Houston Dynamo owner Ted Segal eyes MLS Cup contention in 2026

Dynamo invested $30 million in stadium upgrades and roster overhaul ahead of new season

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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Houston Dynamo FC majority owner Ted Segal is bullish on the team's prospects for the 2026 MLS season after a disappointing 2025 campaign. The Dynamo invested $30 million in upgrades to Shell Energy Stadium and made several high-profile offseason roster additions, including Mateusz Bogusz, Guilherme, and Héctor Herrera. Segal expressed confidence that the revamped roster can contend for a top-four finish and MLS Cup playoff berth.

Why it matters

The Dynamo's success in 2026 is crucial as Houston prepares to host matches for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Segal believes the increased interest in soccer in the U.S. due to the World Cup can translate to greater local support for the Dynamo if the team is winning and making a playoff push.

The details

The Dynamo's $30 million in stadium upgrades include a new premium seating area and player locker room. Key offseason roster additions include midfielders Mateusz Bogusz, Guilherme, and Héctor Herrera, who Segal believes will boost an offense that struggled in 2025. Segal acknowledged the disappointment of missing the playoffs last season and said there will be 'accountability' if the team fails to contend in 2026.

  • The Dynamo's regular season opener is against Chicago Fire FC.
  • The 2026 FIFA World Cup will take place in the summer.

The players

Ted Segal

The majority owner of the Houston Dynamo FC.

Pat Onstad

The president of soccer for the Houston Dynamo FC.

Ben Olsen

The manager of the Houston Dynamo FC.

Mateusz Bogusz

A new midfield acquisition for the Houston Dynamo FC.

Guilherme

A new midfield acquisition for the Houston Dynamo FC.

Héctor Herrera

A former franchise centerpiece and captain who has returned to the Houston Dynamo FC.

Lucas Halter

A new centerback acquisition for the Houston Dynamo FC.

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What they’re saying

“The way that this roster is assembled, it is highly talented. It's one that we have hopes will finish in that top four of the league. That gives you a chance to really control your own destiny.”

— Ted Segal, Majority Owner, Houston Dynamo FC (Houston Chronicle)

“What you need is a team that you think is strong and can be in that top half of the league, top quarter of the league. I think we have that in this club.”

— Pat Onstad, President of Soccer, Houston Dynamo FC (Houston Chronicle)

“My hope and expectation is that we're a playoff kind of team, top four kind of team. We can contend for championships. If not, then there's accountability to be had.”

— Ted Segal, Majority Owner, Houston Dynamo FC (Houston Chronicle)

What’s next

The Dynamo will open their 2026 MLS regular season against the Chicago Fire FC.

The takeaway

After a disappointing 2025 season, the Houston Dynamo have made significant investments in their roster and stadium to position themselves as MLS Cup contenders in 2026. The team's success will be crucial in capitalizing on the increased soccer interest in Houston ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.