28.
The players
Timo Werner
A 29-year-old German striker who joined the San Jose Earthquakes as a designated player in January 2026 after playing for Chelsea and RB Leipzig.
Bruce Arena
The head coach of the San Jose Earthquakes who has expressed high hopes for Timo Werner's impact on the team.
What they’re saying
“We feel he's going to be a great addition to the team as well as the league. I think he's a player that still has a lot of good years ahead of him. He's got great experience. He's a technically good player, and we hope he comes here and embraces it and becomes a leader of our team.”
— Bruce Arena, Head Coach, San Jose Earthquakes (ESPN)
“He (Timo Werner) has not arrived yet. We're working on his visa.”
— Bruce Arena, Head Coach, San Jose Earthquakes (SiriusXM FC)
What’s next
The Earthquakes expect Timo Werner to join the team over the weekend or early next week, in time for their Week 2 match against Atlanta United on February 28.
The takeaway
The delayed arrival of new designated player Timo Werner due to visa issues means the Earthquakes will be without one of their key offseason acquisitions for the season opener, which could impact their chances against Sporting KC. However, the club is working to resolve the visa complication so Werner can join the team and make his debut in the Week 2 match against Atlanta United.
