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Los Angeles FC enters a new chapter following a 2025 season marked by a packed schedule and significant roster changes. The club juggled competition in the FIFA Club World Cup qualifying playoffs against Club América, Major League Soccer, the Leagues Cup, the Concacaf Champions Cup, and the MLS playoffs – totaling 47 matches across various tournaments. The team experienced both high-profile acquisitions and departures, and now faces the challenge of building on past successes under new leadership.

The arrival of World Cup champion Olivier Giroud generated considerable excitement, but ultimately proved unsuccessful in MLS, while Polish standout Mateusz Bogusz moved to Mexican football, creating a void in the attack. Despite winning the 2022 MLS Cup under Steve Cherundolo, the sense remained that the team had untapped potential. Now, with Marc Dos Santos at the helm, LAFC aims to add more trophies to its collection and navigate a demanding schedule that includes continental competition.

Dos Santos, previously an assistant coach for LAFC in 2018 and from 2022 to 2025, will function closely with Sporting Director John Thorrington, who will continue to play a key role in decision-making. “Marc understands the good things that were here, and You’ll see other things he understands need to change,” Thorrington said, according to reports. The new manager’s focus will be on improving the team’s performance away from home.

LAFC’s season begins with a Concacaf Champions Cup match against Real España on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at Estadio Francisco Morazán in San Pedro Sula, Honduras (7 p.m. Pacific Time, broadcast on FS2/TUDN). They will then host Real España on February 24 in Los Angeles. Before that, they will face Inter Miami in their MLS season opener this Saturday at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum (6:30 p.m., Apple TV Season Pass).

The club has added Swedish central defender Amin Boudri, 21, from GAIS, and Canadian free agent Ryan Raposo, 26, to the roster. Portuguese midfielder Stephen Eustáquio has joined on loan from Porto, potentially creating opportunities for Mark Delgado and Timothy Tillman to contribute to the attack. New Zealand winger Tyler Boyd, 31, and Canadian Jacob Shaffelburg, 26, from Nashville, have also been added to bolster the offense. Matt Evans, 19, and goalkeeper Cabral Carter, 21, have been promoted from LAFC2.

Roster Questions Remain

Despite the new additions, uncertainty surrounds the third Designated Player spot, a situation that has caused concern among fans. Thorrington addressed the issue, stating the club will consider offers for current players only if suitable replacements are available. “If the offer is good and we have a replacement internally or another we can bring in, we are open, but both things have to be there,” he said. “I need to protect the team and also our desire to win trophies.”

There are also rumors linking LAFC star Denis Bouanga with moves to European, Mexican, and other MLS clubs.

2025 Season in Review

The 2025 season saw LAFC qualify for the FIFA Club World Cup after a dramatic victory over Club América at BMO Stadium, a result that secured their place in the expanded tournament. However, their performance in the Club World Cup itself was considered a disappointment. They were also eliminated from the Concacaf Champions Cup by Inter Miami. A late goal by Heung-min Son in the Western Conference Semifinals against Vancouver Whitecaps ultimately led to their playoff exit, leaving a sense of what could have been.

Son Heung-min’s arrival in August 2025 alongside Bouanga proved impactful, with the pair combining for 25 goals and 18 consecutive team scores. The team participated in six preseason friendlies, including the Coachella tournament, and matches against Bayern Munich’s U-23 team and Orange County SC of the USL.

Looking Ahead

LAFC’s culture is built on competing for championships, and that will be the standard by which Dos Santos is judged. The team’s first test of the 2026 season arrives quickly with the Concacaf Champions Cup match against Real España. The club will need to navigate a challenging schedule and integrate its new players effectively to achieve its ambitions. The success of the season will depend on the team’s ability to translate its potential into consistent results, particularly on the road.

What are your expectations for LAFC this season? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Nairobi, Kenya – A worker strike at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), Kenya’s primary aviation hub, has caused significant disruptions to flights and left thousands of passengers stranded, beginning February 16, 2026. The industrial action, stemming from unresolved labor disputes, has impacted both inbound and outbound travel, creating a ripple effect for airlines and travelers across the region.

The strike centers around demands for improved working conditions and compensation for airport staff. While specific details of the grievances vary depending on the union representing the workers, reports indicate concerns over pay scales, benefits, and job security. The disruption comes at a critical time for regional connectivity, with JKIA serving as a major transit point for East Africa, and beyond. The impact of the strike on international travel is substantial, affecting passengers connecting through Nairobi to destinations worldwide.

Strike Enters Second Day, Passengers Face Delays

As of February 17, 2026, the strike has entered its second day, with no immediate resolution in sight. Passengers have reported lengthy delays, cancelled flights, and difficulties obtaining information about rebooking options. Reuters reports that the strike has stranded numerous travelers, creating a challenging situation for both passengers and airport authorities.

Several airlines have issued travel advisories, urging passengers to check the status of their flights before heading to the airport. Some carriers have proactively cancelled flights to avoid further disruptions, while others are experiencing significant delays. The situation is particularly challenging for passengers with connecting flights, who may face extended wait times or the need to rebook their travel arrangements.

Negotiations Ongoing, Resolution Uncertain

Negotiations between airport management and union representatives are reportedly ongoing, but progress has been sluggish. The unions are seeking a comprehensive agreement that addresses their concerns, while airport authorities are working to minimize the impact of the strike on passengers and operations. king5.com details the ongoing efforts to locate a resolution.

The economic impact of the strike is too a concern. JKIA plays a vital role in Kenya’s tourism industry and international trade. Prolonged disruptions could lead to significant financial losses for airlines, hotels, and other businesses that rely on air travel. The strike also raises questions about the long-term stability of the aviation sector in Kenya and the need for improved labor relations.

Relief as Workers End Strike

On February 17, 2026, Daily Nation reported that airport workers have ended their strike. Flights are resuming, but passengers should still expect some delays as airlines perform to clear the backlog. The resolution followed successful negotiations between the workers’ representatives and airport authorities, resulting in an agreement on improved working conditions and compensation.

While the immediate crisis has been averted, the underlying issues that led to the strike remain a concern. Addressing these issues will be crucial to preventing future disruptions and ensuring the long-term stability of Kenya’s aviation sector. The focus now shifts to implementing the agreed-upon changes and restoring normal operations at JKIA.

The resolution of the strike offers relief to travelers and the tourism industry, but the incident underscores the importance of proactive dialogue and fair labor practices in maintaining essential infrastructure. The coming days will be critical in assessing the full extent of the disruption and ensuring a smooth recovery for all stakeholders.

Share your travel experiences and thoughts on this situation in the comments below.